The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-handed pitcher Matt Benedict to Bradenton. The right-hander put up a 3.42 ERA in 76.1 innings in the West Virginia rotation this year, and should take the rotation spot vacated by Gerrit Cole in high-A.
Benedict was drafted in the 30th round of the 2011 draft out of Western Carolina University. He’s a sinker ball pitcher who gets good results with the pitch, leading to a 1.67 GO/AO ratio in West Virginia.
As a college pitcher, his lower level numbers don’t really impact his prospect status much. He’s starting now, but it would be hard to consider him more than an organizational guy until he has success in Double-A or higher.
