Non-Roster Invitees To Watch In Pittsburgh Pirates Spring Training

Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 9, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton (58) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Brandon Cumpton (58) throws to a St. Louis Cardinals batter during the first inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Pitcher Brandon Cumpton

During the 2013 season Brandon Cumpton came out of nowhere to make an impact for the Pirates. After a rash of injuries, Cumpton was promoted to the Major Leagues in June of 2013. When this happened he became the first member of the Pirates’ 2010 draft class to reach the Major Leagues.

Brandon Cumpton would go on to pitch in six games, five starts, for the 2013 Pirates. He pitched 30 2/3 innings averaging 6.46 K/9, 1.47 BB/9, and he allowed just one home run. Mix in a 54.3 percent ground ball rate and Cumpton finished the season with 2.62 FIP and a 3.40 xFIP in a small sample size.

After beginning the 2014 season at Triple-A, Cumpton would quickly find himself back in Pittsburgh. This time making 10 starts and pitching in 16 games. In 70 innings pitched in 2014 Cumpton averaged 5.91 K/9, 2.31 BB/9, and he allowed two home runs. This led to him posting a 3.22 FIP and a 3.98 xFIP.

However, due to injuries, Cumpton has not pitched since 2014. These injuries include Cumpton having undergone Tommy John Surgery following Spring Training in 2015.

Due to his stuff, Brandon Cumpton will never be more than a back end of the rotation starting pitcher. However, if healthy, he is a very good depth option to have. And Spring Training will be his chance to show if he is healthy or not.

I expect Brandon Cumpton to start the year at Triple-A Indianapolis. I would look for him to be in Indy’s rotation along with pitchers such as Tyler Glasnow, Nick Kingham, Trevor Williams, and Steven Brault.