C.J. Riefenhauser
| IP | 20 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 6.3 |
| WHIP | 1.55 |
| BB/9 | 4.5 |
| SO/9 | 4.05 |
- Full name Charles Joseph Riefenhauser
- Born 01/30/1990 in Yonkers, NY
- Profile Ht.: 6'0" / Wt.: 195 / Bats: L / Throws: L
- School Chipola Junior College
- Debut 04/19/2014
- Drafted in the 20th round (611th overall) by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2010.
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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After playing at three colleges, Riefenhauser was unheralded coming into the organization but has since blossomed into one of the system's bigger surprises. He earned all-star recognition in the low Class A Midwest and high Class A Florida State leagues in 2011 and 2012 as a starter, then shifted to the bullpen in 2013 and wound up pitching in the Futures Game and making Baseball America's year-end Minor League All-Star Team. Among relievers who qualified for the ERA title, he allowed the fifth-fewest baserunners per inning (0.83 WHIP) in the minor leagues. Riefenhauser shuts down lefthanders with a plus fastball and slider. His heater sits at 91-93 mph with above-average movement, and he's not afraid to challenge hitters with it. His slider has solid, tight spin and a good late break. He also has made strides with a changeup that shows good fade and depth. Riefenhauser works down in the zone and repeats his simple mechanics well. The Rays rave about his work ethic and competitiveness. Riefenhauser should emerge as a situational reliever at the major league level, and he will compete for a spot in the Tampa Bay bullpen now that he's on the 40-man roster.
