Not an original headline. I stole it from an article at Project Prospect. They recap the reaction to Lyles selection from BP (Boy oh boy) and BA (sandwich shocker). The they give Bobby Heck credit where credit is due. Ryan Fay, highlights the fact the Lyles is getting better as the season is progressing! Here is a sample of the progress by the numbers.
He’s missed more bats as the season has progressed. He fanned 23.3% in April and 28.2% in May. He’s opened June with an even bigger bang, striking out 45.7% through his first two starts of the month.
Lyles’ walk rate was never a problem, but he’s gotten stingier with the free passes. In the first month the year, he walked 7.0% but cut it to 4.2% in May and has yet to walk a batter in June.
While his groundball rate isn’t great (44%), it’s gotten higher throughout the year. It sat at 38% in April, 47% in May and so far in June rests at a more-acceptable 50%.
He also reports that Lyles fast ball was clocked in the mid 90’s during spring training. Good to have someone outside the organization touting Lyles development.