Switch-pitching 2024 first-rounder dominates in pro debut

Give Jurrangelo Cijntje a hand for a tremendous pro debut. And then give him another one after that.

The already well-known switch-pitcher was on point in his first outing for High-A Everett, striking out six over four scoreless innings against Spokane in the club's 8-0 win Saturday night at Avista Stadium. Cijntje walked a pair and allowed just a first-inning single in his first Minor League start.

The Mariners' No. 9 prospect allowed his lone hit in the opening frame and picked up his first two career strikeouts in the second. Cijntje stood tall in the third, striking out the side while throwing 11 of his 13 pitches for strikes. He walked a pair in his final frame -- both as a southpaw -- before retiring the final two batters, one via the K, to close out his debut.

The Netherlands-born hurler used his mid-90s fastball and slider/changeup combination to great effect against Spokane, which managed just three baserunners. Cijntje notched all six of his strikeouts as a right-hander. Of the 14 batters he faced, he threw right-handed 11 times, with opposing batters going 1-for-11.

Lefties finished 0-for-1 with two walks.

Due to the sheer number of right-handed batters compared to lefties, being equally effective will take work.

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¡°I¡¯m probably throwing more from the right side, but we¡¯ve developed a sinker too from the left side and it¡¯s getting way better,¡± Cijntje told MLB Pipeline's Jim Callis last month. ¡°And the slider is more like a sweeper now. Everything is getting better from both sides. Even though I¡¯m going to throw more from the right side, but from the left side, the stuff is getting better.¡±

The 21-year-old showed few nerves in his first official outing since closing out his collegiate career with Mississippi State last June 1. Cijntje did pitch -- with both hands -- during Spring Breakout last month, fanning two, including fellow 2024 first-rounder Travis Bazzana (CLE No. 1/MLB No. 9), who didn't mince words about what he saw.

¡°That's something special,¡± Bazzana said. ¡°You don't really see that ever. I think he's got a bright future, and it was cool to battle.¡±