R.J. Dabovich

Dabovich was drafted by the Royals in the 18th round in 2018 after his freshman season at Central Arizona JC. He transferred to Arizona State and pitched in both in the rotation and the bullpen as a sophomore before becoming the Sun Devils’ closer this spring. Dabovich attracts scouts' attention because of his fastball. His heater sits 92-95 mph and touches 98 to give him above-average to plus velocity, and it plays up further with good spin rates. Some observers like Dabovich's 82-86 mph slider best among his secondary pitches, while others prefer his curveball that comes in at 75-78 mph. His slider flashes plus at its best but gets flat at times, while his curveball is more frequently solid-average. He also occasionally throws a mid-70s splitter and a changeup in the low 80s. Dabovich changed his arm slot this year from high three-quarters to more overhand, but he still repeats his delivery and is generally around the plate with average command of all his pitches. Dabovich could get another try as a starting pitcher, but he has the velocity to handle a relief role.