The Tampa Bay Rays have selected Florida South Western State College southpaw Alex Ayala Jr. with the 281st pick in the 2021 MLB Draft.
Ayala Jr. was named Suncoast Conference Pitcher of the Year this season, going 8-3 with a 3.53 ERA (63.2-IP, 25-ER) in 15 apps (13 starts) as a freshman. He’s been clocked throwing up to 94 mph with his fastball, a plus from the left side, and has tight, late break on his slider.
The Federales de Chiriquí, a baseball team in the Panamanian Professional Baseball League, tweeted congratulations to Ayala Jr. after his selection.
Should he ever put a bat in his hands, Ayala Jr. is one of the rare players who throw lefty but hit righty.
Fr. Alex Ayala Jr. - LHP@PBR_Uncommitted
— Cayden Hatcher (@C_Hatcher_PBR) May 6, 2021
6-foot-1 195 lbs
Athletic lefty w/ present arm strength, long to short arm path from high 3/4 slot. Riding life on the FB getting up to 95 mph.
FB: 92-94 T95
CB: 76-80
SL: 83-86#JUCOHeatSheet @DSeifertD1PBR @PBR_JUCO @FSWBucs pic.twitter.com/sImSb1Tdtq