Mengden will not be found high on top prospect lists but he may prove to be a hidden gem based on the season he is having. His ascension this season was rapid -- he had not pitched above High-A prior to this spring.

After cruising through four Double-A starts with a 0.78 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 23 innings, Mengden was fast tracked to Triple-A where he was nearly as dominant. He had a 1.39 ERA and 0.84 WHIP in seven turns at Triple-A before being summoned to the A's. Despite an 0-3 start, Mengden has delivered with a 3.00 ERA, 1.28 WHIP and 21 Ks in 18 innings.

Mengden averaged a strikeout per inning in the minors and he also has a knack for keeping the ball on the ground, with a 1.40 GO/AO at Double-A and Triple-A this season and a 1.26 GO/AO for his minor league career.  Unfortunately, Mengden has been burned by home runs, with five of his six earned runs allowed coming on the long ball. He may be able to right the ship on that number, but he may also need time to adjust to MLB hitting. Either way, there is enough here to warrant a flier in a lot of leagues.

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