Major League Baseball's 30 clubs can expand their rosters as of September 1, and they'll all do that to different extents. Among the call-ups will be several impact prospects, such as the Padres' right-handerCasey Kelly, who was promoted and made a successful debut Monday.
Trevor Bauer, RHP -- Arizona Diamondbacks
Bauer has been tremendous in his past two outings, issuing just two bases on balls and striking out 21 over 16 frames, and at home in Reno, no less, where the ball travels like it's attached to a Saturn rocket.
Bauer has been tremendous in his past two outings, issuing just two bases on balls and striking out 21 over 16 frames, and at home in Reno, no less, where the ball travels like it's attached to a Saturn rocket.
Bauer's stuff plays in the big leagues but his control and command still need work. That said, he's likely get the nod for some innings in September, as workload does not appear to be a concern at this stage.
The D-backs just dealt Joe Saunders, presumably clearing space for lefty Tyler Skaggs to remain in the rotation, but to get Bauer a few starts Patrick Corbin could be moved to the bullpen or the club could go with six starters a couple times through.
Julio Teheran, RHP -- Atlanta Braves
Teheran still has the electric arm but has not found a consistent third offering and has frequent bouts with control problems. He has pounded the zone consistently since the the calendar turned to August, however, compiling a 25-4 K/BB ratio in five starts, and was lights out in his most recent start over the weekend.
Teheran still has the electric arm but has not found a consistent third offering and has frequent bouts with control problems. He has pounded the zone consistently since the the calendar turned to August, however, compiling a 25-4 K/BB ratio in five starts, and was lights out in his most recent start over the weekend.
If the Braves do call on the 21-year-old, it's likely to be as a relief option, partly due to workload concerns but also because the Braves are pretty much set in their starting rotation.
Teheran could be a reliever long term, though, and his stuff could play up well in shorter stints. If the club uses him next month and he performs well, a role change for the future could be in order, but at the very least he can help the bullpen stay fresh as the Braves chase a playoff berth.
Wil Myers, OF -- Kansas City Royals
Myers has done all a club can ask of a young hitter; he's produced at the two highest levels of the minors, done so consistently, versus righties and lefties alike, and has now battled through a bit of a slump.
Myers has done all a club can ask of a young hitter; he's produced at the two highest levels of the minors, done so consistently, versus righties and lefties alike, and has now battled through a bit of a slump.
After a stretch where he saw a steady diet of sliders and curveballs down and away that resulted in a lot of punch outs, Myers has responded to bat .294/.405/.412 with just eight strikeouts in his past 10 games and has just 21 whiffs in August in 25 games played.
The Royals have nothing to lose, so expect Myers to get some at-bats in September, perhaps once the Triple-A playoffs are over, and don't be surprised if he never sees the minors again.
Wily Peralta and Tyler Thornburg, RHPs -- Milwaukee Brewers
Peralta may profile best as a reliever, but has good stuff and misses bats despite below-average control, and along with Thornburg serves as the club's top MLB-ready option in the pitching department.
Peralta may profile best as a reliever, but has good stuff and misses bats despite below-average control, and along with Thornburg serves as the club's top MLB-ready option in the pitching department.
Thornburg, too, may be best suited for the bullpen, but both right-handers could see some time next month, though Peralta may be nearing his innings limit and has one start left for Triple-A Nashville.
The Brewers, if they summon either or both arms, are likely to use them as starters, getting their feet wet in the most valuable possible role for the future. And with Zack Greinke andRandy Wolf gone, and Shaun Marcum hurt and slated for free agency, the Brewers sorely need pitching.
A few of these names are potential Rookie of the Year candidates for 2013, writes Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus and ESPN Insider.
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