Born10/08/1994 in Santo Domingo Centro, Dominican Republic
ProfileHt.: 6'0" / Wt.: 175 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
Merejo moved quickly after signing with the Braves out of the Dominican for $65,000 in 2011. He reached Rookie-level Danville in 2013 before requiring Tommy John surgery in late August of that year. When healthy, he demonstrates an impressive feel for pitching for such a young player. He works quickly and repeats his delivery, which gives him above-average control and allows him to work ahead in the count with consistency. His fastball sits in the low 90s and touches 94 mph. His tight curveball and promising changeup showed noticeable improvement prior to his injury. Merejo will pitch 2015 as a 20-year-old and could still open the season at low Class A Rome. The Braves will be cautious with his workload.
Having put together a solid debut in the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League in 2012, Merejo appeared poised to break through in 2013. After tossing 10 shutout innings at Rookie-level Danville, however, the undersized lefty's campaign was over before it began. Placed on the 60-day disabled list following his July 20 appearance, he had Tommy John surgery in August. The Braves were cautious with Merejo prior to his injury and will continue to be conservative with his rehab. Signed for a modest $65,000, he has shown advanced feel, three potentially plus pitches and an ability to throw strikes on a consistent basis. The athletic Merejo works fast, mixes his pitches and stays ahead in the count. His 89-91 mph fastball has good movement and touches 94. He also has a quality curveball with tight spin and a changeup that continues to improve in its fade and depth. While the first concern centers on getting Merejo healthy, he is expected to bounce back and possibly open the 2015 season as a 20-year-old at low Class A Rome.
Signed out of the Dominican Republic a month into the 2011 international signing period for a modest $65,000, Merejo skipped the Dominican Summer League and made his pro debut in the Gulf Coast League last season. He finished third in the league with 53 strikeouts (against just nine walks) while mixing three pitches and repeating his delivery with consistency. He makes up for a lack of size with solid stuff and advanced feel for pitching. He works off his 89-93 mph fastball with good movement, and does an excellent job of getting ahead in the count by being aggressive in the strike zone. He struggled to throw strikes with his curveball, but it shows swing-and-miss potential when he has it dialed in. He also has some aptitude for throwing a changeup. The Braves were rewarded for being aggressive with the underrated Merejo and believe he has the makeup and ability to handle further challenges. His spring training performance will determine whether he spends 2013 at Danville or Rome.
Minor League Top Prospects
Listed at 6 feet, Merejo didn't draw a lot of attention when he tried out for teams in the Dominican Republic. He signed in August 2011 for $65,000, a deal the Braves immediately felt was a bargain. They believed he was advanced enough to skip the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League and make his debut in the GCL, where he ranked third with 53 strikeouts. Merejo repeats his delivery well for his age and pounds the strike zone with his fastball, which ranges from 88-93 mph with good life. His curveball is inconsistent, but it's a swing-and-miss pitch when it's on. He has shown some feel for a changeup as well.
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