A week ago, Cam Caminiti missed a scheduled start due to a minor wrist issue. It doesn't look like the Braves organization will have to worry about that moving forward.
The Braves' No. 1 prospect returned to the bump and dazzled in High-A Rome’s 8-7 victory over Bowling Green on Thursday night at Bowling Green Ballpark. Caminiti allowed just two hits and punched out six over four scoreless innings.
It marked the third outing this season in which the 19-year-old southpaw twirled four or more shutout innings and struck out five or more batters.
MLB's No. 46 prospect had his strikeout stuff working early and often as he fanned five of the first eight batters he faced. That included strikeouts of Theo Gillen (TB No. 1/MLB No. 40) and Nathan Flewelling (TB No. 3/MLB No. 86).
While he’s had his struggles against right-handers this season (they've posted a .293 average against him), Caminiti has dominated vs. lefties, holding them to a .169 average-against and a .425 OPS.
On Thursday, the southpaw's arsenal generated a 33.3 percent whiff rate (nine whiffs on 27 swings) and his 60-grade four-seam fastball topped out at 97 mph. Caminiti commanded the zone well by throwing 38 of his 52 pitches for strikes (73 percent). His one walk issued was his lowest for an outing since April 16.
COMPLETE BRAVES PROSPECT COVERAGE
The 24th overall pick in the 2024 Draft got offensive backing from Rome's talented hitters, namely John Gil (ATL No. 9) and Eric Hartman (ATL No. 19).
Gil mashed two homers -- his second multihomer game of the season -- and plated three runs for the Emperors. The 20-year-old shortstop has had a big week at the plate, going 7-for-13 over the past three games.
Hartman also went yard, turning on a 3-2 fastball from Trevor Harrison (TB No. 16) and launching it over the wall in right field for his 16th long ball of the season in the first inning. The blast left his bat at 106 mph, per the ballpark's Trackman data and brought his season OPS to .977.