10 MLB Prospects Who Need to Step Up Now to Have Shot at September Call-Up

As we enter the final two months of the 2012 season, it seems as though prospects are now being promoted to the major leagues on a weekly basis—at times, daily. Perhaps what’s most exciting is that the largest influx of prospect promotions is still to come.

On September 1, major league rosters will expand from 25 to 40 players, allowing every team to both rest their veterans and give up-and-coming prospects a taste of the big leagues.

While some prospects seem poised for an inevitable September call-up, there are countless others who desperately need a strong August to receive a late-season promotion.

Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs

Triple-A: .258/.339/.485, 49 XBH (15 HR), 26 SB, 154 K/46 BB (104 G)

One of the Cubs' more highly touted prospects for the past three seasons, Jackson continues to flash his impressive set of tools despite not progressing through the minors as quickly as hoped.

The one aspect of Jackson’s game that has repeatedly impeded his development is his propensity to strike out—something that he did 126 times in 2010 and 138 times in 2011. The fact that the left-handed hitter is posting a career-low .339 on-base percentage is somewhat disconcerting, so his exciting power-speed combination will assuredly come at a price.

Still, even if he has a mediocre August, there's a strong chance he reaches the major leagues in September.

Bryce Brentz, OF, Boston Red Sox

Double-A: .275/.341/.447, 37 XBH (13 HR), 109 K/36 BB (102 G)

After a horrendous start to the 2012 season in which he batted .216/.266/.318 in 23 games, Brentz has bounced back nicely, although his power numbers aren’t as robust as in previous years.

However, if he can once again revive his production over the next month—he batted .200/.250/.326 with only three home runs—and if the Red Sox aren’t in contention, then it’s conceivable that the 23-year-old could receive a cup of coffee.

Nolan Arenado, 3B, Colorado Rockies

Double-A: .262/.324/.389, 34 XBH (8 HR), 47 K/34 BB (106 G)

After a monstrous 2011 season where he batted .298/.349/.487 with 20 home runs, 122 RBI in 134 games for High-A Modesto, Arenado has struggled to replicate such production this season at Double-A.

Before the season began, Arenado seemed poised for a late-season call-up if he were to turn in a strong year. Even though it’s seemingly less and less likely, given the state of the Rockies organization, it can’t entirely be ruled out.

Tim Wheeler, OF, Colorado Rockies

Triple-A: .296/.360/.399, 21 XBH (2 HR), 5 SB (5 CS), 51 K/23 BB (62 G)

Much like fellow prospect Arenado, Wheeler is in the middle of a disappointing season after batting .287/.365/.535 with 33 home runs and 21 stolen bases at Double-A Tulsa. Granted, he has been injured and spent time on the disabled list this season, but it’s still shocking that he’s only hit two home runs.

However, the outfielder’s track record speaks for itself, and if he can turn in his best month of the season in August, a September call-up isn’t out of the question.

Grant Green, UTL, Oakland Athletics

Triple-A: .294/.336/.455, 37 XBH (12 HR), 13 SB, 64 K/27 BB (98 G)

Drafted with the 13th overall pick in the 2009 draft, Green’s ascent to the major leagues hasn’t exactly been as smooth as expected.

A shortstop when he joined the A’s organization, he’s developed into more of a "tweener" with no true position. At the same time, his versatility has somewhat increased his value.

He’s hit well enough to warrant a September call-up, especially if the A’s need more depth on the bench. Now it’s just a matter of whether he can aid them in a playoff race.

Vinnie Catricala, 3B/LF, Seattle Mariners

Triple-A: .238/.303/.353, 28 XBH (8 HR), 66 K/31 BB (100 G)

If there’s one thing that Catricala can do, it’s hit. That’s why it’s been especially shocking that the right-handed hitter has slashed only .238/.303/.353 in 100 games this season, one year after posting a 1.021 OPS between High- and Double-A.

The Mariners are somewhat crowded at every corner spot, even more so at third base, but if Catricala can rebound over the last two months of the season, Seattle may occasionally work him into their lineup in September.

Kolten Wong, 2B, St. Louis Cardinals

Double-A: .288/.357/.409, 28 XBH (8 HR), 16 SB, 53 K/39 BB (99 G)

Headed into the 2012 season, there was speculation that if Wong had a stellar year at Double-A, then there was an outside chance he may be playing in St. Louis by September.

While it hasn’t been anything spectacular, the University of Hawaii alumnus is enjoying an all-around solid season, hitting for a decent average with good on-base skills and sharp defense.

The Cardinals already have a plethora of mediocre, versatile infielders, but Wong is undoubtedly their future at second base. A productive August could convince the Cardinals that he’s ready for the big leagues and force their hand in the final month of the season.

Tim Beckham, SS/2B, Tampa Bay Rays

Triple-A: .253/.340/.343, 11 XBH, 4 SB, 44 K/23 BB (45 G)

Will this finally be Tim Beckham’s year?

Well, probably not. But after years of disappointing seasons and poor off-the-field decisions, the Rays may ultimately give him a chance to prove his value with a September call-up.

He’s not raking, or anything remotely close to that, but there’s only so much the Rays can do at this point with their 2008 No.1 overall draft pick.

Jacob Turner, RHP, Miami Marlins

Minors: 6-4, 95.1 IP, 2.93 ERA, .222 BAA, 63 K/36 BB (16 GS)

MLB: 1-1, 12.1 IP, 8.03 ERA, .321 BAA, 7 K/7 BB (3 GS)

Before he was dealt to the Marlins as the centerpiece of the trade that sent Omar Infante and Anibal Sanchez to the Tigers, Turner was turning in a strong season at Triple-A while struggling in three big league starts.

His velocity has dipped this season and he’s emerged as more of a pitch-to-contact rather than strikeout pitcher, but there’s still considerable upside there. His command still needs refinement, but if the right-hander can string together several successful starts in August, he should get his first taste of the Marlins rotation in September.

Wily Peralta, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers

Triple-A: 6-9, 113 IP, 4.94 ERA, .281 BAA, 109 K/56 BB (22 GS)

After a rough start to the 2012 season—highlighted by a 8.78 ERA and .345 BAA in May—Peralta has seemingly regained the form that made him the Brewers’ preseason No. 1 prospect.

The team isn’t in postseason contention, so this September should be the perfect time for Peralta to get his feet wet before joining the rotation in 2013. He still registers favorable groundball rates and strikes out enough hitters; now it’s just a matter of putting it all together.