Davies gets out of jam in U.S. rout of World
Flying under the radar, Orioles No. 4 prospect honored to pitch in Futures Game
CINCINNATI -- Orioles No. 4 prospect Zach Davies admitted he was surprised when he was told he'd be part of the 2015 SirusXM All-Star Futures Game, but he made the most of his brief stint in action on Sunday.
Davies gave up one hit and struck out a batter in two-thirds of an inning during the U.S. Team's 10-1 win over the World Team at Great American Ball Park. Davies, who is 22 years old, came into the game in the eighth inning with two outs and runners on first and second base. Royals prospect Raul Mondesi was able to beat out the throw at first for an infield single to load the bases, but Davies struck out Reds prospect Yorman Rodriguez to get out of the jam.
Davies returned to the mound to face one more hitter in the ninth inning, getting Royals prospect Cheslor Cuthbert to ground out to third.
"It's an honor, pretty excited," Davies said. "I was kind of surprised when I got the invitation, but at the same time, I was excited and ready to go. It's kind of a thing where I'm not talked about a lot, and got a lot of big guys in the system, so it's just an honor to be here."
Davies was the only Orioles player to participate in the showcase event on Sunday. He has been consistent with Triple-A Norfolk this season, going 3-5 with a 2.70 ERA and 71 strikeouts in 16 games, including 15 starts.
Davies is the youngest player at Norfolk, and he is the fourth youngest player in the International League.
Despite feeling like he hasn't gotten a lot of attention, Davies has caught the eye of Orioles manager Buck Showalter. The three-time American League Manager of the Year said Davies has good command and locates his fastball well.
"He has four pitches that he can command," Showalter said. "When they are all there, he can make it look easy. He was a good draft, about 160 pounds soaking wet, but he can manipulate the baseball. He's got a good hand. He's got a feel for pitching. He's one of these guys who, it plays at this level, because he can locate his fastball and has ways to get left-handed hitters out. Extremely athletic, fields his position.
"A lot of challenges, and he's probably had a lot in his life. Somebody telling him he can't do something because your first impression with the size. Tim Hudson probably had that said to him quite a few times, too. That's who he kind of reminds me of."