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Atlanta Braves Scouting Report on LHP Philip Pfeifer

By Benjamin Chase

Jun 23, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores pitcher Philip Pfeifer (22) throws during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores pitcher Philip Pfeifer (22) throws during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 23, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores pitcher Philip Pfeifer (22) throws during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores pitcher Philip Pfeifer (22) throws during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game two of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Braves acquired lefty reliever Phil Pfeifer from the Dodgers last summer. What sort of future does he have?

Player Profile

The Atlanta Braves made an excellent trade last summer when they flipped veteran starter Bud Norris to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a pair of high-ceiling relievers, Caleb Dirks and Pfeifer.

Pfeifer was originally drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school in the 44th round (a round that no longer exists) in the 2011 draft.

Thankfully, Pfeifer chose to go to college instead of signing, choosing to attend Vanderbilt. I say thankfully as Pfeifer failed a drug test before the 2014 season, revealing a substance abuse problem that had begun in high school.

After missing the entire 2014 season (while his teammates won the College World Series title), Pfeifer returned, and his determination and reflection on his recovery had him voted team captain.

The Dodgers were impressed enough with Pfeifer’s performance in that 2015 season to select him in the 3rd round in the 2015 draft.

The Dodgers started him with their advanced rookie squad in Ogden in the Pioneer League, where he made just one appearance, throwing just 1 2/3 innings.

Pfeifer opened the 2016 season in the low-A Midwest League and only made three appearances before being bumped up to the high-A Cal League. The Braves sent him to high-A Carolina before promoting him to AA Mississippi to finish the 2016 season.

Altogether, Pfeifer made 34 appearances in 2016, throwing 47 2/3 innings, posting a 3.02 ERA, 1.32 WHIP, and posting a 28/60 BB/K ratio.

Next: Pfeifer's scouting report

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