Development isn't always a linear path, and players have to sometimes repeat the level they played in the year before. Sergio Umana spent the majority of 2021 with Bradenton, and after struggling, found himself back with the Marauders this season.
Umana was signed out of Nicaragua back in 2018 and pitched in the Dominican Summer League the following year. After COVID shutdown the minors in 2020, the righty made the jump to Bradenton last year.
He made 25 total appearances in 2021, two in Greensboro and the rest in Bradenton, all out of the bullpen.
Back with the Marauders this season, Umana has looked like a completely different pitcher. While he still doesn’t have an overpowering fastball, which has led to low strikeout totals, he has used his secondary pitches to be one of the better ...
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Wow, I think that’s our first Devin Williams airbender-style changeup in the system? Such a cool pitch.
Carlos Jimenez has a changeup that’s similar and John talked to a scout that compared it to Williams. One of the breakdowns I did I lined up Williams and Jimenez to compare.
Umana’s is similar. That’d b interesting to find out if they’ve been working together on it and that’s why they look the same. Bradenton has quite a few players with off-speed pitches playing really well right now.
Shame on me for forgetting about that Jimenez breakdown!
I wonder if they could get him to bend his knee a little more, to try and drive off his back leg and generate a couple more ticks. He gets nasty movement.