Nathan
Knowles

Knowles is one of the best ‘24 potential draft arms in the state. In his first four outings he has worked 20 innings, allowed two earned runs, and struck out 33. While his fastball sat 90-91, topping at 93 during his outing at Richmond, it played a tick quicker at times. It is his heavy usage of his secondary stuff, especially the mid to upper 80’s cutter, that allows the fastball to get on hitters. It is a true four pitch mix with the fastball and cutter being the primary pitches and a curveball/changeup combo being three and four in the arsenal. The curveball also flashed above average a few times, sat 76-79 mph (2400 rpm) and several showed really nice depth. He struck one hitter out with the breaking ball and the others came via the fastball/cutter combos. The changeup was usable, but was definitely his fourth pitch.

VA/DC Scout Blog

Knowles has a strong athletic frame that has some projection left to it. He throws from a high three-quarters arm slot with a short quick arm action. Shoulders are downhill and closed as he strides out. Lands a bit closed with some fall off and recoil in his finish. Fastball was 83-85 with some downward plane and a hair of late run to it. Curveball was 72 with good armspeed and hard 11/5 break. Change-up was 68 with good armspeed and heavy fade to it. Mature frame and feel for three pitches.

 

VA/DC Scout Blog

Knowles has a strong athletic frame that still has some projection left to it. Wide hips and shoulders, throws from a high three-quarters arm slot with a drop and drive delivery. Short loose, very quick arm action, throws with some effort. Shoulders closed and level, lands on line and falls off with some recoil as he finishes. Fastball was 81-85, touching 86 once. Pitch had some boring action to arm side, but was flatter at times, got some downward plane as well. Worked inside and out. Curveball was 67-70 with late tight 11/5 break and some armspeed, ran 12/6 a few times when he got on top of it. Also showed a slider at 73-74 that had more cutter action to it. Used a lot of fastball and McLean is aggressive, didn't get into many plus counts to use his curveball as an out pitch. Arm is very quick and he has projection left as well as the makings of a good fastball/curveball combo. A very intriguing arm to continue to follow.