With the start of the minor-league season, players are finally gaining an opportunity to prove they’re ready to take the step up to the next level, and perhaps even the majors. The Mariners called upon two of their top three prospects, Jarred Kelenic and Logan Gilbert, to make their big-league debuts Thursday. Maybe it’s time for the Pirates to do the same.
Sure, the best Bucco prospects are in the lower levels with Quinn Priester, Nick Gonzales and Liover Peguero all in high Class A Greensboro. But the Pirates are uniquely positioned to add not one but two of their, probably, top-30 prospects to the major-league roster sooner rather than later.
Colin Moran is down with a left groin strain, and although Todd Tomczyk provided a good prognosis Wednesday, he could be sidelined a little longer. Phillip Evans, Moran’s fill-in at first base, left Wednesday afternoon’s loss to the Reds with left hamstring discomfort.
Considering the present situation at first base, there’s not a long list of reasons to prevent Will Craig from getting a shot. He wouldn’t even be taking someone’s spot if Evans is out. It’d be a pretty natural fit.
To add to that, the Pirates outfield situation has been a mess from opening day, although they do finally have five natural outfielders on the active roster for the first time all season. Even so, outside of Bryan Reynolds and Gregory Polanco, the other three outfielders -- Ka’ai Tom, Troy Stokes Jr. and Ben Gamel -- shouldn’t be what’s keeping Travis Swaggerty from ascending to the majors.
Craig, the Pirates’ 2016 first-rounder, has three homers and seven RBIs in 26 at-bats for Class AAA Indianapolis so far this season. His teammate, Swaggerty, has also left the yard twice with four RBIs. Neither has posted an excellent average but they wouldn’t be replacing someone that’s tearing the cover off the ball.
They’d both probably benefit from a little more seasoning in the minors. But considering what they’ve been willing to put on the field in the past week in the majors following their laundry list of injuries, why not?
YOUR TURN: When would you pull the trigger to promote a prospect like Swaggerty or Craig to be a big-league regular?