The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

THE Cleveland Indians were busy at Major League Baseball's trade deadline and the transactions within the farm system allowed Tahnaj Thomas to enter the organisation's Top 30 Prospects list.

Thomas was listed as the Indians' 30th ranked prospect on the latest release of its rankings after the Indians traded highly touted shortstop prospect Willi Castro to the Detroit Tigers for outfielder Leonys Martin and pitcher Kyle Dowdy.

Thomas is currently assigned to the AZL Indians 1 in the Arizona Rookie League. In his last appearance, Thomas - the 6'4" right-hander - pitched two hitless innings and delivered three strikeouts in Tuesday's 4-1 win over the AZL Rangers.

He has started three games this season for the Indians and pitched five innings, allowed one hit with six strikeouts and an 0.80 WHIP.

His scooting grades include Fastball: 60, Curveball: 55, Changeup: 55, Control: 45 and Overall: 45. His scouting report suggests the 19-year-old projects as a starting pitcher with his progression through the minor leagues.

"A Grand Bahama native, Thomas signed with the Indians in December 2016.

Though he was a shortstop at the time, the Indians were more interested in Thomas for his potential as a pitcher and moved him to the mound full time shortly thereafter.

He quickly blossomed in the new role, showing one of the higher ceilings among Indians pitching prospects.

Thomas pitches with a 92-95 mph fastball and knows how to use his height to create downhill plane to the plate.

Evaluators expect him to add even more velocity as he grows into his athletic and projectable frame. He also has feel for an above-average curveball, thrown in the upper 70s, as well as a changeup that should improve as he gains more gain experience," the report said, "Thomas is already adept at throwing strikes with his fastball and breaking ball, a quality that sets him apart from other teenage hurlers, and his athleticism and clean arm action bode well for future gains in his control and command. He'll need considerable time to refine his craft in the Minor Leagues, but the final product could be that of an impact starting pitcher at the highest level."

To be eligible for a list, a player must have rookie eligibility. To qualify for rookie status, a player must not have exceeded 130 at-bats or 50 innings pitched in the Major Leagues, or accumulated more than 45 days on the active roster of a Major League club or clubs during the 25-player limit period.

Players are graded on a 20-80 scale for future tools -- 20-30 is well below average, 40 is below average, 50 is average, 60 is above average and 70-80 is well above average.

Thomas, began his early education at Hugh Campbell Primary and Sister Mary Patricia High in Grand Bahama before he transferred to Leadership Academy and Max D in New Providence.

In his contract, which encompasses a scholarship programme, the Indians would pay for Thomas' tuition whenever he decides to go to school while he is playing or even if he chooses to go to college and then come back to play.