Many Arizona State fans remember Jason Urquidez, the right-hander who put up two impressive years with the Sun Devils and helped the team to a third place finish at the College World Series in 2005.
He was drafted by the Diamondbacks in the 17th round that year.
While his name isn’t brought up when there is talk of Arizona’s top prospects, Urquidez continues to perfom.
He had surgery on his arm following the 2005 season and missed all of 2006, but has quietly been working his way through the minor league ranks ever since.
In his minor league career, Urquidez is 10-5 with a 2.63 ERA, nearly all in relief. He went 1-0 with a 3.15 ERA in 12 games this year at Double-A before being promoted to Triple-A Reno. In his time there, Urquidez is 2-1 with a 2.30 ERA.
He won’t blow away hitters with an overpowering fastball, but Urquidez is walking just 1.1 batters per nine innings and striking out a respectable 7.5 batters per nine in Reno.
He doesn’t have plus-stuff, so he might not be a longterm answer for the Diamondbacks in the bullpen, but it would be nice to see Urquidez get a shot.
