Uncommitted Spotlight: '21 RHP Michael Riley
May 7, 2020
We continue our coverage of uncommitted players, spotlighting them to help maximize their exposure and assist them in the recruiting process. Today, we look at 2021 RHP Michael Riley (Pinnacle).
Riley is currently ranked No. 39 overall in the state of AZ in the 2021 class. He has shown some upside on the mound as well as showing some ability as a two-way prospect. He participated as a member of Team Arizona last summer in the 2019 Future Games. At the event, his natural arm strength stood out on the mound where he topped at 89mph from a 3/4 arm slot and short arm swing. Mixed in a CH that had some arm side movement as well as SL. He also competed as a 3B at the event and can catch as well, his arm is his biggest tool defensively. Could potentially see a move to first base in the future if he's going to go the position player route. There is some pop and ability to hit in his bat with an aggressive pull approach. Riley took some time off this past fall to rest a hand injury but should be progressing more and more to be ready to go come summer.
Scouting Report
Open, upright stance with hands even with shoulder. Hands work up as he loads and strides, creating good separation. Good pop in BP. Pull approach with 93 MPH exit velo. Good timing with footwork in the field, keeping momentum. Will need to get rid of the ball quicker to make it game like. Arm strength was 86 MPH across the infield using extra steps.
Up to 86 on the mound with some life from a ¾ arm slot. Quick arm that will get quicker as he gets more time on the mound. Threw change ups slowing down arm some but pitch had good action away from left handed hitters at 73-75 MPH. Spins ball well at 71-73 MPH with depth, also slowing down arm some. Will be a power arm as body changes.
10/14/18 - 6-foot-2, 195-pound frame. Body has improved significantly with physical upper body and broad shoulders. Shows strength through the hands and forearms. Pull side oriented at the plate. Made hard contact on the inner half, but barrel tracks out towards the 3rd base bag. Posted an impressive 88 mph exit velocity as a result of strength gains. As a C, threw 75 mph behind the plate. Posted pop times of 2.15-2.29 largely due to arm strength. Needs to quicken up feet to lower times and improve accuracy. Posted 7.99 60-yard dash. Still believe future is likely on the mound but shows significant improvement as a position prospect.
6/6/18 - 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame. Sturdy lower half. On the mound Riley worked 78-81 topping at 82 mph from a ¾ arm slot. Uses a forward drift upon leg lift to take advantage of momentum down the mound. Short, clean arm action. Shoulders angled down going into foot plant. Never fully blocks energy moving forward with the lead leg. Change up ranged from 73-75 mph with solid sink and fade. Slider was thrown at 68-70 mph with slurvy shape. Tall, balanced set up at the plate. Hands do a good job working rearward during stride resulting in separation. Upper and lower half appeared a bit disconnected at times. When synched up, Riley produces an aggressive, powerful swing; 84 mph exit velocity. Defensively Riley worked out as both a third baseman and behind the plate. On the infield he showed solid actions and steady hands; 83 mph infield velocity. Also showed some intriguing skills behind the plate highlighted by his arm strength, although footwork doesn’t allow him to fully take advantage of it on throws to 2B. Also ran a 8.10 60-yard dash.
1/28/18 - 6-foot-1, 2015-pound frame with thick lower half. Uses simple delivery with some shoulder tilt and short stride, getting the ball out of his glove very late. Short arm action with some hand speed from ¾ slot. Fastball sat 78-71 mph, with inconsistent movement, generally straight when working to his glove side and running when working to his arm side. Calls breaking ball a slider, but has more of a shorter 11-5 curveball shape at 68-69 with good rotation. Also showed ability to fade changeup at 70-71. Interesting young arm to follow.
1/7/18 - 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame. Two-way prospect showed best on the mound where he ran his mostly straight fastball up to 80 mph, sitting 76-77. Tilts shoulders to create some downhill plane and shows short, clean arm action. 65 mph breaking ball showed consistent rotation and varied between 10-4 and 11-5 shape. Also commanded straight changeup in zone with 70-72 mph velo. Offensively does a good job creating separation and uncoiling body in efficient fashion, producing solid 88 mph exit velo for freshman prospect. Shows solid infield actions, closing himself off to throw 77 mph across the diamond. Also worked out at catcher where his arm work well with 74 mph velocity and 2.16 best pop time. Present athleticism makes his ceiling higher on the mound.