Justin Wilson to Make MLB Debut for Pittsburgh Pirates?
By Matt Shetler
It’s been a whirlwind couple of weeks for Pittsburgh Pirates’ prospect Justin Wilson, but that roller coaster ride could come to an end with a start for the major league club Monday night in San Diego.
Just two weeks ago it was announced that Wilson would be moving to the bullpen with an eye on contributing at the major league level as a reliever. But after Jeff Locke was promoted a couple weeks ago Wilson had to remain in the rotation. All he did in his next start was fire an eight-inning rain shortened no-hitter.
Now, thanks to the Pirates 19-inning win yesterday and Monday’s scheduled starter Wandy Rodriguez picking up the win in relief, Wilson could find himself toeing the rubber in PETCO Park, starting for the Pirates in the middle off a playoff chase.
Yahoo Sports lists Wilson as tonight’s starter but as of now, no confirmation of that has come from the Pirates, who really have all night to make an announcement since the Bucs don’t play until 10:05 p.m.
Wilson though is the logical candidate.
That’s because Locke pitched six innings yesterday and Chris Leroux threw five innings on Friday. Wilson is on his normal five days rest and scheduled to pitch for Indianapolis tonight anyway.
Kyle McPherson could also be an option, but McPherson was only recently promoted to Triple-A and has only made two starts at that level. Both were impressive though as McPherson has a 1.59 ERA through 12.0 innings, striking out 12 and walking only two.
Wilson on the season for the Indians is 9-6 with a 3.84 ERA in 25 starts. In 131.1 innings, he’s struck out 130 batters, but walked 65 and his WHIP is very nice at 1.14.
He’s a hard throwing lefty and if he’s around the plate is a very good arm with a future.
That future could be now for the 25-year old as he could get the chance to audition for a role down the stretch or at the worst case scenario, make a good impression for next season.