September marks the final stretch in the baseball season and a time in which teams are allowed to expand rosters from 25 to 40 players. There will be plenty of prospects looking to get some playing time and a taste of the major leagues.
Some September call-ups will play everyday and some will see only limited action depending on the circumstances surrounding the team. For many young players that get the ‘call’, the next several weeks is a tryout with the Major League club. Playing well can earn a playoff roster spot or a starting position in the near future.
Fantasy owners may want to take a flier on a certain player in an effort to win their league or may just want to learn more about what the future may hold.
Jurickson Profar, SS/2B, TEX – Here is a future star for many years to come as the switch-hitting 19-year-old will fill in mostly second base for the injured Ian Kinsler. Profar can hit for average and power and has a very slick glove that should produce some highlight reel plays before the season ends.
There is talk that the youngster will only see limited playing time going forward and that may be true. He did launch a home run from the left side of the plate in his first career at-bat on Saturday and also had opposite-field double. Profar could very well play himself into the lineup a lot more than the Rangers are leading on right now, but owners shouldn’t bank on that.
Wil Myers, OF, KC – After clobbering 37 home runs and driving in 109 runs combined between Double and Triple-A this season, Myers figures to get called up very soon. He will likely be the everyday right fielder for the Royals next year and has a very high ceiling in terms of potential. The organization will want Myers to get significant playing time when he gets the promotion so fantasy owners may want to consider picking him up off waivers.
Jedd Gyorko, 2B, SD – The former West Virginia Mountaineer could make a significant fantasy impact in the next couple weeks so owners should take note. Gyorko has blasted 24 long balls while batting .328 through 92 games in the Pacific Coast League (Triple-A) this season. He’s sure to get plenty of action when called up to see what he can do against the game’s best.
Avisail Garcia, OF, DET – The Tigers’ top outfield prospect has already been called up making the jump from Double-A to the Show at the age of 21. The young Venezuelan doesn’t figure to get too many at-bats down the stretch as the Tigers are in a tight race with the White Sox for the AL Central crown. Garcia does has the potential to be an impact hitter in future years, but expecting that to be next year might be too optimistic. Owners should see how he does and how much playing time he gets before considering him for a roster spot.
Tyler Skaggs, SP, ARI – The 21-year-old southpaw went 9-6 and posted a 2.80 earned run average combined between Double and Triple-A this season. He is in line for several starts in the coming weeks and is already looking good with a 1-1 record and a 2.60 ERA in three big league starts.
He’s got a pretty good, moving fastball that sets up his nasty 12 to 6 curve that scouts really like. Skaggs won’t be a top-tier performer by most standards in his career, but more like above average. Fantasy owners in desperate need of pitching may want to look towards the kid for help.
There are more top prospects to mention with the Cardinals’ Shelby Miller and Angels’ Nick Maronde both pitching out of the bullpe2n as of now. Both hurlers should be in the respective starting rotations next year and will be possibly making spot starts this month. Miller was the top prospect heading into this season and has had a great second half (7-2, 2.88 ERA) after a shaky start to the year. Maronde posted a 2.26 ERA in just over 99 innings across three different minor league levels this year.
Owners should also want to keep tabs on Royals’ right-handed pitcher, Jake Odorizzi, whose performance this year warrants a few starts in yet another lost season. He’s a combined 15-5 with a 3.03 ERA across two levels in 2012 and was a part of the deal that shipped Zack Greinke to Milwaukee.
The Mets’ will likely have the hard-throwing Jenrry Meija in the bullpen to see if he’s ready to make an impact with the big club. The Dominican pitcher had Tommy John surgery in 2011 and has recovered nicely this season allowing only four homeruns in just over 67 innings in Triple-A. He doesn’t have hardly any fantasy value right now, but could find himself as the team’s closer next season depending on what he does this September.
Last but not least is Oakland’s Grant Green who has proven he can play almost anywhere except pitcher or catcher in his time in the minors. He’s not a great hitter by any means, but is certainly capable of contributing to the Athletics’ pennant chase while also playing multiple positions. Owners will want to wait and see how he adjusts to the jump in leagues.
