A red hot Pittsburgh Pirates pitching prospect has been moved up a level in the minor league system
The amount if pitching injuries that the Pittsburgh Pirates have suffered this season has caused a lot of chaos with the pitching staff throughout the organization. This has led to a slew of pitchers moving around in the organization this season. The latest such move came on Monday when right-handed starting pitcher James Marvel moved up a rung on the MiLB ladder.
Marvel was promoted from Double-A Altoona to Triple-A Indianapolis. This was a well deserved move for Marvel. Since being promoted to the Double-A level last season Marvel has been *lowers shades* marvelous!
In 16 starts this season Marvel logged 99 2/3 innings pitched. In these 99 2/3 innings pitched he owned a 3.16 ERA and a 3.29 FIP. He owned a 5.9% walk rate and a 20.3% strikeout rate.
In total, Marvel made 21 starts for Double-A. In these 21 states he posted a 3.12 ERA and a 3.32 FIP in 132 2/3 innings pitched. In these 132 2/3 innings pitched he allowed 112 hits, seven home runs, he walked 35, and struck out 104.
The Pirates selected Marvel out of Duke University in the 36th round of the 2015 draft. Early in his collegiate career Marvel was a promising draft prospect before Tommy John Surgery cost him most of two seasons (2014 and 2015). Despite the surgery, he still signed with the Pirates after being drafted in 2015 instead of returning to school in an effort to raise his draft stock.
Marvel did a great job during his tenure at Double-A. Now, he is on the doorstep of the Major Leagues. While the odds of him reaching the MLB level this season are likely low, he should enter the 2020 as a quality depth option for the Pirates.