Rangers RHP Michael Matuella entered his junior year at Duke as a candidate for the first overall selection in the 2015 draft. A torn UCL in March of that year dashed those hopes and Matuella eventually fell all the way to the Rangers at 78th overall. He signed for a $2 million and had been rehabbing in Arizona until Wednesday, when he faced opposing hitters for the first time in an Extended Spring Training game against the Reds.

Matuella threw his fastball at 93-96 mph after having also sat in that range during live batting practice for me last week. He threw a few curveballs in the low 80s — all below average — and his arm action lacked conviction. This was an issue for Matuella when I saw him throw that live BP session last week, as well, and coaches both then and today were urging him to “pull down” to create more downward spin on the breaking ball. During live BP, Matuella made the adjustment and his curveball was subsequently more effective. Wednesday, in just two innings of work — the first of which was fastball-only — he didn’t really have the opportunity to make the same sort of adjustment. I think that, with a combination of additional reps and greater confidence in the health of his arm, Matuella’s curve will develop into an above average — and potentially plus — pitch.

The right-hander also threw one changeup today, at 85 mph, which featured noticeable arm deceleration. Again, because Matuella is just getting his feet wet, this isn’t anything about which to be overly concerned, and is instead just something to monitor as he continues to get loose.

He’s expected to remain in Arizona for Arizona League action, which begins June 20th. Extended Spring Training concluded today.

Other notes:

The Reds had some rehabbers out on the backfields today. Raisel Iglesias was 93-97 in one inning of work. Michael Lorenzen threw two innings and was also up to 97, although the pitch plays down because of its true nature. I also saw a cutter, slider and curveball from him.

Mariners RHP Aneurys Zabala (video) was 93-97 and touching 99 in a start last week. His curveball flashed average, 82-84. For a 19-year-old, Zabala is huge, and he lacks physical projection. Also of note for Seattle is that behemoth teenage lefty, Luiz Gohara, has been up to 97 during live BP.