MLB: 10 prospects ready to play in the big leagues

Don’t let the 5.40 ERA fool you, Jon Gray is ready for the Major Leagues.

Sure, Gray got off to a horrific start to the 2015 season. He allowed a .400 batting average and 21 earned runs in just 17.2 innings (10.70 ERA) across four appearances in the month of April. He’s also struggled in the first inning of starts, having compiled an 11.00 ERA with 17 hits (.415 opponent’s batting average) and seven walks in nine first innings.

However, it’s worth noting that Gray’s inflated earned run average has come in the Pacific Coast League – known as one of the most hitter-friendly leagues in pro ball – and with the Albuquerque Isotopes in particular, who play in arguably the most hitter-friendly park in the league. So far, Gray has also pitched in high altitude, high scoring places like Reno and Las Vegas, which hasn’t helped.

Of course, should Gray prove himself ready for the big leagues, he’ll call Coors Field home. Therefore, it’s important that he prepare himself to pitch at such a disadvantage. And he’s made adjustments and has certainly improved since that dreadful start.

In May, the 23-year old hard-throwing right-hander was 2-2 with a 2.78 ERA in 35.2 innings. While he struck out only 21 hitters and walked nine during that span, Gray held opponents to a very respectable .243 batting average.

After a rough first month, the 2013 third overall draft pick has settled back into the rhythm that made him successful in his pro debut in 2013 (4-0, 1.93 ERA. 51 strikeouts in 37.1 innings between Rookie ball and high Class-A) and 2014 (10-5, 3.91 ERA with 113 K’s in 124.1 innings in Double-A).

Now, it’s time to see what Gray can do in Colorado.

Next: Jose Peraza