With nearly a month and a half down some major leaguers are rolling like Josh Hamilton, Carlos Beltran, and Matt Kemp off to remarkable starts, it’s time to look at some minor leaguers who have had some hot starts and deserve call-ups. These moves will be justified with the stellar performance by some prospects like Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Will Middlebrooks, Drew Smyly and Lance Lynn. So without further adieu:
Nick Castellanos, Detroit Tigers (A+)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 46
Stats: .403/2 HR/24 RBI/3 SB/.450 OBP
Moved up to: Toledo Mud Hens (AAA)
To Replace: Audy Ciriaco
Reasoning: Audy is currently hitting .197 in 33 games played. Castellanos was an FSL All-Star last season and is a future stud for the Tigers.
Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs (AAA)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 33
Stats: .338/11 HR/34 RBI/2 SB/.407 OBP
Moved up to: Chicago Cubs (MLB)
To Replace: Blake DeWitt
Reasoning: Rizzo would be in the majors for any struggling team EXCEPT the Cubs. The only thing in the way of Rizzo to the majors is Bryan LaHair who is currently the Cubs best hitter. When LaHair cools off you should see Rizzo in the big leagues. For now I would say he could pinch-hit in certain spots but shouldn’t just be a pinch-hitter.
Jurickson Profar, Texas Rangers (AA)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 6
Stats: .284/4 HR/18 RBI/4 SB/.336 OBP
Moved up to: Round Rock Express (AAA)
To Replace: Luis Hernandez
Reasoning: Profar is the best infield prospect in the entire MLB. He is currently in the system of the hottest hitting team in baseball. IF Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler go down with an injury this season be sure to look out for Profar.
Billy Hamilton, Cincinnati Reds (A+)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 31
Stats: .359/1 HR/10 RBI/.426 OBP/35 SB
Moved up to: Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA)
To Replace: Brodi Greene
Reasoning: It isn;t that big of a jump. I see it more as a test run. Have you seen his stats? Look at them again… 35 stolen bases! In 32 games played might I add. Hamilton is my favorite prospect in all of baseball and I think he will be a Jose Reyes type player eventually. Unfortunately for him he will have to learn to play outfield because Zack Cosart currently occupies the Reds shortstop position.
Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins (A)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 21
Stats: .291/10 HR/32 RBI/2 SB/.405 OBP
Moved up to: New Britain Rock Cats (AA)
To Replace: Deibinson Romero
Reasoning: Sano is the Twins best prospect who are currently the MLB’s worst team. Sano draws plenty of walks which shows his maturity and plate discipline. This will help him move up the ranks and hopefully make him a late season starter for a bad team.
Dylan Bundy, Baltimore Orioles (A)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 9
Stats: 0.00 ERA/0-0 W-L/20 IP/33 SO/.032 Opponent Batting Average
Moved up to: Norfolk Tides (AAA)
To Replace: Willie Eyre
Reasoning: Most of you are saying: Seriously? 0.00 ERA in 20 IP and a 33:2 K:BB ratio!!! Dylan Bundy only pitches 3-4 innings when he starts. Why? I do not know. My vote is move him up to AAA and just let him come out of the ‘pen. The guy is clearly capable. No need to rush however, he is only 19. If the O’s want him to be a starter move him up to AA.
Jameson Tallion, Pittsburgh Pirates (A+)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 7
Stats: 1.47/2-2 W-L/36 SO/.189 OBA
Moved up to: Altoona Curve (AA)
To Replace: Aaron Pribanic
Reasoning: Jameson has been fairly dominant. He has been given little run support like most Pirates pitchers this season. He will be a HUGE key to the Pirates success in the coming years with Gerrit Cole. He is also 20.
Trevor Bauer, Arizona Diamondbacks (AA)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: 8
Stats: 1.68 ERA/7-1 W-L/60 SO/.192 OBA
Moved up to: Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB)
To Replace: None
Reasoning: Bauer should’ve been called up over Patrick Corbin. That’s a fact. Corbin has been able to hold his own this season. Bauer can be eased into the starting rotation because of the depth at the position. If he isn’t in the MLB this season I will be shocked.
Daniel Rosenbaum, Washington Nationals (AA)
MLB.com Prospect Rank: Not ranked. Not even within the organization.
Stats: 0.71 ERA/5-0 W-L/33 SO/.180 OBA
Moved up to: Syracuse Cheifs (AAA)
To Replace: Tanner Roark
Reasoning: Rosenbaum has been the best prospect all season for the NL-East leading Nats. He has been better than Bryce Harper. That’s high praise.
