WATCH: Alabama pitcher Connor Prielipp throws bullpen in front of scouts
As a freshman in 2020, Alabama left-handed pitcher Connor Prielipp established himself as a likely first-round pick in the MLB Draft once he declared. Prielipp is eligible for the upcoming draft, and he is working towards that despite an arm injury that resulted in Tommy John Surgery last season.
Early in the 2021 season, Prielipp was shut down and eventually underwent surgery. He missed most of the 2021 season in addition to the entirety of the 2022 campaign.
On Monday, Prielipp threw a bullpen in front of scouts. While he won’t pitch for Alabama at this week’s SEC Tournament, Prielipp’s bullpen session was a big step in his comeback from Tommy John. He sat 88-92 mph with his fastball, also throwing two offspeed pitches.
Prielipp was once viewed as the potential No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft. As a freshman in 2020, he made four starts and tossed 21 innings. He allowed just five hits and six walks, striking out 35 batters and pitching to a perfect 3-0 record. Prielipp finished that season with a 0.00 ERA and an impressive 0.52 WHIP. He earned National Freshman Player of the Year honors, in addition to being named a Freshman All-American and First Team All-American from Collegiate Baseball News.
In 2021, Prielipp made three starts and had a 1-1 record in seven innings. He had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, allowing one walk while striking out 12. Prielipp was on the preseason Golden Spikes Award Watch List and was a Preseason First Team All-American by multiple outlets.
Alabama will be without Prielipp at the SEC Tournament, which begins on Tuesday. The Crimson Tide come in as the No. 11 seed in the conference, and play against No. 6 Georgia to kick things off. Alabama head coach Brad Bohannon knows that every game is win or go home for the Crimson Tide.