Pittsburgh Pirates Prospects: Underrated Pitchers to Watch

Right-handed pitcher Michell Miliano

The third pitcher on this group is another pitcher that the Pittsburgh Pirates acquired from the San Diego Padres. Righty Michell Miliano was acquired from the Padres as part of the Adam Frazier trade and could have a big future in the Pirate bullpen.

He has made 11 relief appearances for the High-A Greensboro Grasshopper since joining the Pirate organization, logging 14.2 innings of work. In his 14.2 innings pitched Miliano owns a 4.30 ERA.

Miliano’s ERA a bit higher than you would like to see and walks are a big reason why. Opposing batters are hitting just .226 off of Miliano and he’s allowed just one home run. He has also struck out 21.3% of batters faced. His walk rate, however, is an alarming 25.3%.

Control has always been the big question for Miliano. He owns an 18.1% walk rate in his professional career and has never had a walk rate below 11% at any stop in his minor league career.

Miliano will be 22-years-old when the 2022 season begins. The Pittsburgh Pirates will likely look to have him start the season in the Altoona bullpen giving him a chance to pitch at the Double-A level for the first time. If Miliano pitches well for the Curve he could find himself in the Triple-A bullpen by the end of the season. All of this, however, will likely hinge on Miliano’s control.