Alex Kielar| Aug 27th, 2019
With September looming and pennant races tightening, it’s almost time for major league rosters to expand from 25 to 40. So I am going to give you a series of articles breaking down the likely most impactful September Call-Ups for all 30 teams. Now for the National League East.
Atlanta Braves: RHP Kyle Wright
Wright is the Braves’ fourth-ranked prospect at the moment, and while he struggled the first time he got the call to Atlanta (18 ER over 16 IP, 13 BB, .324 BAA), he should be able to help out the worrisome Braves pitching through the stretch run. The Braves are currently ranked seventh of 15 NL teams in starter’s ERA, 28th in the league in bullpen WAR, and 18th in bullpen ERA. Wright should be able to give the Braves innings, whether as a starter or out of the bullpen. He has been fairly effective at Triple-A Gwinnett this season, going 9-4 with a 4.49 ERA 103 strikeouts to just 29 walks, and an opponent’s batting average of .250 over 100.1 innings. If he can better control his pitches at the big league level, Wright should be a key piece to the Braves’ pitching staff down the stretch this year and in the future.
Washington Nationals: SS/2B Carter Kieboom
Kieboom already made some noise up in D.C. earlier this season and is now ranked as the Nationals’ number one overall prospect. In 100 games at Triple-A Fresno this season, Kieboom batted .308 with 16 home runs, 76 RBIs, and five stolen bases. Kieboom has worked hard on improving his defense this season, as he hopes to be at least average with the necessary range, arm strength, and hands to play at any infield position if needed. He saw reps at second base, so a move there is a possibility. He has very quick bat speed, so he should be a threat in the Nats’ lineup down the stretch and should have a chance to be in the Opening Day lineup next season. The Nationals are currently six games back of the Braves in the division and hold the first wild card spot, so they will need all the offense they can get to hold onto a playoff spot.
Philadelphia Phillies: RHP Enyel De Los Santos
The Phillies are still in the hunt for a wild card spot, and to get there, their pitching has to improve. De Los Santos is a guy who can give them innings as a starter or shorter stints out of the pen. They hope he still has a future in the rotation, but he will definitely be able to help the Phillies pitching improve any way he can down the stretch. He has a solid fastball-changeup combination that would work well in short pen stints, and his future may be decided by how well he performs in key situations in September this year.
New York Mets: C Ali Sanchez
Most of the Mets’ top-ranked prospects are either in the lower levels of the minors or fighting through injuries, which leaves not too many exciting September Call-Up options. Sanchez is an excellent defensive catcher with all the tools to excel behind the dish. He has a plus-plus arm, blocks very well, calls a good game, and has excellent catch-and-throw and pop time abilities. His offense has improved as well this season, helping him rise from Double-A to Triple-A, and should be a good back-up option for the Mets.
Miami Marlins: OF Jesus Sanchez
Jesus Sanchez is the Marlins number 3 ranked overall prospect after being traded to them from the Rays for Nick Anderson and Trevor Richards at the trade deadline. He is already at Triple-A at the age of 21 and with the Marlins clearly in a rebuild, should definitely get a shot in September to showcase what he can do. He has great athleticism and speed which will make him for a solid outfielder at any of the three spots. If Sanchez performs well in September, he could see himself as a starting outfielder for the Marlins in 2020.
Check out All of the Articles in the September Call-Up Series: AL East | AL Central | AL West
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