Minnesota Twins select Alabama pitcher Connor Prielipp in 2022 MLB Draft

With a lengthy list of SEC schools seeing their players selected in the 2022 MLB Draft, you can add Alabama to the list. Crimson Tide pitcher Connor Prielipp was selected in the second round with the 48th overall pick by the Minnesota Twins.

The last time Prielipp was seen on a mound was in April 2021 against LSU. He went one inning where he allowed two runs on three hits but struck out three batters. From there, he missed the rest of the 2021 season and the whole of 2022 after getting Tommy John surgery.

Had there been no injury, Prielipp would have been a sure-fire first-round pick. However, going through the process of Tommy John and not being able to return to live action before the draft caused him to slide down people’s boards. If Prielipp can live up to the potential he is thought of having, it could be the potential steal of the draft for Minnesota.

During the 2020 season as a freshman, Prielipp was one of the best in the country. He was named a first-team All-American and named the Freshman Pitcher of the Year by multiple outlets. Of course, the season was cut short by COVID-19 but Prielipp was still able to put up incredible numbers.

Prielipp put together four starts for a total of 21 innings, allowing just five hits. He allowed no runs while striking out 35 batters and walking just six. Alabama earned wins in all four games but only three were attributed to Prielipp’s name.

The rehab process has begun for Prielipp, throwing some bullpen sessions before the Crimson Tide’s season ended. But as mentioned, no real game time occurred for the right-handed pitcher. Minnesota will continue to make sure his timeline stays a positive one before Prielipp starts his professional baseball career.