After a rocky start to the season, the Mets 2012 14th round draft pick, Chris Flexen, has stepped up his performance and developed into one of the most productive pitchers in the Appalachian League.
Impressively, Flexen currently ranks among the top pitchers in the league in several key categories. He ranks fourth in ERA (2.14), fourth in strikeouts (56) and he is tied for third in WHIP (0.95).
He is also tied for first in wins at seven and is the only pitcher to throw two complete games this season (although one was part of a 7-inning doubleheader).
He added to his impressive body of work Monday night, when he made his best start of the season. Against the Burlington Royals, Flexen pitched nine complete innings, giving up no runs, walking one and striking out 11 batters. With this recent performance, he has recorded his second 11 strikeout game of the season.
Flexen began the season going 0-1 over his first two starts, giving up five earned runs and garnering a 5.16 ERA over 8.1 innings pitched.
But that has all changed now and since July 7th he is 7-0 with a 1.64 ERA in 55 innings pitched with 47 strikeouts and only nine walks.
Flexen was signed to a $374,400 rookie contract in 2012. He is widely known for his impressive command, low-90’s fastball and quality breaking pitches.
With his recent high-level performances, the 19-year-old Flexen is shaping up to be one of the Mets best prospects at the short-season level.
