When it comes to pitching prospects in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, the names Jameson Taillon and Tyler Glasnow come to mind. However, with Taillon already on the major league roster, Indianapolis Indians pitcher Chad Kuhl is expected to be next in line.
Kuhl, a ninth round draft pick by the Pirates in 2013, is expected to make his major league debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Dodgers at PNC Park. Kuhl is expected to go up against Clayton Kershaw of the Dodgers in a game that will be nationally televised on ESPN.
Sources tell us that Chad Kuhl starting on Sunday against LAD is looking *very* close to a reality.
— Pirates Breakdown (@pbcbreakdown) June 24, 2016
This season, Kuhl has opened up a ton of eyes, rising his stock while playing for the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians. In 14 starts this season, Kuhl is 6-2 with a 2.58 ERA, 59 strikeouts and 16 walks in 76.2 innings.
Kuhl, who seems to get overshadowed by the likes of Taillon and Glasnow, has a career 33-16 record in the minor leagues, while compiling a stellar 2.79 ERA with the Jamestown Jammers (Short season Single A), Bradenton Marauders (Advanced Single A), Altoona Curve (Double A), and Indians.
According to sources, Kuhl has already arrived at PNC Park and has begun on field activities with the team, while also donning his new Pirates jersey.
Chad Kuhl is here at PNC Park, stretching out on the field. I’d say that’s a decent sign he’s starting Sunday night.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) June 24, 2016
Kuhl is wearing No. 39. Could be a taxi squad thing, but odds are he’s the guy Sunday night vs. Clayton Kershaw.
— Adam Berry (@adamdberry) June 24, 2016
With the struggles that the Pirates pitching staff has endured and the injury issues to Gerrit Cole, Kuhl’s arrival in Pittsburgh has likely been expedited. Kuhl is a player that is capable of helping the Pirates, whether it be in the starting rotation or in the bullpen, but it is very likely that this start will just be a spot start.
Along with Kuhl, the Pirates have plenty of pitching depth within their system including Taillon and Wilfredo Boscan, who have already made their major league debuts, and Glasnow, who is still waiting for his chance. Even Steven Brault, who is currently rehabbing with the West Virginia Black Bears, is a prospect that could make an impact at the major league level sooner rather than later.
Adam Frazier was also called up from Indianapolis, while Cole Figueroa was designated for assignment and Jacob Stallings was sent back down.
The losing ways have lingered for far too long for the Pirates and they have sent for reinforcements from the minors; however, Taillon, Kuhl and Frazier may not be the last.
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