One of the Minnesota Twins top prospects will be coming to the majors after September 1, as Brusdar Gratero is set to be promoted.
Brusdar Graterol is the type of pitcher that easily captures the imagination. Armed with a fastball that has been clocked at 103.8 MPH, the Minnesota Twins are hopeful that the young Venezuelan righty can be a key part of their rotation for years to come.
That clock is set to begin soon. According to reports, the Twins are set to promote Graterol to the majors on Tuesday, once the Rochester Red Wings season comes to an end.
It is just another step in a whirlwind season for Graterol. He began the season with an aggressive assignment to the AA level, where he was the youngest pitcher in the Southern League. He more than held his own there, dominating in his nine starts before being shut down with a shoulder injury.
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When Graterol returned, it was as a reliever. After three appearances out of the bullpen in AA, Graterol was promoted to the AAA level, leaving him just one step from the majors. He has struggled at times in his 5.1 innings, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks, but has also struck out seven batters.
Obviously, there is risk when it comes to promoting Graterol to the majors. He has made all of 16 appearances above A-ball, all of which have come this season. He also has just ten appearances as a reliever in his minor league career, seven of those coming since being activated from the Injured List.
Yet, this is a risk the Twins need to take. Given Graterol’s high octane fastball, and his already solid slider, Graterol could be a weapon out of the bullpen down the stretch. The Twins still need bullpen help, and he could prove to be the X-factor that can push them into the postseason.
Ready or not, Brusdar Graterol is coming to the majors. How he performs could go a long way to determining whether or not the Minnesota Twins can hold off the Indians and reach the postseason.