David Sandlin

The “Sand Man” played an integral part in the Sooners 2022 campaign by providing consistency as well as a four-pitch mix that should serve him well at the next level. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound righty transferred to Oklahoma after a successful stint at Eastern Oklahoma State JC. Sandlin just a year ago relied heavily on a split-change for his putaway pitch, with a slider that was essentially nonexistent. Now, he pitches with a fastball/slider/changeup/curveball combination that saw him have success in the Sooners’ weekend rotation. Sandlin’s fastball sits 92-94 mph and touches 95 on occasion. He can work it in and out as well as elevate it when needed. His slider has shorter, downward three-quarter break that’s effective against righthanded hitters when located. To lefties Sandlin will mix in his 82-84 mph changeup with downward, fading action when timed up. He will also land a curveball for strike one on occasion, showing hitters a different offering, but will rely on his other pitches for putting them away. When Sandlin has all his pitches working, he’s a handful. His command does suffer at times, and he catches too much of the plate, which makes him susceptible to damage. However, Sandlin’s pitching in the College World Series on the biggest stage has produced solid momentum for him heading into the July draft.