Brusdar Graterol might be on the fast track to the big leagues and becoming a big-time arm in Minnesota’s bullpen as they fight for the AL Central title.
Graterol, the No. 3 prospect in the organization, was promoted to Triple-A Rochester Saturday. Joining him in the jump from Double-A Pensacola to Triple-A is right-handed pitcher Jorge Alcala, the No. 23 prospect.
Both pitchers can reach 100 mph on the radar gun, but Graterol is otherworldly electric. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound 20-year-old recently had a fastball clocked at 103.8 mph.
103.8 to be exact.
But who's counting? pic.twitter.com/BfLIRWwkFh
— Pensacola Blue Wahoos (@BlueWahoosBBall) August 18, 2019
Twins General Manager Thad Levine told the Star Tribune that the only other pitcher he’s seen “sit above 100 mph for an entire inning” is Yankees All-Star closer Aroldis Chapman.
In the minors this season, Graterol, owns a 1.62 ERA in 55.2 innings and opponents are hitting just .176 against him.
Graterol could be the future ace of the Twins’ pitching staff, but he was recently moved to the bullpen in what could be a preview for the Twins if they call him up in September, or perhaps even before then.
Alcala, 24, has a 5.87 ERA with 105 strikeouts in 102.2 innings at Double-A this season. Sixteen of his 26 appearances have come as a starting pitcher.
According to the Twins, Alcala was recently converted to a reliever role and has allowed just two earned runs in 10.2 innings (1.69 ERA) while striking out seven and walking two.
The Twins acquired Alcala in the trade that sent Ryan Pressly to the Houston Astros last summer.
