August 30, 2021
2021 draftee Riley Tirotta is transitioning nicely to the professional game. Tirotta, who was the Blue Jays’ 12th round selection a month ago has recorded 16 hits in his first 37 at-bats in pro ball.
Focused on keeping things simple in the batter’s box has really helped Tirotta so far in pro ball.
“The coaches are telling me to do what I do offensively,” explained Tirotta. “They’re telling me to focus on the things that got me here and it’s working so far.”
His quick start to professional hitting should come as no surprise, as Tirotta had a breakout senior season for the University of Dayton.
Slashing .337/.450/.696 with an OPS 1.147 in 181 collegiate at-bats; definitely caught the eyes of the Toronto Blue Jays’ scouts prior to the draft.
Tirotta credits his increased production on a swing change he made during his 2021 season at Dayton.
“I was struggling a bit, so I made a swing change which I credit mostly to working hard at it, and sticking with it,” stated Tirotta. “My coaches, my teammates, and my roommates dad was J.P. Ricciardi, long time GM, and assistant GM. He gave me some pointers, so did Coach King at Dayton. I went out on a limb and trusted in myself to make that swing change during the year and it ended up working out really well for me.”
Another area Tirotta is working hard at is his play at third base. Logging 86 innings so far at the hot corner; Tirotta has a .926 fielding percentage, while assisting on 19 plays, and taken part in one double play.
“I feel I’m developing well at third base,” said Tirotta. “Obviously, there’s always something you can work on. Right now for me, it’s putting myself in a better spot on routine plays. I feel I’m developing well at third base, because I played three years of third at Dayton. I see myself there long-term, but if need be, I can move all-around the field.”
Be sure to follow Riley Tirotta, as he continues to impress in the Toronto Blue Jays minor league system.