After rough start, Aberdeen lefty owns 2.08 ERA in last 26 innings
Feeling that his game is more sound, the 21-year-old left-hander has allowed just six runs in his last five appearances, showing the stuff that makes him one of the top southpaws on Baltimore's farm.
"These last [few] starts I've been mechanically there," said Tarpley. "The rhythm has been there and I haven't thought about the pitch selection as much. My curveball has been there the last three games, my changeup's been there, I've been able to hit spots and hit them well. Also, there have been some great defensive plays behind me -- I've got to give those guys their due."
Considered the top junior college prospect coming into the 2013 Draft out of Scottsdale Community College, Tarpley was selected by the Orioles in the third round and made his mark in his Gulf Coast League debut, allowing just five earned runs over 21 innings.
After his impressing the brass, he went through extended spring training in Sarasota before heading up to Aberdeen in June.
Things did not click right away for Tarpley, however, as his mechanics were off. He was hitting different landing spots on his follow-through and was worrying too much about the things that were out of his control.
Following his first four appearances, he had a 7.98 ERA and opponents were hitting .344 against him, but he was determined to right the ship by getting back to basics.
"It was more the fact that I was trying, instead of just doing," said Tarpley of his early struggles. "I wasn't just letting myself do what I naturally do on the mound. I tried to make something work and didn't quite get the results I wanted, so I got frustrated and missed more spots.
"Lately, I've just been going out there with the idea to just have fun, enjoy being out there, trust myself mechanically and know that I can make pitches and get guys out."
Over his last five appearances, Tarpley has being doing just that, posting a 2.08 ERA in 26 innings. He earned his first career win after striking out a career-high seven batters versus Staten Island on July 22nd.
Comfortable and confident, and wishing there were more months in the season, Tarpley is now aiming to finish strong and carry that momentum into a key offseason.
"Every time I'm getting on the mound I'm feeling more confident," said Tarpley. "I'm just looking to keep improving, continue to put up good numbers and figure out a routine I can take into next Spring Training."