The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted hard-throwing left-handed pitcher Jake Brentz to the Altoona Curve. Brentz has been pitching for the Bradenton Marauders, representing the team in the Florida State League All-Star game over the weekend.
Acquired late last year in the Arquimedes Caminero deal, the 22-year-old Brentz has a fastball that touches 100 MPH, and that has helped him strikeout 33 batters over 26 innings this season. He has a 3.81 ERA, a .230 BAA, a 1.23 WHIP and a 1.14 GO/AO ratio.
In other news, DSL pitcher Samuel Reyes has been promoted to the GCL Pirates, who start their schedule on Monday. Reyes is the younger brother of Pablo Reyes, who is now teammates with Jake Brentz in Altoona. The younger Reyes has a fastball that sits mid-90s and mixes it with four other pitches. He made five appearances in the DSL this season, allowing five runs over 9.2 innings, with ten strikeouts. He was signed this past off-season for a $45,000 bonus.
Abigail Miskowiec reported last night that West Virginia reliever Geoff Hartlieb will be promoted to Bradenton, joining starter Cam Vieaux, who was promoted early yesterday. Expect West Virginia to announce some roster moves to fill in the two empty roster spots. Vieaux is starting tonight for Bradenton, taking the spot of Dario Agrazal. Hartlieb will replace Brentz. If they make the moves today, we will update this article.