Pirates Minor League Report

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Sep 17, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates minor league outfielder

Josh Bell

(35) of the Altoona Curve in attendance as he was named the Pirates Minor Player of the Year before the Pirates host the Boston Red Sox at PNC Park. The Pirates won 9-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

The Altoona Curve, of the Eastern League Western Division, play their home games at Peoples Natural Gas Field in Altoona. Less than 2 hours from PNC Park, many Pirate fans frequently make the trip east to take in a game.

The Curve are leading the division with a record of 12-6. They are followed in second place by the Bowie Baysox at 11-9. The Akron RubberDucks sit at 10-10. The rest of the division stacks up with Harrisburg Senators, Erie SeaWolves and Richmond Flying Squirrels all currently below .500.

Josh Bell is performing well in his climb up through the system. In 80 Plate Appearances, he currently has a .352 Batting Average/.418 On Base Percentage/.451 Slugging while holding a .868 OPS. He leads the team with 25 hits and has walked 8 times. Josh has only been playing first base thus far this season.

Sebastian Valle has appeared in just 11 games. During his 41 plate appearances, he has collected 13 hits and is carrying a .361/.425/.472 and an OPS of .897. We will continue to keep an eye on this catcher’s numbers as the season progresses.

Willy Garcia has seen action in 17 games, mainly playing in Left Field. In his 70 Plate Appearances, he has collected 18 hits while batting .295/.353/.344 and an OPS of .697. However, he is tied for the team lead in strike outs with 23.

Stetson Allie has played in 16 games, mainly starting in Right Field. He has 72 plate appearances and has scattered 15 hits while hitting .231/.292/.385 and an OPS of .676. He leads the team in home runs with 2 and is tied for the team lead with 11 RBI’s. However, he is tied for the team lead in strike outs with 23.

Keon Broxton has appeared in 18 games and leads the team with 82 plate appearances. He has 21 hits and 11 RBI’s while hitting .273/.317/.429 and an OPS of .746. The majority of his time has been spent in Centerfield.

Max Moroff, second baseman, has appeared in 17 games and has 78 plate appearances. He has 19 hits and leads the team with 12 runs scored. He is currently hitting .297/.400/.453 with an OPS of .853. He also has accounted for 11 walks and 11 strikeouts.

Gift Ngoepe has appeared in 18 games while playing shortstop. In his 71 plate appearances, he has 11 hits, 11 strikeouts and is only hitting .127/.232/.250 with an OPS of .482. His play in the field at shortstop has been his best asset so far this season.

Angel Sanchez, Chad Kuhl and Jason Creasy lead the starting pitchers in wins with 2 each. The highest ERA among these three pitchers is a 2.14. Each has appeared in at least 21 innings and have all accounted for at least 12 strikeouts.

Tyler Glasnow has appeared in 3 games and has a 1-0 record. He has a 1.08 ERA and has struck out 17 batters while only walking 6.

Yhonathan Barrios and Collin Balester have combined for 6 saves this season. Thomas Harlan has appeared in 6 games out of the bullpen and is carrying a 2-1 record. Other notable relievers to watch are John Kuchno, Jhondaniel Medina and Johnathan Schwind.

We heat up as we head south for a look at Advanced A.

Next: Fly South to Bradenton

Schedule