Tampa Bay Rays: Catching Up with the Top Prospects

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Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Even though he started the season with the Montgomery Biscuits, Brent Honeywell had nothing left to prove in AA. He sent that point home quickly this year.

It took just two starts before Honeywell was promoted to Durham. In those two outings for the Biscuits, Honeywell dominated. In his 13 innings of work, he allowed just three runs on four hits and four walks, striking out 20 batters. It was obvious that Honeywell was ready for AAA.

He has not yet had that same level of success with Durham. While he is still striking out over a batter per inning, Honeywell has found the more advanced hitters of AAA harder to put away. He has a 4.35 ERA and a 1.258 WHiP in his 20.2 innings thus far, but has also struck out 22 batters against five walks.

As Honeywell acclimates himself to the International League, the success is likely to come. His swing and miss stuff is still evident, so now it is a matter of refining his approach. With his five pitch arsenal, and being one of the few pitchers left that throws a screwball, Honeywell is still well on his way to joining the Tampa Bay Rays at some point.

A key part of the Rays future rotation, Brent Honeywell has struggled in his first taste of AAA action. Once he gets his feet under him and makes those needed adjustments, he should be back to his dominant form.