Daulton Jefferies

Jefferies was the third pitcher drafted in a five-year span out of NorCal's Buhach Colony High in Atwater, Calif. Like predecessors Brett Mooneyham (Stanford) and Dylan Floro (Cal State Fullerton), he went the college route, and the 6-foot, 180-pounder had emerged as one of the nation's top starters this spring, getting off to a 6-0, 1.29 start. He hasn't pitched since March due to a shoulder injury, which initially was reported as a calf strain, leading to some consternation from scouts. Jefferies has durability questions, as he missed time as a sophomore as well, though he pitched for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team last summer. Jefferies has shown 93-94 mph fastball velocity at his best but usually pitches with an average 90-92 mph fastball that he locates well, setting up his plus changeup that some scouts have flirting with 70 grades thanks to his good arm speed and the pitch's excellent action, with both sink and fade. Jefferies' slider is at least average, though it can get sweepy at times as well. His Cal team has missed his mound presence and his dominance.