10 Potential September MLB Call-Ups Who Will Be Full-Time Starters in 2013

On September 1, when the active roster expands from 25 to 40 players, there will be an inevitable influx of prospects to the major leagues, especially for those organizations that have already been systematically eliminated from the postseason.

While some of baseball’s top prospects—players who have the potential to star for their respective team for years to come—will likely make their big league debut, there will also be a slew of under-the-radar prospects who receive a September audition for the 2013 season.

Wil Myers, OF, Kansas City Royals

2012 Stats: .310/.386/.614, 64 XBH (34 HR), 97 RBI, 6 SB, 128 K/53 BB (116 G)

September Role: The Royals have no position for Myers at the moment, otherwise they would have already promoted him. They want him to play every day, something that will be easier come September 1. Hopefully Jeff Francoeur will welcome the mentor role with the 21-year-old. 

2013 Outlook: Myers should have a chance to win the everyday right field job in spring training and will be a solid right-handed-hitting option to complement Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer. 

Jedd Gyorko, 2B, San Diego Padres

2012 Stats: .312/.373/.531, 49 XBH (23 HR), 82 RBI, 77 K/42 BB (108 G)

September Role: Gyorko recently went on the seven-day disabled list with ankle soreness, but it’s believed to not be serious and should only require a week absence, at most. Once he’s healthy, the Padres will likely get him in a few games at Triple-A Tucson before promoting him.

2013 Outlook: A natural third baseman, the Padres converted Gyorko to second base for a reason. He has a clear path to playing time next season as the everyday second baseman.

Grant Green, IF/OF, Oakland Athletics

2012 Stats: .290/.334/.453, 42 XBH (13 HR), 13 SB, 69 K/30 BB (108 G)

September Role: Drafted as a shortstop in 2009, Green has played just about everywhere this season; basically, he’s done everything but pitch, catch or play first base. His power hasn’t developed as hoped, but he’s still got a decent bat. He’ll likely see time at multiple positions this September, possibly even significant time at second base, where he’s played the last eight games.

2013 Outlook: It’s conceivable that Green could be the team’s second or third baseman next season—both positions where they’ve been especially weak this season. Given his lack of power, second base would be the more logical fit of the two.

Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

2012 Stats: 9-6, 122.1 IP, 2.87 ERA, .246 BAA, 116 K/37 BB (22 GS)

September Role: Skaggs had been utterly dominant at Triple-A Reno until Thursday night, when he allowed eight earned runs on 10 hits over five innings. Prior to that, the left-hander had allowed only four earned runs over his last 40.2 innings. As he’s done before, he should bounce back without a problem and receive several starts in September.

2013 Outlook: Along with fellow top prospect Trevor Bauer, Skaggs figures to be a key part of the 2013 starting rotation. Skaggs will presumably have to battle left-handers Joe Saunders and Pat Corbin for a spot, but it’s hard to see the Diamondbacks passing over his upside in favor of the painfully mediocre Saunders.

Bruce Rondon, RHP, Detroit Tigers

2012 Stats: 47 IP, 28 SV, 1.34 ERA, .167 BAA, 60 K/20 BB (46 G)

September Role: Recently promoted to Triple-A, Rondon has the potential to make significant impact out of the bullpen. Boasting a fastball that works in the 99-102 mph range, the right-hander was designed for a late-inning relief role. Who knows; he could even get a look as closer if Jose Valverde falters down the stretch.

2013 Outlook: The Tigers will need Rondon in their 2013 bullpen, as he’s a cheap power arm capable of closing. If the Tigers like what they see from him in September, they could even look to deal Jose Valverde this offseason.

Jake Odorizzi, RHP, Kansas City Royals

2012 Stats: 13-4, 127.1 IP, 3.04 ERA, .244 BAA, 122 K/43 BB (23 G; 22 GS)

September Role: Promoted to Triple-A at the same time as fellow prospect Wil Myers, the 22-year-old right-hander has fared well at Triple-A this season and deserves several starts over the final month of the season.

2013 Outlook: He’s not polished and may have some growing pains as someone who works up in the zone too often, but given the state of the Royals rotation, they’ll need him next season.

Nick Franklin, SS/2B, Seattle Mariners

2012 Stats: .280/.349/.448, 42 XBH (9 HR), 12 SB, 96 K/40 BB (103 G)

September Role: The Mariners have a wave of prospects poised to reach the major leagues over the next two seasons, and Franklin will likely serve as the trailblazer this season. His numbers aren’t overly impressive, but the kid can really play. Hey, he’ll definitely hit more than Brendan Ryan.

2013 Outlook: Like I said, Brendan Ryan can’t hit. Franklin, on the other hand, can rake from both sides of the plate. He’ll even jump the yard with some frequency.

Justin Wilson, LHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

2012 Stats: 9-6, 131.1 IP, 3.84 ERA, .189 BAA, 130 K/65 BB (25 GS)

September Role: Despite making 25 starts at Triple-A this season, Wilson’s chance as a September call-up will come as a member of the Pirates bullpen. A 6’2” left-hander, he has the swing-and-miss arsenal ideal for a late-inning, situational matchup.

Oh yeah—did I mention that he’s left-handed?

2013 Outlook: Presuming that his September audition goes reasonably well, Wilson should stick in the Bucs bullpen. He’s always piled up strikeouts but continues to struggle with his overall command (4.5 BB/9 in four seasons). A move to the bullpen might be a good change of pace for him.

Vic Black, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates

2012 Stats: 2-3, 8 SV, 51.1 IP, 1.93 ERA, .200 BAA, 73 K/25 BB (42 G)

September Role: The Pirates may not have to consider calling up Gerrit Cole. They have Vic Black, a 24-year-old right-hander who owns a 1.93 ERA and 12.8 K/9 over 51.1 innings this season for Double-A Altoona. He’s a future closer with the potential to be a weapon out of the Pirates bullpen in September.

2013 Outlook: Black will likely earn a setup role in 2013 with the potential to assume closing duties should Joel Hanrahan be traded or suffer an injury. 

Marc Krauss, OF, Houston Astros

2012 Stats: .286/.418/.525, 53 XBH (20 HR), 78 RBI, 102 K/85 BB (118 G)

September Role: Acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Chris Johnson to Arizona, Krauss is a three-true-outcome player with an underrated bat. He’s a bit of a base clogger, but that may not even matter if he has to play left field at Minute Maid Park.

2013 Outlook: Although he may only be a stopgap for guys like George Springer and Domingo Santana, Krauss is a player who may surprise people with his performance in the major leagues. He has the power and plate discipline to warrant a look as the team’s everyday left fielder next season.