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Mat Latos To Debut Sunday?

By Tim Dierkes [July 17, 2009 at 7:00am CST]

Top Padres pitching prospect Mat Latos is likely to get the call this Sunday, according to MLB.com's Corey Brock. Fantasy implications?

First, the details on the 21 year-old righty. He dominated at Low A last year and early this year, and then handled the jump to Double A with aplomb (a 1.91 ERA in nine starts there). Peripherals were excellent across the board, especially his pinpoint control. Now Latos will try to skip another level by entering the Padres rotation, possibly Sunday at home against Colorado.

Baseball America questioned the kid's maturity and health, but praised his raw stuff as "ridiculously good." Excellent fastball and slider, decent changeup. BA really worries about his attitude, and had him pegged for just Double A this year.

Another factor to consider is that Padres GM Kevin Towers suggested in the above-linked article that Latos will be shut down after about 55 more innings. So you're probably getting 10-11 starts.

I see the kid is not yet listed in Yahoo leagues. Based on his numbers, scouting report, and home park, I'd pounce when he does appear. We often see young players struggle with control, but that might not be an issue with Latos.

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