Jake Woodford providing solid depth in Triple-A rotation
Woodford continues strong start in Pirates organization
The Pittsburgh Pirates signed right-handed pitcher Jake Woodford to a minor league contract after the Chicago White Sox released him.
It added depth to the system, specifically for the Triple-A Indianapolis club that needed some starting pitchers.
Woodford, 27, struggled for Charlotte, the White Sox’s Triple-A affiliate, posting a 5.26 ERA in 49.2 innings pitched, but he has quickly become one of the more reliable starters for the Indians.
Starting Friday, Woodford spun five innings of one-run baseball, striking out seven while not allowing a single walk.
Woodford has now allowed two earned runs or less in each of his seven starts for Indianapolis. In 35.1 total innings pitched, he has walked just five while striking out 37, posting a 2.29 ERA.
The Pirates seem to have plenty of pitching depth, but Woodford does have nearly 200 innings of major league pitching experience with the Cardinals and White Sox.
There are a lot of innings to fill across a minor league schedule that spans four full-season affiliates. Not every pitcher has to be a legitimate pitching prospect; having someone who can reliably eat innings can be just as important throughout the year.
Woodford is providing that right now for Indianapolis. He’s not the only one, either. Here are a couple of depth pitchers having solid seasons in the Pirates’ system.
Isaac Mattson, RHP — Altoona Curve + Indianapolis Indians
Mattson has a 5-2 record between Altoona and Indianapolis. He has posted a decent ERA (3.83) and struck out 29.1% of the batters he has faced this year. He has done this throughout 44.2 innings.
Emmanuel Chapman, RHP — Greensboro Grasshoppers + Altoona Curve
A minor league free agent signing out of Cuba, Chapman began the year in the Greensboro Grasshoppers bullpen but is currently with the Curve.
His role has expanded more so lately to include more multi-inning appearances. That’s allowed him to post a 4-1 record with a 3.30 ERA while striking out 46 batters in 46.1 innings pitched.
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I realize he's pitching as a starter in the minors, but, should he continue to show he can earn outs, he could also help the ML BP.,
Org depth is indeed always needed, and innings do need pitched (esp later in the year when lots of younger guys have to be dialed back to keep from blowing too far past prior workloads), so good move I’d say.
Plus, you just never know. Org filler is certainly the likeliest ceiling, but it’s always possible he learns something that makes him better and he turns big club worthy. You don’t get 200 innings across several seasons in the bigs if you don’t have at least some ability/potential.