Luke Murphy

Murphy didn’t get to pitch for Vanderbilt in 2019 because he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. His 2020 return was cut short by the coronavirus pandemic. So 2021 was his first chance to really show what he could do with the Commodores. Working out of Vanderbilt’s bullpen, Murphy ended up serving as the team’s closer. He went 4-1, 2.70 with nine saves. He struck out 61 and walked 15 in 41 innings. Murphy sat 94-95 mph and touched 98-99 pretty regularly in 2021. He relied heavily on that fastball, rarely mixing in a curveball and slider that are less developed. Murphy did work multiple innings regularly. While he didn’t start at Vanderbilt--the Commodores had plenty of other options--there’s a chance a team could try to work him as a starter in pro ball.