Zac Lowther #74 to Baltimore

[GoMuskies]

Congrats to Zac! A little earlier than I expected.

[BMoreX]

Awesome! Looking forward to catching a game in person. He'll likely start in short season Aberdeen would be my guess, but they could push him to LowA Delmarva and move him quickly.

[X-band '01]

So a 2nd rounder (compensatory) and an 8th rounder. This is shaping up to be quite a draft for Xavier this year.

Plus, cheering for the O's if and when he makes it to The Show would be very palatable.

[GoMuskies]

Lowther has signed with the Orioles.

[GoMuskies]

Zac's first pro start: 3 IP, 1 hit, 0 runs and 5 Ks vs. the Brooklyn Cyclones. I'm not sure if he'll be a big league pitcher, but I think Lowther will dominate the lower minors.

[X-band '01]

Wonder if former Muskie Dan Rizzie was one of the 5 strikeout victims.

[GoMuskies]

Wonder if former Muskie Dan Rizzie was one of the 5 strikeout victims.

He's a Columbia Firefly (demoted from St. Lucie).

[paulxu]

He's a Columbia Firefly (demoted from St. Lucie).

They must have swapped him for Tebow.

[GoMuskies]

They must have swapped him for Tebow.

Tebow is Ted Williams so far in St. Lucie.

[GoMuskies]

3 more shutout innings for Zac yesterday against Lowell. 5 more Ks and still no walks. That 15.00 K/9 is pretty sweet. He did give up 5 hits this time out, so not completely dominant.

[GoMuskies]

5 shutout innings for Zac against the Lowell Spinners yesterday. 2 hits a walk and 5Ks. He lowered his ERA to 0.63 and has a 19:2 K to BB ratio in 14.1 innings. Stud.

[GoMuskies]

Bad outing for Zac last night in Brooklyn....he gave up a run. 5 innings, 6 hits, 1 run, 0 BB and 5 Ks. 0.93 ERA and 25Ks vs. 2BB.

[GoMuskies]

6 more shutout innings for Zac yesterday. 4 hits, 0 BB and 4 Ks. Ho hum.

0.71 ERA in 25.1 innings. 29K/2BB

[GoMuskies]

Lowther pitched in the NY Penn League All-Star game yesterday. 1 shutout inning with a strikeout.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

He should be looking at a promotion to Low A at some point. Keep at it.

[GoMuskies]

Yawn. 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K's last night. Of course, that caused his ERA to RISE.

[GoMuskies]

For some reason the Orioles started Lowther in the South Atlantic League this year. So he started the year striking out 13 in 6 innings of work in a 1-0 win. No biggie.

[BMoreX]

For some reason the Orioles started Lowther in the South Atlantic League this year. So he started the year striking out 13 in 6 innings of work in a 1-0 win. No biggie.

He should have started at Frederick. He’ll move quickly.

[X-band '01]

Is Frederick high-A ball for the Orioles?

[BMoreX]

Is Frederick high-A ball for the Orioles?

Yes.

AAA Norfolk (International League)
AA Bowie (Eastern League)
High-A Frederick (Carolina League)
Low-A Delmarva (South Atlantic League
Short-Season Aberdeen (NY Penn League)

[MD Muskie]

Yes.

AAA Norfolk (International League)
AA Bowie (Eastern League)
High-A Frederick (Carolina League)
Low-A Delmarva (South Atlantic League
Short-Season Aberdeen (NY Penn League)

As a Xavier grad that works in the front office for Bowie, I'm hoping Zac is a fast riser.

[GoMuskies]

Only 5 shutout innings for Zac today. 3 hits, no walks and 7 Ks. 2-0 with a pretty stout 0.00 ERA.

[paulxu]

The South Atlantic League is great minor league baseball. It stretches from Lakewood, NJ to Rome, GA.
We're located between 4 of the southern division teams; Columbia, Greenville, Kannapolis and Asheville (site of Crash Davis' last dinger).
At the rate he's going, he'll move up quick, so not much chance of him making it to Greenville.
The Asheville Tourists play in one of the great minor league parks I've ever visited.

[GoMuskies]

Well, the bloom is off the rose. Lowther gave up a run. AND, he picked up a loss. Bum. 5 innings, 1 run, 1 BB, and only 11Ks.

[usfldan]

MLB Pipeline's Prospect Team of the Week (https://www.mlb.com/news/pipeline-team-of-the-week-led-by-juan-soto/c-273493734)

LHP: Zac Lowther, Delmarva Shorebirds (Class A)
(Orioles' No. 17 prospect)
1-1, 0.90 ERA, 2 GS, 10 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 18 K, 0.60 WHIP

Lowther is back again, even if he did give up some hits and a run. After beginning his year with six no-hit innings, the southpaw followed it up with two five-inning starts. Combined, he now has a ridiculous 31/2 K/BB ratio over his first 16 innings of work in the South Atlantic League to go along with a .094 batting average against and 0.44 WHIP.

[GoMuskies]

Lowther got demoted from Delmarva to Aberdeen (short-season A, so extended spring training). There do not seem to be any injury issues, so this is likely a precursor to a promotion to high A Frederick. But it seems kind of funny for a few days.

[bobbiemcgee]

Named "Pitcher of the Month" by Orioles minor league system.

[GoMuskies]

Lowther apparently had some tightness in his oblique, which shut him down for a bit. That is the reason for the move to Aberdeen. He's supposed to be back on the hill tomorrow for Delmarva.

[GoMuskies]

After some time off due to injury, Zac is back. 6 IP, 1 hit, 0 runs, 3 BB and 10Ks. The ERA is now 1.16. Not sure why he's still slumming it in Low A ball.

[GoMuskies]

Lowther finally go promoted yesterday to high-A Frederick in the Carolina League. Well deserved and overdue.

[GoMuskies]

6 shutout innings and his first high A win yesterday. 8 Ks

[paulxu]

Since the Orioles are one of only 2 teams with a record worse than the Reds, I don't know whether to feel sorry for Zac...or glad because he might have a better chance of moving up quickly.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

With his curve I wonder what his high side is?

Reliever? I thought I read his fast ball is slow.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[paulxu]

Orioles 2018 Prospects


15) Zac Lowther, LHP, Grade C+: Age 21, compensation round pick in 2017 from Xavier University; dominant in New York-Penn League with 1.66 ERA in 54 innings, 75/11 K/BB, just 35 hits and one homer allowed; fastball isn’t especially fast around 90 but it plays up due to movement, command, and solid secondary pitches (curve, change); pitchability will make short work of A-ball so Double-A will be the first real test, could be fine number four starter, maybe more, if command remains this impressive at higher levels; ETA 2020.

[ArizonaXUGrad]

Thanks for that Paulxu. I thought his curve was his pitch. He must have a split finger fast ball or similar to pair with a nice curve.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GoMuskies]

Zac is now 3-0 with a 0.44 ERA at high-A Frederick.

[MD Muskie]

Orioles 2018 Prospects

As someone that has worked in MiLB for a long time, Double-A is the first real test. I've seen plenty of hyped-up kids come into AA ball and not come close to equaling what they did in A-ball or lower. That goes for both hitters and pitchers. I am hoping Lowther is not one of those type of players and keeps rising up and continues to reach that potential. Plus it would be fun to have a Xavier alumni on the roster for once!

[GoMuskies]

I think high-A is a pretty good test, too. But Zac is a very advanced, polished pitcher, so I agree that he's just too much for the guys he's facing now. I can't believe they wasted time putting him in the South Atlantic League this year. He should have spent that time in Frederick so that he was ready to head to Bowie by now to get on with it.

[BMoreX]

I think high-A is a pretty good test, too. But Zac is a very advanced, polished pitcher, so I agree that he's just too much for the guys he's facing now. I can't believe they wasted time putting him in the South Atlantic League this year. He should have spent that time in Frederick so that he was ready to head to Bowie by now to get on with it.

At the Orioles rate, he might be in Baltimore by September (half-kidding).

[bobbiemcgee]

Notched another win last night:

https://www.milb.com/frederick/news/keys-earn-rain-shortened-win-in-salem/c-282337198

[GoMuskies]

After another fine outing for the Frederick Keys on Wednesday (7 shutout innings, 2 hits, 8Ks), Lowther got a profile on MASN's website.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2018/08/a-look-at-zac-lowther-the-os-minor-league-era-leader.html

[MD Muskie]

Prior to the fire-sale in Baltimore at the deadline, I thought Lowther would have made a couple of starts in Bowie in August to finish the season. Now I think he will start next season in Bowie with his former Muskie teammate Bannon.

[GoMuskies]

Bannon, unfortunately, has been a disaster in Bowie. Hopefully with a fresh start next year it will be a different story. Two strong weeks to end the year would be nice as well.

[MD Muskie]

Bannon, unfortunately, has been a disaster in Bowie. Hopefully with a fresh start next year it will be a different story. Two strong weeks to end the year would be nice as well.

Yeah, the pitching is just a bit better in AA than in the Single A California League. He needs to adjust his batting stance in MHO, but I only work in the front office. Obviously I want him to do well so I am hoping he adjust over the offseason and gets off to a hot start next season.

[GoMuskies]

The Orioles have thrown 39 different pitchers in Spring Training this year. I'm a bit surprised that they didn't send a guy like Lowther, who is one of their top prospects and a bit older (since he obviously was a three year college arm), out there for an inning or two. Either way, but year for Zac. I assume he's slated to get the full year in AA, and there's definitely an outside chance he could pitch in the Majors this year. With success at AA this year, there's a VERY good chance he could find himself in the Orioles' rotation next year.

[GoMuskies]

5 shutout innings for Zac in his AA debut. 2 hits, 2 walks and 6 Ks. Great beginning for Zac. Hopefully he has a big year and is in Baltimore in 2020.

[bobbiemcgee]

and Bannon won the game....

https://helenair.com/sports/baseball/professional/bannon-s-double-leads-bowie-to---win-over/article_c9c9707f-c19f-5a42-8e0a-bad637e8591a.html

[GoMuskies]

Zac got up early today to spin a gem. 7.2 innings, 6 hits, 1BB, 7Ks. 0 runs. Lowered the AA ERA to 2.17. 2020 Orioles rotation?

[GoMuskies]

Lowther threw 5 more shutout innings in his last start with 8Ks and no walks. 1.91 ERA so far in AA, and he was Eastern League pitcher of the week. So he's doing okay for himself.

[BMoreX]

Not Lowther (but another Orioles pitcher that is from the Cincinnati area), Drew Rom is the Orioles #27 prospect from Fort Thomas, KY and hasn't allowed a run in 21.2 straight innings. O's drafted him in the 4th round last year out of Highlands HS.

https://www.milb.com/milb/news/drew-rom-reels-off-another-scoreless-gem-for-delmarva-shorebirds/c-307409784?tcid=tw_article_307409784

[bobbiemcgee]

Zac threw another 6 scoreless innings and has not been scored on in 21 2/3 ininings. After watching the O's blow two late innings games to the Rockies, I think they could use him now.

[GoMuskies]

That bum Lowther gave up a run on Saturday. But only 1. 6 IP, 2 hits, 3 BB and 8K. Somehow took the loss (his AA counterparts must be as bad as the big league Orioles). Now 4-4 with a 1.66 ERA. Other than Casey Mize, I find it hard to believe there's been a better pitcher in the Eastern League this year.

[bobbiemcgee]

https://www.milb.com/bowie/news/614----3-0-shutout-fuels-bowies-sixth-straight-win/c-308116426

[GoMuskies]

Zac had a few rocky patches in the second half, but he's been excellent of late, and with maybe one start to go in his season (barring playoff action) he's 13-7 with a 2.66 ERA. 145 Ks vs. 65 BBs in 142 innings.

You'd have to think he's going to at LEAST be in AAA to start next year, and I suspect he has a fair shot at cracking the Orioles rotation.

[GoMuskies]

Zac threw six more shutout innings (with 9Ks) to complete his strong finish to the regular season. He's not done, though! He'll pitch Friday night for Bowie in the Eastern League playoffs.

[GoMuskies]

Zac is in big league camp with the Os this spring. Hope he pitches well!

[GoMuskies]

Zac is on the 40-man roster for the first time. Pitchers report today.

[GoMuskies]

I guess Lowther isn't going to make the squad coming out of camp. He's only thrown 1 spring training inning so far.

[SM#24]

He was reassigned to minor league camp on Friday. Rylan Bannon also with O's; he was reassigned a couple days ago.

[GoMuskies]

Lowther is in the Show!

[SM#24]

Pitched the 9th in a 8-1 win over Oakland. After a lead off single, set them down 1-2-3 ending with a K of Matt Chapman.

[Muskie in dayton]

Zac just “got the call”. I’ll be great to see a Muskie in the Majors!

[GoMuskies]

Zac just “got the call”. I’ll be great to see a Muskie in the Majors!

This is his second stint. He threw a scoreless inning first time up. Today he gets his first start.

[XU 87]

Zac has impressive minor league stats. 2.26 ERA in 59 starts and has 380 k’s in about 325 innings.

[Masterofreality]

Zac has impressive minor league stats. 2.26 ERA in 59 starts and has 380 k’s in about 325 innings.

Zac got drilled for 4 runs in the 2nd and in trouble in the 3rd.:-(

[Masterofreality]

Out after 2 1/3. 5 runs allowed. Not great

[SM#24]

He needs to do better next time.
#qualitystartordie

[bobbiemcgee]

Back to AAA Norfolk

Hopefully not a cup of coffee

[XU 87]

Unfortunately, Zac didn't do so well in his brief time in the big leagues.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lowthza01.shtml

He's also been lousy in AAA. Makes you wonder if he's hurt.

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/team.cgi?id=8bf91c9c

[bobbiemcgee]

Hopefully he won't squander the 800k signing bonus and 570k salary.

[GoMuskies]

Unfortunately, Zac didn't do so well in his brief time in the big leagues.


He's stilll better than Matt Harvey.

[bobbiemcgee]

Riley Pint got 4.8 million from the Rockies and just "retired" @ 23.

[GoMuskies]

Is the 5th time the charm? Lowther was recalled for the fifth time this week and threw an inning on the 4th of July against the Angels. He didn't give up a run and struck out two. One of his strikeout victims was no other than the great Shohei Ohtani.

[GoMuskies]

Zac got sent back out yesterday, but this trip to the Majors was a BIT better than his previous adventures. 3 innings and only 1 run. Batters hit .182 against him in those 3 innings, and he lowered that ERA down to a miniscule 10.80.

Hopefully he'll start getting it down in Norfold where he's been pretty bad. 6 starts, 5.18 ERA and 13 walks in 24 innings. He DOES have 28 Ks, though.

11Ks in his 8.1 innings in the bigs is a good sign, too, despite his other struggles.

[GoMuskies]

Zac was placed on the injured list for AAA Norfolk after giving up 5 earned runs in only 1/3 of an inning in his latest start. This year has pretty clearly been a disaster for Zac other than having the chance to make his MLB debut. Hopefully he will rebound and get something of value out of the season in the last month or so.

[GoMuskies]

Zac starts a rehab assignment today. Hopefully he has a bit of success in the next few weeks to set him up for a much better 2022!

[GoMuskies]

Zac threw 2.1 shutout innings giving up 1 hit and striking out three in his rookie league rehab start. The Orioles are going to lose 110 games, so if he can get back healthy and in form over the next couple of weeks, I could definitely see Baltimore giving him some extended time with the big league club in September despite all his struggles this season.

Here's an oddity, Zac managed to do all that in 13 pitches. 3 3 pitch strikouts. A first pitch flyout and a first pitch groundout. A first pitch single followed by a first pitch double play. 13 strikes and 0 balls. Quite efficient!

[SM#24]

Zac gets another start today

[bobbiemcgee]

Looking good thru 5...1-1.

Pitched 6 ...possible win as 2-1 win if bullpen can hold.

Nope Royals win 3-2

[GoMuskies]

Zac started, and the Orioles lost 22-7, so you can guess how he did.

[GoMuskies]

5 shutout innings with 7 Ks for Zac tonight. Hopefully one more start this season.

[bobbiemcgee]

5 shutout innings with 7 Ks for Zac tonight. Hopefully one more start this season.

Projected start against Red Sox 9/29.

[GoMuskies]

I'm getting the feeling the curtain might be coming down on the Lowther show. He's got a 9.54 ERA in 14 innings in AAA this year after a nightmare of a 2021. He really needs to turn things around quickly.

[bobbiemcgee]

Hopefully he saved his 780k signing bonus and 570k salary.

[X-band '01]

Good news: Lowther has gradually improved down at Norfolk and got a 1-day callup to Baltimore back on Tuesday.

Bad news: It was mop-up duty in relief. 5 1/3 innings pitched while giving up 6 runs (5 earned) and 8 hits. Hopefully he's able to catch on somewhere else b/c he likely won't see an Os jersey again until September.

[GoMuskies]

Zac was finally activated after about 7 weeks off by Norfolk and threw 1.1 scoreless innings on Tuesday. 2 hits and 2 walks, so it wasn't exactly a triumphant return, but it's about as good as he's had this season. Perhaps a few more "successful" outtings with Norfolk to close out a lost 2022 will put him back on track to help the Orioles next year?

[X-band '01]

I'm wondering if he was injured - he was at the extended spring training facility for the Orioles for quite some time.

[bobbiemcgee]

He got dfa'd by the Orioles and dropped from the 40 man roster. No one claimed him so the Orioles got him back and sent him back to Norfolk.

[GoMuskies]

Zac finished the season with one last disastrous outing last Tuesday, giving up 6 runs in 2 innings, including 2 HRs among the 7 hits allowed. He finishes with a 10.31 ERA in 17 appearances covering 43.2 IP. He gave up 75 hits (10 of them HRs), walked 23 and struck out 46 (>9 per 9 innings for anyone looking for a positive!).

The Orioles put him on something called the Development List today, ending his season. I'm not sure what that means, but I don't think it's a good thing to be on. Here's hoping he was hiding some sort of injury this year and gets one more shot next year and turns it around.

[GoMuskies]

Is Zac's career over? He still shows as active and on the injured list at MILB.com, but I've heard nothing about him, and he's said nothing on Twitter. A couple of tweets about Xavier baseball, and a couple of tweets about baseball cards.

[GoMuskies]

Zac is on a rehab assignment with the rookie league Orioles. He threw an inning on Tuesday and gave up two hits and an earned run. Hopefully this is step one towards salvaging his career...and not the last act before release.

[bobbiemcgee]

Released by O's.

[GoMuskies]

Unfortunate but not surprising. At least he can say he was a Major Leaguer. Not many who can say that!

[bobbiemcgee]

and got a pile of $$$

[GoMuskies]

Kind of unfortunate that Baltimore's young core has arrived to the tune of 101-61, and Zac doesn't get to be a part of it. Would have made this postseason much more fun to follow.

[X-band '01]

Did Zac ever re-sign with another organization?

[GoMuskies]

Did Zac ever re-sign with another organization?

I think he's done. I figured he'd try to give it another go with another organization, but maybe his arm is just shot.