Tony Dibrell/Photo by Ed Delany

Columbia right-handed pitcher Tony Dibrell is so tantalizing with his high strikeout numbers. Unfortunately, Dibrell has also frustrated with a high walk rate.

That is until recently.

In seven of Dibrell’s last eight starts, he had issued two or fewer walks. With him cutting down on his walks, Dibrell has become more dominant.

That includes his six inning effort tonight against the Pirates South Atlantic League affiliate, the West Virginia Power.

In the aforementioned six innings, Dibrell would walk just two while striking out 10. With him receiving just one run of support, he would depart the game with a no decision.

To put in perspective how good this start was, the West Virginia lineup included Pirates MLB Pipeline Top 30 prospects: Oneil Cruz (5), Cal Mitchell (10), and Lolo Sanchez (11).

This start is indicative of how much better Dibrell has been.

To start the year, Adrian had a 3.60 ERA with a 1.353 WHIP while walking 4.9 batters per nine.

In his recent eight game stretch, Dibrell has reduced his walk rate to 2.6 per nine. If you eliminate his tough five walk outing, that number drops to 1.8 walks per nine.

While showing much better command, and his striking out 10.4 per nine, Dibrell has a 2.36 ERA over this stretch.

If Dibrell continues to limit his walks, he should continue to have success like he’s had over his past eight starts. If he continues this level of production, his outlook as a prospect will be significantly improved.