Top prospects get the call this weekend

[rsox]

The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up P Zach Duke to take injured Oliver Perez' spot in the rotation. Duke, who is 12-3 with a 2.92 ERA at AAA Indianaoplis will start saturday night against the Brewers in Milwaukee.

And...

The Tigers have announced that Justin Verlander, the No.1 ranked pitching prospect in all of Baseball will start game 2 of the Tigers/Indians doubleheader on monday. Verlander is 10-2 in 15 starts between A and AA.

It will be interesting to see how well these guys do, Duke has the best chance of sticking with his team if he pitches well, Verlander is expected to go back to AA after his start but a good outing could mean a september callup and a chance at next years rotation.

[GregO]

Re: Top prospects get the call this weekend

I wonder when the Devil Rays will bring up Upton, Gathright, Young, and activate Rocco Baldelli, now that would be a fun team to watch...And you cant forget about Prince Fielder and Rickie Weeks a few weeks back being called up

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Top prospects get the call this weekend

Baldelli is out for the year, he hurt himself again on a rehab assignment.Gathright is back up with the big team. Verlander lived a county away from me back in HS so it should be interesting to see how he does on Monday.

[GregO]

Re: Top prospects get the call this weekend

Baldelli is hurt for the year? dang! that woulda been real exciting with 4 real good, young, fast OFs and Aubrey Huff there(if not traded)

[mjb2124]

Re: Top prospects get the call this weekend

I watched Zack Duke pitch for my Pirates last night.

He pitched an excellent game for his first MLB start. His stuff is very good and he showed me he's not intimidated at this level or scared of the bat (like so many young pitchers are).

Last night:

7IP 5H 3ER 1BB 9K 106 Pitches

His only big mistake was hanging 1 changeup that was hit for a 2 run HR. Other than that he really dominated the game. Too bad the bullpen blew it.