Pittsburgh Pirates Prospect Named Season Long All-Star

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Edwin Espinal selected as  Eastern League All-Star for a strong season.

Edwin Espinal had a great season during his stint in Altoona in the Pittsburgh Pirates system. During his time with the Curve, Espinal earned selection to the midseason All-Star team. Additionally, he was added to the full season all-star team, as selected by managers, coaches, and media personal from the Eastern League.

During his second season in Altoona Espinal hit .283 with 15 home runs and 72 RBI. The marks in home runs and RBI are career highs. He was ranked among the best in the league in RBI, doubles, extra base hits, total bases and hit.

After 95 games this season Espinal received a call-up to Triple-A Indianapolis.

With the Indians Espinal continues to make progress. In 24 Games he is hitting .322 with no home runs and 11 RBI. He also adds four doubles after hitting 25 with Altoona. A small sample of playing time, but the progress is there.  Espinal should help fortify the Indianapolis offense for the stretch run toward the playoffs.

Odds are Edwin Espinal will not be a September call-up, even if Indianapolis misses the playoffs. Being that it is his first time at the level, he could use some time to see if he is for real.  A 40-man roster spot would have to be cleared for him as well, as he currently isn’t on it. I don’t see this happening as there are plenty of infielders ahead of Espinal on the depth chart.

For the season Espinal had good double a numbers and a good start to triple a time. This should put him on pace to return to Indianapolis to start next season. Then if all goes well maybe see him as a June, or July call up.

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Also of note, Espinal isn’t ranked in the Pirates top 30 prospects. This is a shame as he hits pretty consistently. The power numbers are trending upwards too. Espinal should be in the top 30, especially over unproven recently drafted talent.