Chicago Cubs Minors: Checking in with talent down on the farm

Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Peoria, AZ, USA; Chicago Cubs center fielder Ian Happ (86) hits a single against the Seattle Mariners during the second inning at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 19, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the centerfield scoreboard at Wrigley Field during the game between the Chicago Cubs and the St. Louis Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Trevor Clifton, RHP

Trevor Clifton has made three starts so far this season for the Double-A Tennessee Smokies. In those starts, Clifton has posted a 2-1 record with a 3.00 ERA, and 13 strikeouts in 15 innings pitched.

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Clifton has walked seven batters to start the 2017 season which means he has a 1.86 strikeout-to-walk ratio, and is averaging 4.2 walks per nine innings.

The 22-year-old has allowed two home runs this season, and is averaging 1.2 per nine innings. That is way over his career average of 0.5 per nine which suggests Clifton will settle in as he gets more innings under his belt.

Clifton has started 62 out of the 70 games he has appeared in since being drafted in 2013. Whether or not he  remains a starter as he continues through the system remains to be seen.

If the right-hander can boost his strikeout totals and drop his walks, he could become a solid pitcher at the major league level, either from the bullpen or in the rotation.