Chicago Cubs: Prospect Duane Underwood flying under the radar

In a system that boasts offensive prospects, it is easy to overlook solid pitchers. If he has a strong season, Chicago Cubs pitching prospect Underwood will get attention.

If it is possible to be a prospect and not receive attention, it must mean you are surrounded by other great players. For several years, the offensive players of the Chicago Cubs system grabbed attention. This may be the year that changes. Once loaded with bats, prospects turned into Major League players. Now is the time to pitchers to take over.

Looking through the “top prospects” list from ESPN, MLB.com, Baseball America, and others, the Cubs now hold five pitchers in their top 10 prospects. Right-hander Dylan Cease is even ranked in the top 100 of all MLB prospects. And, after the performances of Carl Edwards, Jr., and Rob Zastryzny in 2016, great hope remains for continuing success. Especially for our No. 7 prospect, Duane Underwood.

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The Good

Underwood possesses one of the most talented arms in the Chicago Cubs’ farm system. Selected by the team in the second round of the 2012 draft, the right-handed pitcher showed great promise. His fastball was in the upper 90’s and his curveball broke with great intensity. Furthermore, he pitched out of jams often, leaving 71% of runners on base. All signs pointed to him becoming a starter.

He completed four seasons in the Cubs’ organization after being drafted out of Pope High School in Marietta, GA (Go Greyhounds!). Underwood earned a 3.40 ERA over 315 innings pitched, with a WHIP of 1.30 over that time. He also started 71 games, going 15-18 overall. Not great numbers, but the show of potential is there.

The Concern

The stats that were just mentioned? Those are mostly from Rookie Ball and various levels of Single-A. In 2016, Underwood made 13 starts for Double-A Tennessee, going 0-5 with a 4.91 ERA. Not the best numbers for the number eight prospect for the team in 2015, just above Edwards. Many pundits are down on the righty and left Underwood off their list for 2017.

Injuries are a concern. The last two seasons were shortened by right elbow inflammation. Luckily, he only required rest and not surgery. Yet. That stated, he only pitched more than 100 innings once in four years. And that was in 2014 with the Kane County Cougars in Single-A.

The other major concern for Underwood is his lack of pitching low in the zone. Leaving the ball over the plate has led to giving up home runs, including seven in 58 innings in Double-A. He averages 1.38 ground outs per fly out. Not great, but not horrible either.

What’s Next

Duane Underwood turns 23 on July 20 this year. He is young, but it is time for him to show what he can do. With a fastball that averages 96+ MPH, moving to the bullpen may well be the right move. But, if the Chicago Cubs still consider him a starter, he must pitch 100 innings or more. And, it needs to be against Double-A teams or better. Should he stay healthy and make the needed adjustments, he will start the 2018 season in the majors.

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The talent is there, and age is on his side, which makes him our number seven prospect. No other prospect has more to lose or gain than Duane Underwood. The team placed Underwood on the 40-man roster. They still have hope.