MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help Rangers in 2019
By Sean Sears
3. Brock Burke, LHP
Brock Burke is another lefty who is close to making his debut with the Rangers after taking some time in the Tampa Bay Rays system to mature and add more velocity to his pitches. He now consistently hits 94 MPH and can even reach 96 MPH with late movement. Also acquired in the Jurickson Profar trade, the 22-year-old posted an incredible 1.95 ERA while striking out 71 batters compared to just 14 walks issued in 55.1 IP with the Rays’ Double-A affiliate last season.
Burke has a hard-breaking slider with some late bite and his change-up sinks well. His biggest issue is commanding all these pitches, but he has no problem throwing strikes. Burke has only thrown seven innings so far in the Rangers system, posting a 6.43 ERA in Double-A, so it’s unlikely he gets promoted soon. But, should everything continue to trend in the right direction, Burke is polished enough to be a September call-up.