(*) CALL-UPS: May 5-11, 2014
May 10 2014
Contributing writers: Jeremy Deloney (JD), Chris Mallonee (CM), Nick Richards (NR) and Matthew St-Germain (MSG).
May 11, 2014
Eric Campbell (IF/OF, NYM)
The Mets demoted Josh Satin to Triple-A and added Campbell, a 27-year-old corner infielder/outfielder. The right-handed hitter has enjoyed a second consecutive solid season in Las Vegas, showcasing his gap power and patient approach at the plate. He was an 8th round pick in 2008 and has more or less been an organizational player since. He provides an ample amount of defensive versatility, playing all over the diamond. Campbell has spent most of his time this season at 2B, but has generally played the corner infield and outfield positions in the past. He makes consistent contact with a simple stroke and has a discerning eye to draw walks and get on base. His lack of bat speed may show up against good fastballs, and he doesn’t recognize spin well. Campbell’s career high in HR is only 10 (2010), and he isn’t adept at stealing bases (high of 12 in 2013). The best he’ll provide in the near-term and long-term is his versatility with the glove and some pinch-hitting duties with the bat. He is a career .284/.380/.416 hitter in the minors. (JD)
STATS: Las Vegas (AAA) – 141 AB, .355/.442/.525, 15 2b, 3 HR, 1.00 Eye, 3 SB
CURRENT ROLE: Reserve corner infielder/outfielder
POTENTIAL: Reserve corner infielder/outfielder
RATING: 5C
May 10, 2014
Joey Butler (OF, STL)
The Cardinals demoted Randal Grichuk and recalled the 28-year-old Butler from Triple-A, hoping to take advantage of his hot bat. The right-handed hitter will likely serve as an extra bat off the bench for the short-term. St. Louis obtained him off waivers from the Rangers in October 2013 after he spent his entire pro career in the Texas organization. Butler made his major league debut in 2013 and earned 12 AB. He spent the majority of the past four years in Triple-A. He is a hard-working player who maximizes his limited natural ability. Butler can hit for some power and moderate BA with his average bat speed and likes to go gap-to-gap when he’s at his best. He’ll often stretch the strike zone by chasing pitches, and his lack of contact may not bode well for success in the big leagues. Butler has poor athleticism and foot speed and is not much of a threat to steal bases. His defense is also questionable, as his routes leave lots to be desired. He does have a strong arm, however. Butler has a career line of .293/.379/.445 with a high of 20 HR in 2012. (JD)
STATS: Memphis (AAA) – 86 AB, .360/.481/.547, 4 2b, 4 HR, 1.19 Eye, 0 SB
CURRENT ROLE: Reserve outfielder
POTENTIAL: Reserve outfielder
RATING: 6D
Efren Navarro (1B/OF, LAA)
The Angels recalled the 27-year-old Navarro from Triple-A, where he spent the majority of the past four seasons. The left-handed hitter has appeared in the big leagues for a total of 14 AB in 2011 and 2013. He is a short, strong, and steady performer who has proven to be a solid hitter with the ability to get on base consistently. Navarro was a 50th round pick in the 2007 draft and has clearly exceeded expectations. He has an innate feel for the strike zone and he uses a level swing to produce doubles power. His detractors will point to his lack of over-the-fence pop, as his career high in HR is 12 in 2011. He makes very easy contact and has a solid batting eye. Navarro is also a capable defender at 1B, where he has fine range and soft hands. He has also seen action in LF in 2014 and should see time there for the Angels. He may not produce ideal power for a corner infielder or outfielder, but he offers the type of secondary skills that organizations covet. (JD)
STATS: Salt Lake (AAA) – 127 AB, .315/.401/.378, 8 2b, 0 HR, 0.86 Eye, 1 SB
CURRENT ROLE: Part-time 1B/LF
POTENTIAL: Reserve 1B/LF
RATING: 6A
May 9, 2014
Rougned Odor (2B, TEX)
When Donnie Murphy (3B, TEX) became the latest injured infielder for the Rangers, Texas called up 20-year-old Rougned Odor to make his major league debut. Considered to be among the best prospects in baseball, Odor was #66 on the HQ100 prospect list. Odor is a fundamentally sound infielder who brings both power and speed to the 2B position. Last year between High-A and Double-A he had a breakout season in which he hit .305/.365/.474 with 11 HRs and 32 SBs. He has a line-drive stroke and hits well against both LHP and RHP. His range and strong arm make him a good fit for 2B. The Rangers are saying he will start four or five times per week, so the main risk to playing time will come when Jurickson Profar (2B, TEX) returns from his injury. Odor is skipping Triple-A, so there is that risk as he tries to adjust to the majors right from Double-A. In the long run he has the talent to play a solid major-league 2B while hitting .280+ with double-digit steals and home runs. For now he has an opportunity, and he is talented enough to possibly make it work earlier than expected. Through four seasons in the minors, Odor has a combined line of .280/.336/.425 with 29 HRs, 75 2b and 67 SB in 329 games. (NR)
2014 STATS: Frisco (AA) – 129 AB, .279/.314/.450, 2 2b, 1 3b, 6 HR, 0.32 Eye, 6 SB
CURRENT ROLE: Starting 2B
POTENTIAL: Starting 2B
RATING: 8C
May 8, 2014
Caleb Joseph (C, BAL)
Joseph received his initial call-up to give the Orioles an additional catcher while they determine whether or not to place Matt Weiters (C, BAL) on the DL (sore elbow). Jemile Weeks (2B, BAL) was optioned to AAA-Norfolk to make room on the roster. Joseph is in his seventh minor-league season and has bounced between Double-A and Triple-A since 2010. He is a strong defensive catcher who has developed some decent pop over the years. He hit a career-high 22 home runs in 2013—although it was his age-26 season and in Double-A. Joseph is athletic behind the dish, making him a solid blocker and receiver, but he does not possess great arm strength or accuracy on his throws. Offensively, he exhibits decent plate patience but does not have quick hands to the ball, producing only run-of-the-mill bat speed and causing his problems making solid contact against high-velocity pitchers. Joseph has a lot of effort in his swing, but he’s added some leverage that boosts his power numbers to average. With two catchers ahead of him in the Orioles system (Michael Ohlman and Chance Sisco), Joseph figures to serve in a reserve role from here on out. He will provide adequate defense and hitting when he gets the chance to play. Joseph has a slash line of .282/.363/.440 with 40 HR and a 0.48 Eye in seven seasons. (CM)
STATS: Norfolk (AAA) - 92 AB, .261/.284/.402, 7 2b, 2 HR, 0.14 Eye
CURRENT ROLE: Backup catcher
POTENTIAL: Backup catcher
RATING: 6D
May 7, 2014
Robbie Ray (LHP, DET)
Ray has been called up to join the Tigers rotation while Aníbal Sánchez (RHP, DET) is on the disabled list. Ray was in the Nationals organization before being part of the trade involving Doug Fister (RHP, WAS) during the 2013 offseason and ranked #9 on the 2014 Detroit Organization Report. The former 12th round pick (2010) had a forgettable ’12 season, but a very nice bounce-back season in ‘13. Most of the turnaround can be attributed to fastball velocity that inched up to 90-95 mph along with adding deception to his delivery while cleaning up mechanics. After dialing up the fastball to 95, Ray can take something off and add movement to keep hitters on their toes. His fastball is a go-to pitch, particularly early in counts, but he also throws a plus slider and a change-up that showed a lot of improvement last season. Early returns are promising for improved command, as Ray had just five walks against 28 strikeouts at the time of call-up. He looked very good in his five starts for Triple-A Toledo, posting a 1.53 ERA and allowing just one home run. He is only promised one start in Sanchez’s absence, but a nice showing could open up some opportunity in the short-term. Ray has the potential to slot in nicely as a #4 starter in the future, particularly if he continues being able to command his three pitches as well as he has shown in the early going this season. (CM)
STATS: Toledo (AAA) - 6g, 5gs, 3-2 1.53 ERA, 29.1 IP, 1.5 Ctl, 4.2 Cmd, 6.4 Dom, 1 HR, .255 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Fill-in starter
POTENTIAL: #4 starter
RATING: 7C
Blake Treinen (RHP, WAS)
The Nationals have called up Treinen for a spot start, which will be his first career big league starting assignment. The 7th round draftee (2011) was traded from Oakland to Washington prior to the 2013 season. He’s spent time as both a reliever and starter, but has worked primarily as a starter the last two seasons with pretty solid results. Treinen utilizes his 6’5 frame and plus arm strength well, throwing a fastball that can reach 97 with steep downward action. He can also take some off to get more movement. He compliments his fastball with a nice slider, though his change-up is still a work in progress. He doesn’t get as many strikeouts as he seemingly should with his plus fastball, but this may be due to working too much in the strike zone. Treinen has become very effective at getting ground ball outs. Developing a third pitch will become key in his quest to land a starting rotation spot. At worst, he has more than enough tools to project as an effective middle reliever. In three plus seasons, Treinen has a 3.71 ERA, 7.7 Dom, 2.3 Ctl, and 1.27 WHIP. (CM)
STATS: Syracuse (AAA) - 4g, 4gs, 0-0 1.59 ERA, 11.1 IP, 4.0 Ctl, 1.8 Cmd, 7.2 Dom, 0 HR, .195 oppBA, 1.15 WHIP
CURRENT ROLE: Spot starter
POTENTIAL: #3 starter
RATING: 8E
Evan Marshall (RHP, ARI)
The Diamondbacks called up Marshall after placing J.J. Putz (RHP, ARI) on the 15-day disabled list with a right forearm injury. Marshall was drafted in the 4th round of the 2011 draft out of Kansas State and will be making his major league debut. He was off to an impressive start at Triple-A Reno, giving up just one earned run while striking out 19 and walking five over 16 innings pitched. He began his college career as a starter before being moved to the bullpen his junior season. Historically he has averaged two groundballs for each fly ball allowed, working down in the zone consistently with good sink on his pitches. The 6’2 righty throws from a three-quarters arm slot with some deception, which helps his mid-90s fastball play up. In addition to the fastball, Marshall has both a solid-average slider and change-up. Prior to pitching 2013 in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League, he always demonstrated an ability to limit walks, and has fared better in the walk department during his second go-round in the PCL this season. Since the beginning of 2013, Marshall has seen a nice uptick in Dom as he continues to sequence and command his pitches better. Although he doesn’t project as a closer, he could become a quality setup reliever due to his ability to throw any of his three pitches in any count, limit homeruns, and get lots of strikeouts and groundballs. Over 154 innings dating back to 2011, Marshall has a 3.03 ERA with a 7.9 Dom and 3.4 Ctl. (CM)
STATS: Reno (AAA) - 14g, 0-1 0.54 ERA, 1 Sv, 16.2 IP, 2.7 Ctl, 3.8 Cmd, 10.3 Dom, 0 HR, .175 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL: Late-innings reliever
RATING: 7D
Phillip Irwin (RHP, PIT)
Irwin is being called up for a second consecutive season to give a taxed Pirates bullpen some relief help. Irwin made one start for the Pirates in April ’13 and two for Triple-A Indianapolis before elbow surgery shut him down for the rest of the year. He showed well in the ’13 Arizona Fall League, but battled soreness in his elbow during spring training and has been eased back to action this year at Indianapolis (two starts in seven appearances). The 2009 21st rounder has a strong pitching frame (6’3 210) that he uses to work downhill creating lots of groundouts. His arsenal includes an 87-93 mph fastball, a decent slider, and a change-up that is good enough to keep left-handed hitters honest. None of his three offerings figure to get lots of swing-and-misses in the big leagues, so he will have to rely on continuing to induce weak contact and groundballs to be successful. He has put up consistently good numbers year after year in the minors, highlighted by an impressive 1.7 Ctl over 441 innings. If Irwin’s slider improves and he can shows he’s fully recovered from elbow surgery, he could find his way to the back-end of a rotation. The Pirates also could decide to use him as a swingman/long reliever. Since 2009, Irwin has a 3.22 ERA along with an 8.0 Dom. (CM)
STATS: Indianapolis (AAA) - 7g, 2 gs, 1-2 9.00 ERA, 18 IP, 5.0 Ctl, 1.5 Cmd, 7.5 Dom, 3 HR, .306 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL: #5 starter/swingman
RATING: 7D
Arnold Leon (RHP, OAK)
Leon will make his major league debut as 26th man for Oakland’s May 7 doubleheader. The 25-year-old was signed by Oakland in 2008 while playing in the Mexican League and saw his development delayed by Tommy John surgery in 2010. Leon was converted from a reliever to starter in 2013 and made 25 starts between Double-A and Triple-A. He utilizes three pitches: a fastball that can reach 95 mph, a slow curveball that’s average at-best, and a nice change-up. Not much projection left here, but he really knows how to pitch and that helps his stuff play up. Leon throws with a clean, easy delivery and locates his fastball nicely in the lower half of the zone. He misses a good number of bats despite not having a reliable breaking ball. Between Tommy John surgery and a career spent mostly as a reliever, durability is a concern. Prior to 2013, Leon had never pitched more than 74 innings in a given season. A strong spring training strengthened his case as a potential back-end starter for the A’s, though they might convert him to a reliever where he could couple his pinpoint control with the ability to reach back for more on his fastball. Over 412 innings, Leon owns a 3.58 ERA, 7.7 Dom, and 2.8 Ctl. (CM)
STATS: Sacramento (AAA) - 6g, 6 gs, 2-1 4.34 ERA, 29 IP, 3.1 Ctl, 2.2 Cmd, 6.8 Dom, 1 HR, .296 oppBA, 1.52 WHIP
CURRENT ROLE: Spot starter for doubleheader
POTENTIAL: #5 starter
RATING: 6A
Chase Anderson (RHP, ARI)
Anderson’s impressive April at Double-A Mobile has earned him his first call-up. It is unclear at this point whether he will work in long relief initially or fill Mike Bolsinger’s (RHP, ARI) spot in the rotation. Anderson was moved back to a starter at Mobile after finishing ’13 as a reliever following a six week absence due to an arm strain. Over six starts at Mobile, Anderson has a 0.69 ERA and 8.8 Dom. His plus change-up is his calling card, as he does not have overpowering stuff. He shows decent fastball velocity (88-92 mph), and goes right after hitters thanks to his plus change-up and ability to repeat mechanics and arm speed. He keeps hitters off guard with his willingness to throw his change-up in any count and always being around the plate. Anderson rounds out his arsenal with an average curve and a decent slider. He shows an advanced feel for pitching and works all quadrants of the strike zone. He won’t strike out a ton of hitters, but should contribute nicely in WHIP and ERA in whatever role he ultimately fills. In 398 innings dating back to 2009, Anderson has pitched to a 3.44 ERA with a 9.0 Dom and 2.3 Ctl. (CM)
STATS: Mobile (AA) - 6g, 6 gs, 4-2 0.69 ERA, 39 IP, 1.4 Ctl, 6.3 Cmd, 8.8 Dom, 1 HR, .159 oppBA, 0.72 WHIP
CURRENT ROLE: Long reliever
POTENTIAL: #4 starter/reliever
RATING: 6B
May 6, 2014
Cory Rasmus (RHP, LAA)
Rasmus is back up with the Angels after 16 appearances over multiple call-ups in 2013. He has battled arm problems throughout his career, with three arm surgeries in five seasons limiting him to 13 IP between ’06-‘08. He regained his fastball velocity and came onto the prospect scene with a breakout 2012 followed by a strong 2013 that saw him post a 1.94 ERA with a 10.9 Dom over 46 IP. The 26-year-old throws a three-pitch arsenal: a fastball that can hit 95 mph, a sweeping curveball, and a mid-80s mph change-up that is his best overall pitch. He goes after hitters aggressively with his fastball early in the count and uses his curve as an out pitch. His change-up allows him to be successful against both left-handed and right-handed hitters. Though Rasmus doesn’t have upper-90s mph velocity, he can disrupt hitters' timing enough to earn some meaningful innings out of the bullpen. His biggest hurdle will be learning to limit walks (career 4.3 Ctl), as he has struggled with control for the past several seasons. He has successfully converted 25 of 30 save opportunities since 2012. Dating back to 2006, Rasmus has a 3.54 ERA with a 9.2 Dom and .220 oppBA (CM).
STATS: Salt Lake City (AAA) - 12g, 1-1, 2.76 ERA, 1 Sv, 16.1 IP, 5.5 Ctl, 1.3 Cmd, 7.0 Dom, .179 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle Reliever
POTENTIAL: Setup Reliever
RATING: 7D
Pedro Báez (RHP, LAD)
Baez was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2007 as a third base prospect. One of his strengths was a plus arm from the hot corner, so when his offensive career fizzled the Dodgers gave him a look as a pitcher prior to the 2013 season. He has taken to pitching quite nicely, earning his first call-up after just 70 career IP, during which time Baez has pitched to a 3.69 ERA with seven saves. Baez was five-for-five in save opportunities for Double-A Chattanooga at the time of call-up. Stephen Fife (RHP, LAD) was optioned to Triple-A Albuquerque to make room for Baez, who is expected to provide some bullpen help until Clayton Kershaw (LHP, LAD) returns from the disabled list. Baez throws a fastball that tops out at 95-96 mph with quick arm action and nice downward plane. As can be imagined, he is still learning to repeat his mechanics and working to add a reliable secondary pitch to his arsenal. His curveball is showing some promise, and Baez is making nice progress learning to command both pitches, though work still remains to be done. He has the potential to develop into a nice late-innings reliever with good Dom if he can learn to sequence and command both pitches; the raw tools are certainly there. In addition to a 3.69 ERA, Baez owns an 8.0 Dom, 3.7 Ctl, and .277 oppBA. (CM)
STATS: Chattanooga (AA) - 11g, 1-0, 2.84 ERA, 5 Sv, 12.2 IP, 4.3 Ctl, 1.3 Cmd, 5.7 Dom, .213 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle Reliever
POTENTIAL: Setup Reliever
RATING: 7C
Jake Dunning (RHP, SF)
Matt Cain’s (RHP, SF) DL trip opened up a spot for Dunning to join the Giants' bullpen as Yusmeiro Petit (RHP, SF) moved from the bullpen to the rotation. Dunning was called up once in June of ’13 then again in September. He had a nice first showing in the majors, posting a 2.84 ERA over 29 appearances. He was drafted as a shortstop in the 33rd round of the 2009 draft but was soon after converted to a reliever. Dunning uses his tall, athletic frame to work downhill and relies mostly on a plus fastball in the low-to-mid 90s mph and a slider he throws as an out pitch. The key to his success has been consistently working down in the zone, locating his pitches well, and forcing lots of ground balls. As his career 8.4 Dom attests, he also knows how to get strikeouts when needed. Dunning throws with easy arm action and repeatable mechanics, and has put up consistent numbers year-to-year, having never earned a Ctl mark higher than 3.0 over any full season. The Giants are hoping Dunning can fill a short-term role as a long reliever, but he shows promise as a pitcher who could eventually slide into a setup role with his plus fastball, swing-and-miss slider, and solid command. Dating back to 2009, Dunning owns a 3.54 ERA with 2.8 Ctl and 3.0 Cmd. (CM)
STATS: Fresno (AAA) - 8g, 1gs, 0-1, 2.51 ERA, 14.1 IP, 4.4 Ctl, 1.6 Cmd, 6.9 Dom, .163 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Long Reliever
POTENTIAL: Setup Reliever
RATING: 7C
May 5, 2014
Marcus Stroman (RHP, TOR)
The Blue Jays recalled one of their top prospects from Triple-A, the 23-year-old Stroman. Standing only 5’9” 185 pounds, the former first round pick in 2012 is a short and very athletic pitcher with an electric arm. He began the 2013 campaign on the sidelines as a result of a suspension due to PEDs. Upon returning, he was moved to the starting rotation and he has a very bright future, though his future role is unclear at this time. Stroman has excellent, pure stuff highlighted by a plus-plus slider that he can ratchet up to the upper 80s. He can generate a quality four-seamer in the 90-95 mph range due to his lightning fast arm. To add to his effectiveness is a terrific cutter that he throws with conviction. Stroman generates lots of groundballs, but he also can get hitters to swing and miss at his lively pitch mix. He has a good, deceptive change-up that can be potent against left-handed hitters. There isn’t much to quibble about, though he isn’t blessed with great size. Plus, his fastball can be straight at higher velocities. He’ll pitch in middle relief for now, but it wouldn’t surprise if he earns his way into the starting rotation or moves into the late innings. He owns a career 3.03 ERA, 2.5 Ctl, and 10.7 Dom. (JD)
STATS: Buffalo (AAA) – 5 gs, 2-2 1.69 ERA, 26.2 IP, 5.1 Cmd, 2.4 Ctl, 12.2 Dom, 0 HR, .222 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL: #3 starter / Closer
RATING: 8B
Nate Karns (RHP, TAM)
To provide insurance for a taxed bullpen, the Rays recalled the 26-year-old from Triple-A. They returned him to the same affiliate after the big league game on Sunday, May 4. Karns, a big-bodied and aggressive hurler, was obtained from the Nationals organization in February 2014. He has steadily risen through the minors and reached Washington for three starts in 2013. He wasn’t effective in any of his starts, but he has some value as a back-of-the-rotation arm. Karns has been able to post a high strikeout rate because of his ability to get hitters to chase his secondary offerings. He throws strikes with a nice 90-95 mph fastball and counters that with an above average curveball and subpar change-up. He thrives with his power sinker, but he has struggled to throw strikes consistently with his breaking ball and change-up. He generally commands his fastball well and will need to continue that in order to earn a role in the big leagues. Karns has become a good sequencer of pitches, but his value ultimately rests on his command and control. The 12th round pick in 2009 has a career 3.11 ERA, 4.0 Ctl, and 10.8 Dom. (JD)
STATS: Durham (AAA) – 6 gs, 26.1 IP, 2-2 8.20 ERA, 1.8 Cmd, 6.2 Ctl, 11.3 Dom, 6 HR, ,297 oppBA
CURRENT ROLE: Middle reliever
POTENTIAL: #4 starter
RATING: 7C
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