The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted outfielder Keon Broxton to Indianapolis, Pirates Prospects has learned. This move comes in tandem with last night’s move that sent Jose Osuna to Altoona. Broxton was hitting well at the Double-A level, with a .302/.365/.464 line in 179 at-bats. In that span he had 12 doubles, four triples, and three homers. He left yesterday’s Altoona game early, and has already left for Indianapolis. He could be in the Indians lineup tonight.
This performance wasn’t a big surprise, since Broxton had a .275/.369/.484 line in 407 at-bats last year with Altoona, with 22 doubles, 9 triples, and 15 home runs. He didn’t belong back at the Double-A level, but a lack of outfield spots in Indianapolis prevented him from moving up. With Jose Tabata recently going up to Pittsburgh, and with Deibinson Romero being released to play in Korea (thus creating more flexibility with the DH spot), the Pirates could send Broxton to Indianapolis. He will share the outfield duties with Jaff Decker, Gorkys Hernandez, and Mel Rojas.
This was the same as Osuna’s situation. He had no reason to be back in Bradenton, but was blocked from moving up due to a lack of playing time available in Altoona. He worked in right field to add another position that he could play, since he didn’t figure to see much time at first base with Josh Bell playing the position. With Broxton gone, the team could shift Willy Garcia to center field, and create some room for Osuna in the outfield, while also getting him some at-bats as the DH, and the occasional start at first base.
No word yet on the corresponding move from Indianapolis.
UPDATE 4:11 PM: Jordan Steranka has been added to the Bradenton roster to replace Jose Osuna. This isn’t a big surprise, since he was the guy removed when Harold Ramirez was added earlier this week. The Ramirez move shifted Osuna to first base, and Edwin Espinal to DH. With Osuna gone, Espinal will switch back to first, with Steranka serving as the backup.
UPDATE 4:16 PM: Altoona announced the Osuna and Broxton moves. They also announced that Andy Vasquez has been added to the team, replacing Broxton. Still one more move to go in Indianapolis. My expectation is that it’s Kelson Brown being transferred to Morgantown.
UPDATE 4:26 PM: Adam Miller has been placed on the Indianapolis DL, retroactive 5/27. That completes the set of moves.
