Diamondbacks prospect focus in September
The Arizona Diamondbacks are doing a lot better than most people thought they would although they’re still 10.5 games out of first place. Their sub .500 record at 65-68 gives them that third place spot in the NL West and not a legitimate chance for the wild card either as they are 11 games out of first and second. Once the minor league season is over they have the ability to call up 15 more players if they like but in reality might only bring up 3-4 guys.
Apr 28, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Archie Bradley throws in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Their obvious top prospect Archie Bradley will for sure be one of them as he already has some time in the majors this year. In eight starts he has a record of 2-3 with a 5.80 ERA. It’s not the greatest but he sure has thrown strikes. The 7th of September is the Reno Aces’ last game but Bradley could be bumped up early because of his start tonight on the 2nd. He has started four games in the minors with a 0-0 record and a 2.76 ERA. He has missed some time already on the DL this season because he was hit by a line drive in the face. Expect him to come up and start a game or two and provide some middle relief.
Brandon Drury was recently just brought up to the club and had his first start on September 1st against Colorado. He went 0-4 but still has the whole month to go. This year in the minors he has put up great numbers batting .303 from the plate and a .344 slugging percentage. His 61 RBI’s are unusual for a typical second hole hitter giving him that much more of an edge. Drury has the chance to take over at second or third base next season but will depend on his ability to get on base whether he walks or gets a hit. He has a little pop slugging 5 home runs this year and could get stronger and stronger as the offseason comes.
Zack Godley is not a top tier prospect for Arizona but is playing like one this year. His 10-4 record has put him on the seat to make a strong showing if he does get called up. Spending time in Visalia and Mobile has been good for him as he has really matured. He has already started in 3 games for the Dbacks this year winning all of them as he is 4-0 with a 1.90 ERA. He has yet to spend anytime in AAA Reno as he came up straight from AA Mobile. Godley has a chance to be a fourth or fifth man come next season but could make a pass through Reno first.
Jhoulys Chacin has spent time with Colorado for a while until he was dealt to Arizona just recently. He has only made two starts for the Dbacks this year as he lost to the St. Louis Cardinals and gave up two runs in six innings and had a ND against the Oakland A’s in seven innings. He could be another guy to fill the rotation next year but could be moved as well. A new start in Arizona will be good for him as he maybe won’t give up the long ball as much like in mile high Colorado.
These guys will more than likely be moved to the bigs once the minor league season is done. All four has the ability to make an impact in this month and as well as next year. The playoffs are not going to take part in Phoenix but their farm system is sure rising.