June 1 tends to be the time when a lot of the top prospects start getting called up. We are now two weeks away, so let’s take a look at seven prospects (I left out names like Clay Buchholz and Lastings Milledge, who have already seen extended time in the major leagues) that should be on owners radars, as they could offer potential help once recalled:
Matt Wieters - Baltimore Orioles
He hit 3 home runs over two games earlier this week, breaking a long homerless streak and moving him ever closer to the major leagues. He’s lowered his strikeouts, with just 5 over his past 10 games (through Saturday) and has his average at .280. Fantasy owners have been anxiously awaiting his arrival, and I think the patience is getting ready to finally being rewarded.
David Price - Tampa Bay Rays
Struggles or not, I still think he’s going to be the first starter to get the call for the Rays. We all know he’s an elite talent who can perform on the grandest of stages.
Tommy Hanson - Atlanta Braves
Kris Medlen is getting the first opportunity, but long-term we all know that Hanson has the higher upside. His time is going to come, considering his 64 Ks in just 47.2 innings at Triple-A. In his last four starts he hasn’t struck out fewer than seven in a game, totaling 35 over 27 innings.
Kyle Blanks - San Diego Padres
He’s not on too many radars, but in my opinion he really should be. He’s not only working out in the outfield, but actually appearing in games in LF. If he proves adequate there, he is going to get his chance. I know he’s struggling with the bat now, but slumps happen. He has a power bat that will translate to the majors, as we’ve already discussed (click here to read my review on him).
Chris Tillman - Baltimore Orioles
While a lot of talk focuses on Jake Arrieta, Tillman has been excelling at Triple-A thus far. In six starts he’s gone 4-0 with a 2.03 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 37 Ks in 31 innings of work. Considering they are currently using Mark Hendrickson and Adam Eaton in the rotation, it really shouldn’t be surprising to see him in the Orioles rotation soon.
Austin Jackson - New York Yankees
There’s a lot of clamor in New York to give the young centerfielder a chance, given the Yankees early season struggles, and he’s doing everything he can to force their hands. The 22-year old is hitting .348 with 8 SB in 115 AB and could provide a spark at the top of the Yankees line-up. Of course, he has been struggling lately, hitting .265 in his past 10 games, but when has something like that slowed the Yankees down in the past?
Aaron Poreda - Chicago White Sox
The 22-year old has been solid in Double-A, posting a 2.52 ERA over 39.1 innings. The team has proven that they are willing to shake things up, already demoting Jose Contreras and replacing him with Clayton Richard. It’s very possible that Poreda could replace Richard if he struggles, or maybe even Bartolo Colon. Either way, it’s likely he makes his major league debut soon.
Which of these players do you think are worth owning? Obviously, these aren’t the only prospects that may get recalled soon. Who do you think I missed?
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