Brandon Cumpton Promoted to Triple-A

A former member of the Pirates’ starting rotation has rejoined the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians

At one point in time, Brandon Cumpton looked like a mainstay in the rotation for the Pittsburgh Pirates. In both 2013 and 2014 he gave the team quality innings when they needed it desperately, and this played a large role in those two teams reaching the postseason.

Since the end of the 2014 season, everything that can go wrong for Cumpton has. Tommy John Surgery and a plethora of setbacks kept him off the field in 2015 and 2016. However, this season he finally returned to the mound.

Prior to his promotion, Brandon Cumpton had pitched for High-A Bradenton and Double-A Altoona this season. In 10 2/3 innings pitched for Bradenton he owned a 2.53 ERA, 3.03 FIP, and he did not allow a home run. He owned a 4.50 ERA, 4.10 FIP, and averaged 8.10 K/9 in 20 innings pitched for the Curve.

During his two seasons in Pittsburgh Brandon Cumpton pitched 100 2/3 innings for the Pirates. He posted a 4.02 ERA, 3.04 FIP, a 3.80 xFIP, and a 1.7 fWAR in these 100 2/3 innings pitched. Cumpton averaged 6.08 K/9, 2.06 BB/9, and 0.27 HR/9. He also generated a 47.1 percent groundball rate.

At Triple-A, Cumpton will probably work out of the bullpen. Indianapolis’ rotation already has five starting pitcher with Clay Holmes, Drew Hutchison, Nick Kingham, Tyler Eppler, and Tyler Glasnow. Additionally, all 19 of Cumpton’s appearances during his time with Bradenton and Altoona came out of the bullpen.

Next: Bucs Prepare for Game 1 of 4 vs Dodgers

Due to him being a two-pitch pitcher, in the long run Brandon Cumpton is best suited for the bullpen as is. This also should contribute to the decision making of the Pirates. It would not be a surprise to see Cumpton return to Pittsburgh at some point in 2018, assuming he stays healthy.