ORGANIZATION REPORTS

• A velocity boost and two deadly breaking balls precede a breakout from a surprising Reds rookie PAGE 42

• A Brewers reliever redefines what a changeup can be PAGE 43

• Youth was served for a Nationals middle infielder PAGE 45

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

The 12th pitch of righthander Riley Smith’s major league career was blasted by Charlie Blackmon for a no-doubt grand slam in late August. It was the kind of start that could have rattled Smith and sunk his season just as it began.

Instead, Smith was nearly untouchable over his next five appearances, most in long relief. He posted a 1.47 ERA in 18.1 innings while striking out 18 and walking five.

Smith beat out a collection of Diamondbacks rookies who reached the majors for the first time this season. Daulton Varsho started slowly but put up solid numbers over the final three weeks. Pavin Smith showed a good approach and occasional pop in a two-week cameo. Wyatt Mathisen and Andy Young also saw limited action.

Strangely—or perhaps not since strange came to be expected this year—all of those players will again qualify as rookies next season.

That includes Riley Smith. He said he was able to put aside the Blackmon grand slam in part because he believed it was the only bad pitch he threw that night.

“It was just staying grounded and knowing I didn’t suck that bad,” Smith said. “I made a really bad pitch. It felt bad to give up the runs that were on base, but not getting overwhelmed and not giving up on myself.”

The 25-year-old Smith was one of the few bright spots for the last-place D-backs. A 24th-round pick in 2016 out of Louisiana State, Smith steadily rose through the system over the past few years, his velocity and secondary stuff both improving.

He was added to the 40-man roster in the offseason but still wasn’t necessarily being viewed as a big league option for this year. To his credit, he took full advantage of his opportunity, putting himself on the radar heading into 2021, whether it is as a starter or again back in the bullpen.

“He continues to execute a great game plan,” D-backs manager Torey Lovullo said. “We couldn’t be more thrilled with his progress, his execution and his results.”

—NICK PIECORO

ATLANTA BRAVES

In late August, 22-year-old righthander Ian Anderson was invaluable for the Braves’ decimated rotation. He was, without question, the most valuable rookie contributor during the 2020 season.

Anderson earned a 1.95 ERA with a 41-to-14 strikeout-to-walk ratio in six starts and 32.1 innings. He helped stabilize a rotation that lost several key members because of injury or ineffectiveness. From Day One, he drew praise for his composure, maturity and aggressive mentality.

Anderson out-pitched Yankees ace in his big league debut, allowing one run over six innings in the Braves’ win. Anderson followed by defeating the Red Sox at Fenway Park in his second outing. He became the second pitcher in history