Lucas Giolito Ranked No.21 On Baseball America’s Top 100 Prospects List

July 17, 2012; Washington, D.C., USA; Washington Nationals first round draft pick

in the dugout before a game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

For all the accolades and distinctions that the Nationals’ 19-year-old prospect has already earned, it’s almost hard to believe that Lucas Giolito missed a year due to Tommy John surgery.

Less than a month after making Keith Law’s Top 100 Prospects List (No.21 overall), Giolito was ranked as the No. 21 prospect in the game on Baseball America’s annual list.

Giolito, who has also been named the Nationals’ number one prospect by Baseball America, was the Nationals top pick in the 2012 First Year Player Draft.

He likely would have been the number one pick in the draft if he hadn’t hurt his elbow, an injury that caused him to have Tommy John surgery in 2012. Though the injury delayed his path to the big leagues, Giolito has recovered nicely from the surgery and his fastball is back to its pre-injury velocity. Along with a filthy 12-6 curve ball, which is already as good as any in the majors, Giolito is continuing to improve his change-up, a pitch that could make his 100+ MPH fastball even more devastating for hitters. The right-hander’s 6-foot-6 frame also helps, allowing him to pitch from an angle that could make things very difficult for big league hitters.

The 19-year-old Giolito may still be a few years away from the majors, but he’s already considered to be one of the best prospects in the game. Checkout Baseball America’s full list here: