MLB writer provides update on Alabama pitcher, draft hopeful Connor Prielipp

Alabama left-handed pitcher Connor Prielipp made a name for himself as a freshman in 2020, but his 2021 season was cut short due to an arm injury. Prielipp ultimately was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery, resulting in him missing most of the 2021 season and the entirety of the 2022 season as well.

Now, Prielipp is making progress on a return to the mound. While he won’t pitch for Alabama this season, MLB Pipeline senior writer Jim Callis reported that Prielipp is gearing up to throw a bullpen in front of scouts prior to the SEC Tournament later in May. Prielipp was a possible first overall pick candidate prior to his injury, so his bullpen session will be a pivotal step in his comeback.

“Alabama LHP Connor Prielipp, a potential No. 1 overall pick for the 2022 @MLBDraft before having Tommy John surgery last May, will throw 50 pitches in a bullpen workout for scouts May 23, the day before the SEC tournament,” Callis tweeted. “He still could be the first college arm taken.”

Prielipp was selected in the 37th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox, but he opted to go to Alabama and improve his draft stock. That’s exactly what he did out of the gate.

As a freshman in 2020, Prielipp made four starts and threw 21 innings. He posted great numbers in those four starts, allowing just five hits and six walks, striking out 35. Prielipp pitched to a 3-0 record in 2020, finishing with a perfect 0.00 ERA and a 0.52 WHIP. After his impressive freshman campaign, Prielipp was named the National Freshman Player of the Year, and also picked up Freshman All-American and First Team All-American honors from Collegiate Baseball News.

Prior to his injury in 2021, Prielipp saw mixed results. He made three starts and pitched to a 1-1 record, going just seven innings. Prielipp had a 3.86 ERA and a 1.28 WHIP, also allowing one walk while striking out 12. Entering the year, he was on the Golden Spikes Award Preseason Watch List and was also a Preseason First-Team All-American by multiple outlets. Baseball America listed Prielipp as the No. 4 pitcher in their College Top 150 for the 2021 season.