When Howard was drafted it was noted he was behind his peers because he had only been starting for one season.
Howard redshirted in 2015 and pitched largely out of the bullpen in 2016. He began in a similar role in 2017 but moved into the rotation in March and has solidified himself as Cal Poly's Saturday starter, pitching behind fellow Draft prospect Erich Uelman. The 6-foot-3 right-hander has used a four-pitch arsenal to dominate the Big West Conference this spring. His fastball has been up to 92-94 mph t96 consistently and he backs it up with an above-average slider he throws in the 80-84 mph range. He'll show an upper-80s cutter and has feel for his changeup as well.
Howard was sitting 91 to 93, touching 95, in his pro debut. Howard was throwing a bit harder to open 2018, sitting 92 to 96. Now he's 94-97, t100.
I don't think they expected this jump in velocity, but he threw hard enough, with four solid pitches, that he was worth the pick even if he hadn't made the jump.
