Van Poppel’s Fastball Is Impressive as He Makes His First Start as a Pro

MEDFORD, Ore. — Todd Van Poppel, 18, who signed a $1.2-million contract with the Oakland Athletics last week, made his professional pitching debut Sunday night.

Van Poppel started for the Southern Oregon Athletics, Oakland’s Class-A team in the Northwest League.

He gave up one hit--an infield single--walked three and struck out five in 3 2/3 innings against the Bend Bucks. Van Poppel, who was held to a 60-pitch limit by Southern Oregon, had first-inning pitches clocked at as fast as 94 m.p.h.

“He’s got a nice loose arm when he’s out in front of the count,” said Wes Stock, Oakland’s minor league pitching instructor. “That’s when he shows you 90-plus.

“He threw strikes better than expected. He had (only) three walks, and that was impressive.”

Southern Oregon won, 14-6.

Saturday, Van Poppel said one of his challenges would be to learn how to mix his changeup and curve.

“I need to learn how to mix those pitches for strikes in difficult situations,” he said.