6 Atlanta Braves prospects with magnificent performances in the month of May
By Matt Melton
Owen Murphy, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 1-1 record, 2.12 ERA, 23:6 K/BB ratio, .158 AVG against across 17 IP (three starts)
Another of Atlanta's top prospects enjoying a strong May is Owen Murphy, who has made three starts with High-A Rome. Over that span, Atlanta's No. 5 prospect owns a 1-1 record with a 2.12 ERA and 23:6 K/BB ratio over 17 IP, while also holding opponents to a combined .158 average.
The former first-round pick is also enjoying a strong overall season with Rome, owning a 4-2 record with a 1.54 ERA and 60:12 K/BB ratio across 41 IP, along with opponents hitting for a .129 AVG against over his first seven starts. Similar to Waldrep previously as well, don't be surprised if Murphy is on the move very soon.
This sequence was bullying from Braves prospect Owen Murphy. Steals a strike with a first pitch curveball, then a hard 85 mph slider down, followed by a fastball with 22 inches of IVB from a 5.6 foot release.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) May 16, 2024
I guess that's what a guy with 60 Ks in just 41 innings looks like. pic.twitter.com/5Ruv2eEqQt
Drue Hackenberg, Right-Handed Pitcher
May stats: 2-0 record, 0.78 ERA, 22:8 K/BB ratio, .152 AVG against across 23 IP (four starts)
Another prominent member of that High-A rotation alongside Murphy is Drue Hackenberg, the Braves No. 10 prospect. Across his four starts during the month, the right-hander owns a 2-0 record with a 0.78 ERA and 22:8 K/BB ratio across 23 IP, with opponents also owning a combined .152 AVG against across his four starts.
For the season, Hackenberg made eight starts with High-A Rome, owning a 3-2 record with a 2.75 ERA and 41:22 K/BB ratio across 39.1 IP, while also giving up a .189 AVG to opponents. Because of this success, the former second-round pick could also be a name to watch for as potentially being on the move shortly.