Bubba Chandler Latest To Hit Century Mark With Innings Pitched

In his first year fully focusing on pitching, Bubba Chandler topped 100 innings pitched with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, joining a still growing list in the Pirates system.

When you hit a milestone like Bubba Chandler did on Tuesday night, you always want to do it with a little flash to it. Seven shutout innings where he didn’t surrender a walk seems to be a strong way top 100 in a season for the first time.

As of Tuesday night, Chandler became just the fourth Pirates prospect to cross 100 innings pitched this year while playing in the minors.

Aaron Shortridge was the first to do it, and still leads the Pirates’ minor leagues with 115.1 IP. That was followed up by Chandler’s teammates in Greensboro, Po-Yu Chen (109.2) and Thomas Harrington (108.1).

He won’t be the last, as there are several who can cross the same threshold this week alone, including yet another pitcher for the Grasshoppers.

Jared Jones also pitched on Tuesday, and after completing five full innings will need just 2.1 to hit 100 on the season. He missed a little bit of time to an injury this season after pitching 122.2 innings last year.

Should, By The End Of The Week

Anthony Solometo - 97.1 IP

He’s struggled a bit as of late in Double-A, but is eight outs away from also completely 100 innings pitched this year. He spent a week on the Development List recently as a built in break to monitor his innings, and the Pirates have been slow to build him back up in his two starts since, but unless he gets chased super early, he should top it this week (projected start date is Friday).

Derek Diamond - 97.1 IP

A player not talked about a lot, Diamond has put together a solid season between Bradenton and Greensboro this year. The former Ole Miss Rebel threw 75.1 innings as a sophomore, so this is reaching uncharted waters for him as well.

Players That Should Cross It By The End Of The Season

Quinn Priester - 91.1 IP

Technically speaking he’s already crossed 100 innings this season when you include his time in the majors, but he lands here for the purpose of the article. For that matter, you can include Luis Ortiz as well when you factor in his major league time.

Sean Sullivan - 91.1 IP

The former Cal Bear pitched a complete game recently (seven innings), but has had mostly an up and down year in Altoona. He may be someone who may start the year in Altoona again like Aaron Shortridge and Kyle Nicolas did, so the Pirates can keep some depth in the rotation.

Cam Alldred - 88.1 IP

The lefty went from reliever to depth starter for the Pirates, not the usual path you see. With so many injuries and players bouncing up and down through the majors and Indianapolis, Alldred has been a consistent presence as of late.

Cutting It Close

Kyle Nicolas - 85.2 IP

The move to the bullpen, while the right one and something that is already benefitting him, could keep him from topping 100 innings this year. The Indianapolis season goes longer than the other affiliates, so there is a chance still.

Dominic Perachi - 81.2 IP

What will ultimately do him in is the six-man rotation Bradenton runs. So he at most has three more starts left this season. It’s not impossible, but probably not likely.