Mets top pitching prospect Brandon Sproat hasn't found much consistency at the Triple-A level this spring, but the highly touted right-hander's latest performance on the mound reaffirmed his big league potential.
Sproat sparked optimism in his seventh start for Triple-A Syracuse on Wednesday afternoon, striking out five batters across 5.0 innings of one-run ball against Triple-A Jacksonville (Marlins' affiliate).
The 24-year-old induced eight ground outs, threw 52 of his 82 pitches for strikes, and lowered his ERA to 4.82 (28.0 total innings). His fastball touched 98 mph.
There's no telling when the Mets will promote Sproat or how they'd utilize him, but Wednesday's outing is a clear step in the right direction.
Sproat entered the game with a 5.48 ERA and 1.43 WHIP, still looking to harness a pitch mix that can inflict damage in the majors.