Counting Down Top 30: No. 6 Ryan Castellani

6 Ryan Castellani, rhp

Tool Grades: Fastball 60, Slider 55, Changeup 55, Control 50, Overall 55

Born: April 1, 1996. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-3. Wt.: 190. Drafted: HS-Phoenix 2014 (2nd round). Signed by: Chris Forbes.

Track Record: The Rockies thought enough of Castellani that they signed him for $1.1 million out of high school, but given his thin frame they were protective in his first two seasons, pitching him 150 innings combined. The right-hander who passed up a scholarship to Arizona State hasn’t been on any limit the last two seasons and he has shown durability, leading the Cal League in innings pitched in 2016 and the Eastern League in 2017..

Scouting Report: Castellani has a three-pith mix with sinking action that projects well for Coors Field. His fastball is going to work at a steady 93 miles per hour, although he has touched 97. He has a hard slider and changeup. He shows potential for his fastball, slider and fading change to all be plus pitches. Castellani has the ability to command both sides of the plate, and despite initial precautions with his work load he has proven that he can maintain his stuff during the course of a game.

The Future: He has legitimate No. 3 starter stuff, at worst, and an approach to pitch and feel for the game that could put him in a higher slot. He will get the challenge of altitude at Triple-A Albuquerque to open the season, but as the Rockies showed a year ago they won’t hesitate to give the young arms in the system an opportunity if a need arises, and he should be at the top of the list when a call up comes.