Pirates Select Contract of Top Prospect Bubba Chandler

PITTSBURGH (AP) - The Pittsburgh Pirates said Wednesday they will promote right-handed pitcher Bubba Chandler to the major league roster on Friday. This is just in time for their series opener against the Colorado Rockies at PNC Park. Chandler, 22, ranks as the No. 7 overall prospect in baseball and the top pitching prospect in the Pirates’ system.

Chandler is 5–6 this season for Triple-A Indianapolis. He has a 4.05 ERA over 24 starts. In 100 innings, he struck out 121 batters. He had a 1.33 ERA in April and a 2.54 ERA in May. But in his last 10 starts, he has struggled. He allowed 29 runs in 44⅔ innings, giving him a 5.84 ERA. Opponents are hitting .306 against him.

Pittsburgh views Chandler as a future starter. Still, they plan to use him mainly in a bulk relief role to help him adjust to the majors. ““He’ll pitch from the bullpen but may also start a few games,” a team official said, reflecting the path of other young Pirates pitchers.

Pittsburgh picked Chandler in the third round of the 2021 MLB Draft. He came from North Oconee High School in Bogart, Georgia. He made 24 starts this year at Indianapolis. He posted a 4.05 ERA and a 1.48 WHIP. His fastball was in the mid-90s and even hit 102 mph. He also featured a sharp slider.

The move addresses a long-awaited need in the Pirates’ bullpen. It also allows their top pitching prospect to get his first taste of the big leagues. Chandler will likely be in the bullpen this weekend. If he does well, he might start later in the season.