Chris Ellis

The Dodgers drafted Ellis in the 50th round in 2011 out of Birmingham's Spain Park High, and Ellis had a strong freshman season for Ole Miss after not signing. He struggled as a sophomore (5.57 ERA, 21 IP) as the Rebels' season spun out of control, but he made up for lost time with 38 innings for Cotuit in the Cape Cod League. Ellis seized the Friday starter role for Ole Miss in the fall and has gone to the post every week, winning all five of his decisions in Southeastern Conference play through eight league starts. At his best, Ellis pitches with a 90-93 mph fastball that reaches 95, and he uses a high arm slot to deliver a hard curveball at 81-82 mph that earns some raves, though most scouts consider both pitches above-average rather than true plus. At 6-foot-5, 205 pounds, Ellis has a good pitcher's body, but his high slot tends to limit the life on his fastball and average changeup. He has solid control but lacks precise command and hasn't learned to finish hitters yet, leading to a pedestrian 5.7 K/9 ratio. He profiles as a No. 4 starter.