The Chicago Cubs took a tall righty out of Kent State in the 2013 draft, signed him with an over slot bonus, and they’ve been waiting on the fullness of his potential to shine through since then.
Tyler Skulina has size and frame that scouts love, and he’s wowed at times at the back fields with his stuff. After the draft, Skulina was a top 25ish prospect for the Cubs, and hopes were high.
Over his first year and a half or so of professional ball, the results have been mixed for the 23-year-old. Through 142.2 professional innings, mostly at Low-A, Skulina has posted a 3.91 ERA, striking out 116 and walking 59.
But that might be turning this year at High-A Myrtle Beach.
Thanks to his most recent dominant outing, not only did Skulina improve his early-season numbers, but he earned himself Pitcher of the Week honors for the Carolina League. On Sunday, Skulina threw six shutout innings, allowing just one walk and one hit, striking out eight.
On the year, through four starts, Skulina’s 4.95 ERA over 20.0 innings won’t wow you, but the strikeout rate is 25.9% and the walk rate is just 7.1% (3.51 FIP). That’s a great start to the year, and hopefully it’s the beginning of a next step. Skulina remains a guy to follow, in a rotation full of ’em.