Pittsburgh Pirates: It’s Time for Tyler Glasnow

The Pittsburgh Pirates are in need of a spark. Bringing up top prospect Tyler Glasnow may be that boost the Pirates need.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled during the month of June, and they have lost their ace Gerrit Cole for awhile. Although they were in need of pitching before Cole’s trip to the disabled list, the need is even greater now than it has been before. The Pirates have already tried to add some strength to their weak staff with young talent by calling up former first round pick Jameson Taillon. Taillon has pitched very well in his first three starts.

Taillon’s success at the Major League level has brought up questions about the Pirates number one prospect, Tyler Glasnow, and when he will get his chance with the club. Glasnow is slightly younger than Taillon, at age 22. This is Glasnow’s second season with the Pirates AAA club in Indianapolis.

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Glasnow has dominated hitters at the AAA level, so he is naturally ready to take the next step. In 14 starts and 77 innings, Glasnow has kept hitters to a .185 average against him well striking out hitters 30% of the time. His ERA is a very good 1.75 and his WHIP is pretty good at 1.18. Glasnow does struggle with walks occasionally, which could concern the big league club; however, he has dominated hitters in almost every other way this season.

If the Pirates weren’t in need of pitching, perhaps keeping Glasnow down in the minors to work on his control would benefit them in the long run. The Pirates struggles on the mound are beginning to force their hand. Taillon’s success could give the club confidence in their young pitchers, which would indicate a sooner call-up of Tyler Glasnow.

The only thing holding Glasnow back at this point is his walks. The rest of his game is major league ready. As with many young pitchers, control is one of the final things they master before being able to be successful at the highest level. However, there are plenty of young pitchers in Major League Baseball who can get by without the best command of their pitchers. Glasnow’s dominance up to this point in AAA indicates that he is ready to face and battle against major league hitters.

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It’s certainly time for the Pirates to make the move and give their number one prospect, Tyler Glasnow, his first shot in the big leagues.