5 Exciting Prospects the New York Yankees Will Promote in September

With an American League-best record of 66-46 headed into Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays, the New York Yankees sit atop the American League East with a five-and-a-half game lead over the Baltimore Orioles.

As always, with an active roster comprised of All-Stars and experienced veterans, the Yankees seldom rely on young talent during the final stretch of the season. But when the rosters expand on September 1, they will be able to offer their starters extra rest before the playoffs and bolster their bullpen with several promising young arms.

Here is a look at five Yankees’ prospects who may receive a September call-up.

OF Zoilo Almonte (Double-A)

Double-A: .275/.317/.486, 36 XBH (17 HR), 57 RBI, 14 SB, 81 K/18 BB (83 G)

The 23-year-old switch hitter isn’t particularly toolsy, although he does possess slightly above-average power and speed. He’s a free swinger from both sides of the plate, preferring to use his hand-eye coordination and quick bat to drive the ball rather than manipulate counts.

Almonte’s a solid defender capable of playing all three outfield positions, but has primarily played either right or left field over the last two seasons. He made a strong impression on Joe Girardi during spring training, and I highly doubt that’s been forgotten.

RHP Mark Montgomery (Double-A)

Minors (A+, AA): 5-2, 15 SV, 51.1 IP, 1.58 ERA, .162 BAA, 80 K/17 BB (38 G)

With little room to improve other than at third base, the Yankees could also stand to add depth in their bullpen. Enter Mark Montgomery, who has often been compared to David Robertson due to his power arsenal and effectiveness.

In my opinion, Montgomery is a future closer, but it’s highly doubtful he’ll assume that role within the next two seasons. However, if he performs as well as he can, the right-hander should have no problem working his way into that role.

RHP Brett Marshall (Double-A)

Double-A: 12-4, 130 IP, 2.77 ERA, .244 BAA, 89 K/43 BB (22 GS)

A stocky right-hander at 5’11”, 200 pounds, Marshall was a sixth-round selection by the Yankees in 2008. A power pitcher at that time, he missed parts of the 2009 and 2010 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Since his return, Marshall has evolved into more of a control pitcher than strikeout artist. He commands a three-pitch mix consisting of a fastball, slider and changeup, all of which are at least average offerings.

Given his injury history and lack of professional experience, the Yankees may decide to keep him in the minors for another season. But if they were to call upon a prospect to make a start or two in September, Marshall is definitely an intriguing option.

RHP Chase Whitley (Triple-A)

Minors (AA, AAA): 8-5, 1 SV, 67.2 IP, 3.72 ERA, .216 BAA, 62 K/23 BB (36 G)

Drafted by the Yankees in the 15^th round in 2010, Whitley has progressed quickly through the Yankees’ system.  With unorthodox arm action and a deceptive delivery, the right-hander’s fastball only works in the high-80s/low-90s and lacks significant late movement. However, both his slider and changeup grade out as above-average to plus offerings, and he commands both pitches well.

Although he’s only striking out 7.8 batters per nine innings this season, he does induce ground-ball outs at a favorable rate (1.18) and has always kept the ball in the park (0.7 HR/9).

The Yankees definitely have some late-inning options in Montgomery and Whitley, and both have the potential to be September call-ups.

RHP Kelvin Perez (Triple-A)

Double-A: 6-1, 4 SV, 71.1 IP, 1.14 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 60 K/35 BB (41 G)

At 6’1”, 140 pounds, the 26-year-old right-hander isn’t much of a prospect—especially after it took him eight seasons to reach Double-A. However, most of his early career in the minors was spent as a starter, and 2011 was his first full season working out of the bullpen.

Perez doesn’t fan a ton of hitters and issues more walks than desired, but he also doesn’t get hit too hard or often (5.9 H/9 in 2012). He’s not a sexy power arm suited for a high-leverage, late-inning role. But with above-average stuff and deception as a reliever, Perez has demonstrated the ability to get guys out.

The right-hander was recently promoted to Triple-A, though he’s yet to appear in a game.