With no minor league action on Monday, today’s Prospect Watch will break down the best performers over the last week, led by another excellent start from a surging Bubba Chandler.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
BUBBA CHANDLER, RHP, GREENSBORO
Bubba Chandler has been impressive in the second half of his first full season as a pitcher. The 2021 third rounder pitched five innings this past week, allowing one run on four hits and two walks, striking out four. In the second half, he’s posted a 1.85 ERA in 43.2 innings of work, with a 43:13 K/BB ratio. I wrote about Chandler recently, and the way he’s focused on putting up head-turning results in the second half. He continues to do that through the end of the season.
LAST WEEK’S BEST
CAM ALLDRED, LHP, INDIANAPOLIS
Alldred allowed two runs, one earned, in nine innings last week. That was spread across two appearances, with the lefty working in a starting role. He allowed one run in five innings in his first start, followed by one unearned run in four innings in his second start. With the Pirates using so many bullpen arms in the majors, Alldred could get another shot at the big leagues before the season is finished.
CARTER BINS, C, ALTOONA
Bins has caught Paul Skenes in both of his starts. Bins homered during the most recent start, one of two from the catcher this past week. Bins went 5-for-15 in total, showing some offense to go with his plus defensive and receiving abilities.
THOMAS HARRINGTON, RHP, GREENSBORO
The Pirates drafted Harrington with the 36th overall pick last year. He went six innings last week, allowing one unearned run on three hits. He walked three and struck out five. Harrington has a 3.92 ERA in 80.1 innings, with a 94:25 K/BB in Greensboro during his first pro season.
HUDSON HEAD, OF, GREENSBORO
Head returned to Greensboro this week, going 5-for-12 with two doubles. The outfielder has been out of action since May. He was one of the prospects acquired in the Joe Musgrove deal that brought David Bednar and Endy Rodriguez into the organization.
JASE BOWEN, OF, GREENSBORO
Bowen continued his impressive season at the plate, going 6-for-17 with two doubles and a home run. The 2019 11th round over-slot pick is batting .259/.335/.472 in 490 plate appearances this year, showing speed on the bases (24 steals in 29 attempts) and good defensive abilities in center field.
HUNTER BARCO, LHP, BRADENTON
Barco pitched four shutout innings in game one of a double-header, allowing one hit, no walks, and striking out seven. This is the best outing for the 2022 second rounder, who is returning from Tommy John surgery that he had prior to the draft.
WILBER DOTEL, RHP, BRADENTON
Dotel followed Barco with one run allowed in five innings. He gave up two hits and one walk, while striking out six. Dotel has a 2.89 ERA in 74.2 innings this year. He was signed out of the Dominican in October 2020 as an 18-year-old.
LONNIE WHITE JR., CF, BRADENTON
White went 5-for-15 this week, with three doubles and a home run. The outfielder is in his first full healthy season of pro ball, batting .262/.403/.497 with seven homers in 176 plate appearances. He was an over-slot signing in 2021.
MITCH JEBB, SS, BRADENTON
Jebb went 6-for-13 last week in Bradenton, adding two doubles and a stolen base. The Pirates’ 2023 second rounder has shown the ability to rack up a lot of hits in a short amount of time. He could help push Bradenton to the post-season this week.
CARLOS CARO, INF, DSL PIRATES GOLD
The DSL Pirates Gold team wrapped up their impressive season this week with an elimination in the DSL Finals. Carlos Caro, an 18-year-old infielder in his first professional season, batted .400/.455/.700 with three doubles and a homer over the last week. Caro mostly played for the DSL Pirates Black squad this year, batting .310/.440/.504 with five homers in 159 plate appearances across the two teams.
