After skipping over a college pitcher in the first round of the draft, the Phillies took one in the second round, selecting Cal Poly right-handed pitcher Spencer Howard with their second-round pick.
Howard redshirted his freshman year before pitching two seasons at Cal Poly. He pitched mostly out of the bullpen in 2016 but transitioned to a starting role this season. In 87.2 innings, Howard posted a 1.95 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 4.22 strikeout-to-walk ratio this season.
Here is MLB.com’s profile on Howard, who they ranked as the No. 99 overall prospect in this year’s draft:
Scouting grades: Fastball: 55 | Slider: 55 | Cutter: 50 | Changeup: 45 | Control: 50 | Overall: 45
The 6-foot-3 right-hander has used a four-pitch arsenal to dominate the Big West Conference this spring.