Call to the pen
Fansided

A dozen MLB rookies playing very well under the radar

By Benjamin Chase

Jun 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Bradley Zimmer (4) scores on a sacrifice fly ball in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians center fielder Bradley Zimmer (4) scores on a sacrifice fly ball in the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Manny Pina, C, Milwaukee Brewers

Coming into the 2017 season, many fantasy owners were hoping to see former Giants prospect Andrew Susac win over the Brewers catching job. However, Susac was injured in the spring and saw the job handed to veterans Jeff Bandy and Pina.

Bandy has offered power and not much else at the plate, but he’s shown excellent work behind the dish. However, it’s what Pina has done that should be drawing more attention.

Pina has been around the game for some time. Signed out of Venezuela in 2004, he’s been part of six organizations in his career, bouncing around multiple teams, waiting for his chance. Pina made his major league debut in 2011 with the Royals, and he played in one game for Kansas City in 2012 as well at the major league level. He then didn’t return to the big leagues until a late season run with the Brewers last season.

This season, while splitting the starting job with Bandy, Pina has hit .312/.351/.493 with 13 doubles and 4 home runs over 41 games. He’s also been rated as one of the 10 best defensive catchers in the game this season. He’s produced 1.4 fWAR this season, 5th among rookie hitters.

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