Uvila makes MLB Pipeline AFL prospect list

Texas Rangers pitching prospect Cole Uvila made MLB Pipeline’s list of 20 breakout prospects from the Arizona Fall League — players who are generally unknown or unheralded, but whose performances in the AFL turned heads. Uvila, a righthanded reliever, earned praise for his high-spin curveball, with MLB Pipeline calling it “one of the nastiest in the league.” Arizona Fall League play wrapped up over the weekend.

Uvila had 16 Ks against 7 walks with a 2.53 ERA in 10.2 IP in 9 games for the Surprise Saguaros, and also had a scoreless inning of work in the AFL All Star Game. His All Star Game performance was punctuated by a strikeout of Angels outfielder Jo Adell, considered a top 10 prospect in all of baseball.

Reliever Josh Advocate had a perfect 0.00 ERA in 11.1 IP for Surprise, with 9 Ks against 4 walks. A.J. Alexy, returning to the mound after missing most of 2019 with a lat injury, gave up 6 runs and 6 walks with 6 Ks in 8 IP over 3 outings for the Saguaros. Nick Snyder gave up 8 runs in 10 IP over 9 outings, while Noah Bremer gave up 9 runs in 6.1 IP over 3 starts, with 7 walks and 7 Ks.

Among the hitters, outfielder Bubba Thompson, who had a lost 2019 campaign due to injuries, slashed .254/.337/.394 in 83 plate appearances, with 5 steals, 8 walks and 25 Ks. Catcher Matt Whatley slashed .281/.385/.375 in 39 plate appearances, while infielder Jax Biggers slashed .169/.319/.169 in 73 plate appearances.