PBR Illinois Player of the Week: RHP/INF Owen Murphy

The state’s No. 3-ranked player inside its junior class has been hard at work demonstrating just how talented Illinois’ Class of 2022 prospects are. Riverside-Brookfield’s RHP/SS Owen Murphy (Notre Dame commit) just logged one of the season’s most impressive weeks, en route to capturing this week’s POTW honor.

In Riverside-Brookfield’s games against ICCP and Brooks College Prep, Murphy combined to pitch 11 total innings and was overwhelmingly effective, limiting batters to three hits, one walk, and he did not allow a run all while striking out 26 all together. On May 8, Murphy struck out 11 in four innings on 61 pitches – and he didn’t allow a hit in that outing. He struck out 15 against ICCP on May 14 in a seven-inning shutout, allowing only four baserunners. Murphy earned 27 swings and misses in that start, underscoring his premium arsenal, and his solitary walk on the week also highlights the advanced feel he has to locate his elite mix.

Additionally, Murphy is a gifted right-handed hitter and shortstop, and his athleticism complements his work on the mound, but it also boosts the Bulldogs’ offense. Last week, Murphy did more than carry his own weight on offense, as he was 9-for-17 from the batter’s box with two doubles, two triples, that generated eight runs scored, seven RBIs, and he also took three walks and stole a base, too.

Here’s a Murphy scouting report and video from this past March:

Owen Murphy RHP / INF / Riverside-Brookfield, IL / 2022 From Preseason All-State’s TrackMan Files (3/23): “... produces excellent spin and carry on his 90-92 mph fastball. Spinning at an average rate of 2,337 rpm, his fastball also carries through the zone at 18.7 inches of induced vertical break on average, suggesting it’s capable of missing bats on its own. These metrics, when coupled with Murphy’s premium athleticism, strike-throwing capabilities, and low-effort arm strength, underscore his status as one of the top players in the Midwest’s 2022 class.” (3/20/21)