The Atlanta Braves Make A Rule 5 Selection

08 JUN 2013: Evan Rutckyj of the RiverDogs delivers a pitch to the plate during the South Atlantic League game between the Asheville Tourists and the Charleston RiverDogs at Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in Charleston, SC. (Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/MLB.com)

In today’s Rule 5 Draft, the Atlanta Braves selected LHP Evan Rutckyj from the New York Yankees. The 23-year old Canadian will have to remain on the Braves roster for the season or be offered back to the Yankees (after first being exposed to the other 28 teams via waivers).

Rutckyj (pronounced ROOT-ski) is a tall, lanky project who was taken in the 16th round of the 2010 MB draft. He ha a record of 31-25 over six minor league seasons, posting a 4.13 ERA overall, primarily as a reliever. He spent last season at High A and AA, going a combined 3-2 with a 2.63 ERA. He features four pitches with varying degrees of efficiency. His fastball sits in the low 90s and can hit 95, and his slider runs in the low-to mid 80s. His changeup is a work in progress. He has posted good strikeout rates over the last two seasons (11.3 K/9 combined), with high but declining walk rates: 6.7 BB/9 in 2014 and 3.1 BB/9 in 2015.