Uncommitted Spotlight: AJ Labrusciano

Richmond Braves Workout

Long athletic frame with projection left to it. Labrusciano was 78-80 mph on the mound with a fastball that worked to both sides of the plate and showed arm side run. The breaking ball flashed 11/5 shape sitting at 67-70 mph and feel for the zone. Sound defender on the left side of the infield with an accurate arm across. At the plate he is a tough out. Battles deep into counts and fouls pitches off. Contact driven swing that shows ability to use the whole field with a line drive approach. One of the biggest things that stands out about Labrusciano is the IQ. Is not afraid of getting deep into a count and turning the at bat into a team AB. Is a heads up baserunner with solid instincts all over the field.

Preseason All-State II

Labrusciano is 6-2 with a lanky frame that has a lot of projection left to it. He hits from the right side from a balanced athletic stance, strides on line, smooth load back. Hips rotate completely and he maintains some lower half balance. Keeps hands inside, short to ball, level line drive swing path with some extension up through the ball, exit velocity was 82. In the infield, good feet, rounds the ball and fields with a wide base and soft hands. Quick clean exchange, works through the ball, throws from multiple arm slots, velocity was 84. Ran a 4.40 home to first. On the mound, throws from a three-quarters arm slot, longer loose arm action that is quick, normal effort to his delivery. Shoulders are uphill and on line, lands closed with a slight fall off finish. Fastball was 78-79, touching 80, with some run to armside. Curveball had good armspeed and shape with sharp 11/5 break at 69-70. Change-up was 70-72 with good armspeed and fade to it.

Mid-Atlantic Summer Championship

Long projectable frame at 6-foot-2, 145-pounds with plenty of room to add strength. From the stretch Labrusciano flashed a quick repeatable leg lift with hands set low. Shoulders have slight uphill tilt working down the mound and lands slightly closed at foot strike. Hand break and arm swing have some deception and tends to hide the ball well through a short quick arm action and throws from a low three-quarter arm slot. Fastball was 77-78 mph with arm side run to both sides of the plate. Slider sat at 65-68 mph and looks to still be developing, but got better throughout the outing. Changeup was 70-71 mph with arm speed and intent.