Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco

Class: Junior
Hometown: La Jolla, California
Height/Weight: 6-3/185
Born: September 13, 1991

A little less than a month ago, Zimmer garnered some attention from Baseball America as a potential candidate for the No. 1 overall selection in June’s MLB draft.

He’s sustained that talk with an incredibly strong start that’s seen him toss two complete games in just six starts.

There’s no denying that Zimmer has the tools to warrant a top overall selection, including a mid-to-high 90s fastball that has touched 98 mph already this season, and a knee-buckling curveball. He’s also earned rave reviews for his athleticism.

He also has the dominating stats that make teams less nervous.

Through those six starts, Zimmer has mustered only two victories, but he’s held down an impressive 1.62 ERA while racking up 45 strikeouts in 39 innings. He’s walked a mere six batters. His best effort came a couple of weeks ago against Hawaii. The right-hander struck out 11 and allowed just three hits in a nine-inning complete-game shutout.

The start was impressive not only because it strengthened the growing consensus on Zimmer, but also because it came on the heels of his worst performance (6 IP 9 H 6 ER) of the season against Fresno State.

Last year, Zimmer grew into his own and by season’s end had established himself as the staff ace. He won six games and finished with the lowest ERA among the Dons starters. He whiffed 89 batters and walked just 24 in 91.2 innings. His “stand up and take notice” moment came in the NCAA regionals, where he tossed an 11-strikeout shutout against UCLA and the eventual number one overall pick, Gerrit Cole.

He followed that up with a strong performance in the Cape Cod League.

Even if he doesn’t end up as the top overall pick, expect to see Zimmer’s name called in the top-five come draft day.

Fastball: 91-99 mph
Curveball: 77-86 mph
Slider: 82-86 mph
Changeup: 80-86 mph

Zimmer warming up, Cape Cod League 2011

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