Brandon Cumpton

Cumpton projects as a fourth or fifth starter at best for Pittsburgh in 2015. Initially, it looked as though he simply experienced some bad fortune, but the right-hander struggled with only two pitches, including a fastball and slider. Cumpton took one for the team in Los Angeles, allowing 10 earned runs in 3.1 innings May 31, as the Pirates conserved their bullpen. The righty registered a 4.89 ERA and 1.43 WHIP in 70 innings, though the earned run average drops to 3.80 without the Dodgers fiasco. Pittsburgh's reluctance to call upon Cumpton when it needed a spot starter brings into question his role with the organization going forward. He doesn't strike out many batters (5.9 K/9) and there's a chance he might turn out to be nothing more than a middle reliever.

Cumpton relied on average stuff (91.7 mph average fastball) to put up really good numbers in six starts for Pittsburgh in 2013. The 25-year-old righty crafted a 2.05 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 22:5 K:BB ratio in 30.2 innings -- his best numbers at any stop along his four-year pro career. The fact that he did so well makes it likely that he's atop a short list to spot start whenever the Bucs need someone in 2014. Still, the time he's spent in the minors sheds light on his career -- he's got a 3.79 ERA and 1.28 WHIP in 428 innings. There's a chance he gains some fantasy utility if injuries sideline some of Pittsburgh's starters, but there's little reason to run out and grab the righty with little upside on draft day.