Who Will Be The Pittsburgh Pirates’ September Call Ups?

Jul 8, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The Pirates won 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) on the field before playing the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 7, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher A.J. Schugel (31) on the field before playing the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Right-handed relief pitcher A.J. Schugel

One player that is a shoe-in to earn a September call up is right-handed reliever A.J. Schugel. Schugel has spent a lot of time in the Major Leagues this season. Schugel has pitched 49 innings for the Pittsburgh Pirates so far in 2016, and he has pitched very effectively in those 49 innings.

In these 49 innings pitched A.J. Schugel is averaging 7.90 K/9, 2.39 BB/9, 0.73 HR/9, and he has a 1.08 WHIP. Schugel has also flashed a plus change up that opposing batters are hitting just .086 against. Due to this great change up Schugel has held left-handed hitters to just a .169 average, .258 slugging percentage, and a .228 wOBA.

In 2016 A.J. Schugel has been the Pittsburgh Pirates’ best rookie. If the season ended today, he would be my Pirates’ rookie of the year for 2016. Without a doubt he will earn a September call up and he will be a boost to an already strong bullpen.

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