Right-handed pitcher Luke Hayden, ranked No. 30 by MLB Pipeline among the Cincinnati Reds' top prospects, tossed five shutout innings in his debut Thursday for the High-A Dayton Dragons against the Fort Wayne TinCaps.
The 22 year old allowed just one hit and one walk with five strikeouts. He threw 63 pitches, 41 for strikes.
Hayden was selected in the 8th round by the Reds in the 2024 MLB draft.
Hayden, an Indiana native, pitched for two seasons at IU, and one season at Indiana State. He entered the transfer portal last year and committed to LSU, but signed with the Reds instead of pitching for the Tigers.
Hayden made four relief appearances last season for the Low-A Daytona Tortugas, posting a 3.60 ERA with six strikeouts in five innings.
Last week, Chase Burns, the Reds' top prospect and the second overall pick in the 2024 draft, impressed in his pro debut for the Dragons.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Luke Hayden first Dayton start: Reds prospect throws 5 shutout innings
