Donye
Evans

After two seasons at Vanderbilt Evans came into his own this summer on the Cape, posting a 2.82 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 22 innings. If not for an early departure, the 6-foot-6 Evans would likely have been named an All-Star. With that summer experience his stuff and confidence grew and both continued this fall for the 49ers. He now pitches at 92-94 and will touch 96 with his fastball. His 80-84 mph slider is his best pitch. In just five months Evans has transformed himself from just another arm in the Vandy pen to the leader of the 49 staff, as well as a prospect moving up scout’s follow lists.

Cape Cod: Over 14 relief appearances during his sophomore campaign with Vandy this spring, Evans showed a consistent ability to miss bats and generally avoid hard contact. A 6.2 BB/9 rate, however, led to frequent trouble and increased the negative impact of hits when they did come. This summer, Evans did a much better job of limiting the free passes, and indeed baserunners in general, holding opposing hitters to nine walks and 12 hits over 22.1 innings of work (good enough for a 0.94 WHIP and .156 BAA). Evans served as a starter in all six of his appearances, never working fewer than three innings over that span. He worked 88-92 mph with his fastball in our viewing (2270 rpm) and paired the heater with a solid 81-84 mph slider (2340 rpm) with good vertical action and deception. Listed at 6-foot-6, 225 pounds, Evans is a big body who does a solid job creating good angle on his offerings and is not a comfortable at bat – particularly for right-handed hitters. Evans figures to compete for a starter’s role with Charlotte – something that may not have been possible had he stayed put in Nashville – giving him a chance to boost his draft profile considerably between now and next July. His strong summer, which included a run of three consecutive scoreless starts (and 17 total scoreless innings counting the bookend games), certainly bodes well for the righty.

Vanderbilt recruit. Long, lean and projectable frame. Comes through a ¾ slot and pulls across his body. Fastball ranged from 85-90. Breaking ball had slurvy shape at 75-77. Changeup was 82. 

Evans was one of the day’s bright spots. The Redan righty pitched without fear and challenged hitters with his fastball during his time on the mound, mixing in a promising changeup that kept bats off balance. While his breaking ball and feel to spin is a question mark, Evans flashed a solid cutter and consistently missed barrels. If he continues to raise his game, he could make some noise come June, but the development of his breaking ball needs to be eyed closely.

Kennesaw State commit. Ranked 22nd in GA. 6-foot-5, 195 pounds; long, lanky, yet strong frame. Has good control of body; repeats delivery. Gets good extension. Showed solid command of FB that sat 87-90,T91. FB had above average arm-side run. SL worked low and away from RHH at 72. Arm looked just as good, if not better, than we saw in the spring.