Vanderbilt right-handed pitcher Patrick Reilly was selected 140th overall by the Pittsburgh Pirates.
“Patrick is one of the more impressive athletes on our team,” head coach Tim Corbin said. “He has very good size, strength and mobility. Where Patrick excels is his work ethic and his commitment to get better. His arm and his overall assortment of pitches have a chance to be different.”
Reilly entered the 2023 season with high expectations as a presumptive starting pitcher. He struggled in that role at the beginning of the season, posting a career low 5.77 ERA before moving to the bullpen. Despite moments of inconsistency, Reilly proved to be a valuable arm for the Commodores in a relief capacity. His talents were especially on display in a decisive victory against Auburn, in which Reilly threw eight strikeouts and only gave up two earned runs to close out the last five innings.
Reilly’s issues with accuracy, highlighted by a dismal 5.8 batters walked per nine innings, likely affected his draft positioning. Still, his fastball velocity, topping out at 98 mph, and his imposing frame made him worth the risk for Pittsburgh.
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