IP 391
ERA 4.419
WHIP 1.509
BB/9 3.867
SO/9 7.435
  • Full name Austin Michael Kubitza
  • Born 11/16/1991 in Arlington, TX
  • Profile Ht.: 6'5" / Wt.: 225 / Bats: R / Throws: R
  • School Rice
  • Drafted in the 4th round (126th overall) by the Detroit Tigers in 2013 (signed for $401,200).
    View Draft Report
    A seventh-round pick by the Pirates out of a Texas high school in 2010, Kubitza had instant success as a Rice freshman and looked like a good bet to be a first-rounder in 2013. He has continued to perform well, ranking second in NCAA Division I in strikeouts per nine innings (12.0) and sixth in strikeouts (103) with a week remaining in the regular season, yet scouts aren't sure what to make of him. His 83-87 mph slider is a big league pitch, but he throws it so much that it has taken a toll on his fastball. Kubitza had a 90-94 mph heater as a freshman, but his velocity has dipped to mostly 87-89 these days. The 6-foot-5, 202-pounder does get good sink on his fastball, though his command of the pitch has regressed. He doesn't have much of a changeup and scouts worry that his crossfire delivery puts stress on his shoulder, so some project him as a sinker/slider reliever. A team that believes Kubitza can regain his velocity could pop him as early as the third round. His brother Kyle, a third baseman, was the Braves' third-round pick in 2011 and has advanced to high Class A.

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