Brandon Cumpton Promoted to Bradenton

The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right handed pitcher Brandon Cumpton to high-A Bradenton from West Virginia, according to a West Virginia press release.  Cumpton was a ninth round draft pick last year out of Georgia Tech, and had a 4.30 ERA in 67 innings with West Virginia, along with a 48:18 K/BB ratio.

The numbers are inflated by his first three starts.  Cumpton allowed 21 earned runs in his first three outings of the season.  He was removed from the rotation, and after a successful bullpen appearance, and a Tyler Waldron injury, Cumpton was returned to the rotation.  Since his first three outings, Cumpton has put up an amazing 1.76 ERA in 56.1 innings, with a 42:12 K/BB ratio.

The Pirates were hoping that Cumpton and Waldron could anchor the West Virginia rotation to start the year, then quickly move up to Bradenton by mid-season.  Cumpton’s start didn’t help that plan, although he certainly rebounded well.  No corresponding move has been announced, although Justin Ennis is expected to make the jump from State College to West Virginia to fill the open spot.  The West Virginia rotation now has an open spot, although Zack Dodson is expected to return in the next few weeks, and Brooks Pounders is a candidate to start until that point.