With the calendar soon flipping to September, MLB teams will have the opportunity to expand their active rosters. Some prospects could be major contributors on playoff rosters, while others will get looks in preparation for 2020. Either way, these 10 MLB prospects could get their chances at a major league call-up in the final month of the regular season.
Willi Castro, SS, Tigers
The opinions about Castro are broad regarding his potential, but the shortstop is likely to get a cup of coffee in September and effectively a tryout for 2020. He's had a breakout year at Triple-A Toledo, hitting .301-11-62 with 17 stolen bases in 118 games and is already on the Tigers 40-man roster. With a strong audition, Castro could be the team's opening day shortstop next season.
Deivi Garcia, P, Yankees
Undersized at 5-foot-9, Garcia has been a breakout pitcher between three levels for the Yankees with 159 strikeouts in 105.2 innings. The team recently shifted Garcia to Triple-A. It's possible that was done to limit his innings the rest of the way, but it's also possible the team is readying the 20-year-old for a major league role in September and beyond.
Brusdar Graterol, P, Twins
In a farm system flush with pitching, Graterol has emerged as perhaps the best pitching prospect in the Twins organization. He has a 1.56 ERA between three minor league levels this year at age 20, and he has gotten some work in relief recently. That would likely be Graterol's role if he's called up in September, but he's probably a starter long term.
Ke'Bryan Hayes, 3B, Pirates
The development of Hayes' bat lags behind his exemplary defense, but he could still get a shot with the Pirates late in the year. He's hit only .253-10-50 in 101 games at Triple-A Indianapolis this season after hitting .293 at Double-A last year. The former first-round pick still has plenty of time to develop, at age 22, and a brief look at major league pitching might do him some good as he heads into the offseason.
Gavin Lux, SS, Dodgers
Lux's hype rivals the Popeyes chicken sandwich, at least in baseball circles. A great prospect before this season, Lux, 21, has hit a sizzling .352-25-75 between Double- and Triple-A against older competition. The former first-round pick's stats include a .410 batting average in 42 games at Triple-A Oklahoma City. He has a real chance to help the Dodgers both in September and the playoffs, with a regular role likely in 2020.
Jesus Luzardo, P, Athletics
Luzardo was the talk of spring training, but multiple injuries have delayed his arrival. The lefty still has a chance to help the A's in relief and has continued to show that his breakout 2018 season wasn't a fluke. Although Luzardo has thrown only 32.1 innings, he has an ace-like 43/5 K/BB between three levels.
Ryan Mountcastle, 1B, Orioles
The rebuilding Orioles have been patient with Mountcastle as he works on his defense, shifting from third to first base this year. The bat continues to play, as he's hit .311-24-77 in 508 plate appearances at Triple-A Norfolk. With a poor walk rate, the organization is hopeful the power will continue to develop, and he could get his first taste of the majors this September.
Keibert Ruiz, C, Dodgers
Although he's been jumped on the Dodgers organizational depth chart by rookie sensation Will Smith, Ruiz could still get a look this September since he's already a part of the 40-man roster. Ruiz is likely to be a regular catcher somewhere eventually, if not in L.A., with his good defense and a great feel for the strike zone. He's hit .261-6-34 with 30/22 BB/K between Double- and Triple-A this season.
Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros
Tucker appeared in 28 games with Houston last year, but he's yet to get a call this season. That's hardly a reflection of any failures in the minors this season, as Tucker has hit .269-32-94 with 29 steals in 117 games at Triple-A Round Rock. The Astros have given him a look at first base to increase his versatility, and he could still be a contributor in September and into the playoffs.
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