Peter Moylan

2013

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2012

Moylan appeared in just 13 games as he had back surgery in May and then was shut down with a sore shoulder when he returned in September. He then had surgery to repair tears in his rotator cuff and labrum. When healthy, he induces a lot of ground balls (65 percent of career balls in play) and is tough on right-handed hitters (career .576 OPS allowed). However, he may not be ready until after the regular season starts and his career may be at risk from his shoulder surgery.

2011

Moylan's second season back from Tommy John surgery looked similar to the rest of his career, but there are some signs of concern. While his velocity increased to an average of a 90 mph fastball, it's still short of his pre-surgery form (he averaged 91-92 mph on fastballs from 2006-08). He also saw his walk rate climb to 5.2 BB/9IP - the highest of his career. Still, the sidewinder induced 67.8 percent groundballs and he held right-handed hitters to a .589 OPS. He should be one of the primary setup men for the Braves, but his problems against lefties (3:22 K:BB ratio and .987 OPS) may limit his chances to battle for the closer role.

2010

Moylan will be a key setup man for the Braves after quickly regaining his form last season just 11 months after Tommy John surgery. Moylan has a deceptive sidearm delivery that's tough on right-handed batters (he held righties to just a .534 OPS last season) when combined with a mid-to-high-90s fastball. He struggled with control initially with a 28:21 K:BB ratio in the first half, but posted a 1.00 ERA and 33:14 K:BB ratio in 36 innings after the All-Star break. His fastball did see a slight drop-off in velocity, but he should be even better next year in his first full season back from Tommy John surgery and he'll be a valuable staff filler for fantasy purposes.

2009

Moylan had Tommy John elbow ligament transplant surgery in May and won't be ready until midseason. When healthy, Moylan has a deceptive sidearm delivery that's tough on righties when combined with a mid-to-high-90's fastball. However, it's not clear if he'll be ready to resume his set-up role at any point in 2009.

2008

Moylan proved his rookie season wasn't a fluke after literally coming out of nowhere in 2006 (the former Twins prospect wasn't even playing professional baseball until scouts noticed him playing in Australia). Moylan changed his motion to a sidearm delivery and increased his velocity to the high-90s. The result is that he's tough on right-handed batters, holding them to a .532 OPS last season. Moylan had just a 63:31 K:BB ratio last season, but 12 of those walks were intentional. At age 29, his upside is somewhat limited, but he'll be a key member of Atlanta's bullpen and could figure in the mix for saves if Rafael Soriano gets hurt.

2007

Moylan wasn't even playing professional baseball until scouts noticed him last winter in Australia. A new throwing motion significantly improved his velocity and he was signed after pitching in the World Baseball Classic for Australia. He struck out nearly a batter per inning with decent control between Triple-A and the majors, but at age 30, the former failed Twins prospect's upside is limited. Still, he could carve out a productive role in the Atlanta bullpen.