Orioles prospect Bateman brings the heat (10 K's!) in his pro playoff debut
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The first professional postseason appearance has to put a lot of pressure on an up-and-coming player. On second thought, it didn't seem to be any problem for Boston Bateman. In fact, quite the opposite.
The Orioles’ No. 11 prospect struck out a career-high 10 over five innings en route to High-A Frederick's 13-1 rout of Greensboro in Game 1 of their South Atlantic League semifinal at First National Bank Field.
Bateman allowed one run on two hits and three walks en route to the victory. He generated 21 swings-and-misses in the outing, more than any MLB pitcher on Tuesday night.
The 20-year-old left-hander surrendered just one run or fewer for the 16th time in 25 pro outings. The playoff start continued a season’s worth of upside for Bateman after he pitched at three levels of the Minors in 2025.
The 2024 second-round pick spent all of this year's campaign with the Keys, striking out 117 over 86 1/3 innings for a 12.2 K/9 ratio and a 3.65 ERA.
Bateman is just one of the starting pitching prospects Baltimore has picked up at the Trade Deadline in recent years. Last year, he was acquired from the Padres in the Ryan O’Hearn-Ramon Laureano deal. This season, the organization acquired Anthony Eyanson (BAL No. 2/MLB No. 49) and Kyson Witherspoon (BAL No. 12) from the Red Sox in the Adley Rutschman blockbuster.
Among all these foundational arms the southpaw has shown off his potential in his first playoff start in the Minors.
Behind a gem from Bateman, Frederick can advance at home with a win in Game 2 on Thursday.