Luis Devers Deals Through First Half

June 27, 2022 by Sam Weiderhaft

The first half of the 2022 season for the Myrtle Beach Pelicans was historic. They led Minor League Baseball in wins with 47, tallied the biggest run differential at +149, and took home the Carolina League South Division title to make their first playoff appearance since 2017. The pitching staff became the highlight through the first 66 games, posting a 3.03 ERA, which ranked as the second lowest in the minors. Anchoring that pitching staff and emerging as a potential top pitching prospect in the Cubs’ system was starting pitcher Luis Devers.

Originally signed as an international free agent in 2017 out of the Dominican Republic, Devers made his Pelicans’ debut during the final series of the 2021 season. He pitched twice against the Augusta GreenJackets in relief appearances on September 15th and 19th. Devers started the 2022 season out of the bullpen as well on opening night in Charleston, going two innings with one hit allowed and a strikeout against the RiverDogs. From then on, Devers would have a spot in the starting rotation.

The 22-year-old threw 15 innings across five appearances in the month of April, posting a 3.60 ERA with six walks and 15 strikeouts. The opening month of the season turned out to be the warm up for his breakout month of May, where he took home Cubs Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors. He followed fellow Pelicans starter Porter Hodge in winning the monthly award.

Devers was dominant in his five starts through May, with a 1.48 ERA through just over 24 innings. He struck out 28 batters with just seven walks and a WHIP of 0.90. He continued his success into June, with six consecutive winning starts from May 19th to June 17th.

Everything came together for the best start of his professional career on June 17th vs. Fredericksburg. In his 12th start of the season, Devers tossed six shutout innings with a career-high-tying nine strikeouts as the Pelicans won 3-0 on a Friday night. It was his longest outing of the season and the fourth quality start of his career.

“He’s built a little bit differently,” said Pelicans pitching coach Clayton Mortensen. “He wants to be the best.”

When talking about Devers, Mortensen continued to mention the “belief” the young pitcher has in his ability.

“He’s been more convicted in each pitch,” Mortensen said. “When he throws it, it’s got a lot of conviction and belief behind it.”

That belief has put Devers on the map while pitching for the Pelicans this season. His fastball, curveball, sinker, and changeup mix have led him to the third-best ERA in the Carolina League at 2.64.

“He’s just been on a roll and it’s been fun to watch.”