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Report: Jordan Luplow to be Promoted to the Major Leagues

ByMarty Leap|
BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 17: Batting practice balls on the field just before the start of the Grapefruit League Spring Training Game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees at McKechnie Field on March 17, 2013 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
BRADENTON, FL - MARCH 17: Batting practice balls on the field just before the start of the Grapefruit League Spring Training Game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Yankees at McKechnie Field on March 17, 2013 in Bradenton, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Yet another Pirate prospect appears primed to make their Major League debut for the Bucs

According to a report, minor league outfielder Jordan Luplow is being promoted to the Major Leagues by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The 23-year old Luplow is a former third round draft pick of the Pirates and has spent time at both Double-A and Triple-A this season.

Jordan Luplow’s rise through the minor leagues has been a very fast one. After being drafted by the Pirates in 2014, Luplow recorded 259 plate appearances in the New York Penn League that summer and into the fall. After posting a .364 wOBA and a 132 wRC+ in short-season play, Luplow went on to have strong stints at both Low-A nad High-A.

In 2017, Luplow started the season with Double-A Altoona. After posting a .396 wOBA, 146 wRC+, 10.1 percent walk rate, and a .248 ISO in 288 plate appearances he was promoted to Triple-A.

Jordan Luplow’s time at Triple-A was short lived, but it was productive. He posted a .439 wOBA, 178 wRC+, and an ISO of .254 for the Indians. He also owned a 9.8 percent walk rate and a .415 on-base percentage.

With Gregory Polanco currently on the disabled list, the Pirates are in dire need for help in right field. Hopefully, Jordan Luplow can provide this help. If nothing else having a career outfielder in right field should help tremendously defensively over the escapades of Adam Frazier, John Jaso, and Jose Osuna.

Next: Bucs Suffer Costly Series Loss

The corresponding move to make room for Luplow on the Major League roster most likely will not come until before the Pirates series opener against the Padres on Friday night. There is a good chance that Steven Brault is optioned back to Triple-A to make room for Luplow, and returning the Pirate bullpen to seven players and the bench to five.

Personally, I would keep Brault and designate Wade LeBlanc for assignment. While Brault is younger and brings upside to the Pirate bullpen, the 32-year old LeBlanc does not have nearly the pure stuff that Brault does. Furthermore, LeBlanc has struggled immensely the past 2+ months. In his last 25 1/3 innings pitched Wade LeBlanc has allowed 33 hits, 5 home runs, and he has a 7.46 ERA and a 5.04 FIP.

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