Morning Rundown: Joe Perez promoted to Indianapolis, other roster moves
Recap of several roster moves over the last couple of days in the Pirates system.
How the Pittsburgh Pirates got Joe Perez is one of the weirder stories of the season, but it’s really starting to pay off for both sides.
Originally drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft by the Houston Astros, Perez was released earlier this season while in Triple-A. He was picked up about a week later by the Pirates, assigned to Altoona and hit the ground rolling.
In 25-games with the Curve, Perez slashed .341/.477/.624 with seven home runs and 20 walks drawn.
This performance has earned him another shot at the Triple-A level, getting promoted to Indianapolis on Wednesday.
Perez, 24, is an intriguing player to watch, as it wasn’t too long ago he was a top 10 prospect in the Astros system.
The Pirates don’t have many right-handed outfield options in the upper levels, so there could be an opportunity there if he continues to hit.
Both Anthony Solometo and Bubba Chandler were placed on the Development List on Tuesday, ending their season. It was known that Chandler would make only one start in Altoona before the end of the season, and Solometo also reached triple digits when it comes to innings pitched.
Having two pitchers reach Double-A in the same season, within the same organization, is a really good sign at some of the talent they have available to them.
Taking their place on the Altoona roster are relievers Jack Carey and Valentin Linarez.
Carey was a 2021 draft pick, like Solometo and Chandler, selected out of Duke University. He had a 4.09 ERA in 50.2 innings this season in the Greensboro bullpen.
For Linarez, he’s really come on strong since making the switch to the bullpen, so his 4.95 ERA this year doesn’t paint the whole picture. He has a 7.11 ERA as a starter this year, and a 3.96 coming out of the bullpen.
Will Matthiessen was activated off the Development List on Wednesday after Perez was promoted to Indianapolis.
Minor League Recap 9/13
Indianapolis Indians - 5 vs Omaha Storm Chasers - 4
Top Hitter - Canaan Smith-Njigba: 2-4, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB
Top Pitcher - JC Flowers: 2 IP, 3 K
Altoona Curve - 7 vs Akron RubberDucks - 5
Top Hitter - Tsung-Che Cheng: 1-5, R, 2 RBI, 2B
Top Pitcher - Sean Sullivan: 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 3 K
Not intrigued by Perez - he played 40 games at 3B with Houston in AA last year (not a good fielder), and another 17 games in the OF (not a good fielder), and hit RHP's much better than LHP's. If we have to push somebody ahead, Matt Gorski is a solid defensive CF/OF.
Alright, how funny was the jabroni catcher drilling his own pitcher in the head.