Interesting decision ahead
The potential 2021 Arizona State draft class wasn’t going to be as star studded as the 2020 class, but the second Sun Devil came off the board on Tuesday. Left-handed pitcher Erik Tolman was selected in the 14th round by the Washington Nationals in the MLB Draft.
Tolman, a redshirt junior, only threw 13.1 innings this past season after he was one of the Arizona State arms that needed Tommy John surgery. As a freshman, he really came onto the stage throwing 48 innings with a 3.38 ERA. Before the season was cut short in 2020, Tolman flourished in the starting rotation having a 2.50 ERA in 18 innings and a 30-12 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
There will need to be a decision made by Tolman. He has two years left of college eligibility to use. His stock could he higher as his pitching arsenal is impressive, but coming off Tommy John he’d need to bet on himself if he were to return to Arizona State. If Tolman were to return he’d come into a smaller role to begin before likely heading back into the starting rotation. However, that also depends on the draft position of other Sun Devils and signees.
It’ll be interesting to see.