Atlanta Braves: 5 Minor Leaguers Likely to Contribute in September

Braves fans will be holding their breaths the entire month of September. Last year’s collapse was almost too unbelievable to be true, and it served as a further reminder that this franchise is long removed from its pennant dominance of the 1990s.

The Braves are trying to make the playoffs for the second time in seven years, and they currently find themselves in first place in the National League Wild Card race.

It will take some very well played baseball to catch the Washington Nationals for the National League East division title, but with September call-ups right around the corner, management has a great opportunity to load the bench with prospects and minor league veterans who can contribute in the hunt for October.

Take a look at some minor leaguers who could step up and pull their weight in September.

Randall Delgado

RHP, Randall Delgado saw some big league action earlier in the season when he was looked upon to fill a spot in the starting rotation when some of the starters were nursing injuries. As one of the top pitching prospects in the Braves organization, Delgado first saw big league action last year. He was 1-1 with a 2.83 ERA over 35 innings pitched.

Delgado wasn’t quite as sharp this season at the major league level and with Kris Medlen and Ben Sheets joining the rotation, Delgado spent July and August with Triple-A Gwinnett where he is 4-2 with a 4.58 ERA. His strikeout to innings pitched ratio has improved in Triple-A to 46 strikeouts over 35.1 innings.

Delgado pitches with poise and shows little emotion, and this levelheadedness combined with his previous exposure at the major league level can only help if he’s called upon to provide a few quality starts in the hunt for October.

Cory Gearrin

RHP, Cory Gearrin is another Brave who first saw big league action last season as he fluctuated between Triple-A Gwinnett and Atlanta. The sidearming reliever showed moments of excellence but was plagued with inconsistencies that resulted in a 7.85 ERA. 

He put some muscle on his 6'3" frame over the offseason, and this year, it seems to have paid off. Gearrin has been the definition of consistent and has provided quality relief innings.

Last year, the Braves entered September with their tenacious pitching trio of O’Flaherty, Venters and Kimbrel overworked and underperforming. Gearrin has provided the needed buffer to ensure that the arms of O’Flaherty, Venters and Kimbrel are well rested for the postseason run.

Gearrin is currently sporting a 0.79 ERA in 12 appearances at the major league level. He can provide a solid inning of relief if a starter gets in trouble and can’t go deep into the game. Look for more confidence and consistency in Gearrin’s pitching this September.

Peter Moylan

RHP, Peter Moylan, or more affectionately known as “Moy” among his teammates, is one of the biggest personalities on the team.

His path to the majors is just as unique as his gregarious nature. The 32-year-old Aussie was originally signed as a minor-league free agent by the Minnesota Twins in 1996 and then released in 1998. He played back in Australia and even gave up baseball for a stint.

But he couldn’t stay away from the game, and the Braves picked him up as a free agent in 2006 after seeing him pitch for Australia in the World Baseball Classic. He made his major league debut later that year working relief innings.

Even though Tommy John surgery sidelined him for the 2008 season, the sidearmer has over five years of major league service. He has spent the 2012 season at various levels of the minor leagues rehabbing a shoulder injury with mixed results and a current ERA of 6.43.

However, his veteran status is desirable in a tight Wild Card race, and he would be a good player to have around the younger, more inexperienced prospects.

J.C. Boscan

J.C. Boscan is another veteran who is in his second stint with the Braves after being re-signed as a free agent in 2007. Unlike Moylan, however, the Venezuelan catcher has had little experience in the big leagues.

As a backup to the Braves' regular backstops, Boscan, 32, usually gets called up when Brian McCann or David Ross needs time to nurse minor injuries. While he does have some experience catching numerous Braves starters at Turner Field, the bigger question lies in his offensive abilities.

In 68 games with Triple-A Gwinnett, he’s hitting .194 with 42 hits versus 59 strikeouts. While I don’t think he’ll be a major contributor at the plate—his major league at bats haven’t fared any better—he’ll definitely get the call-up as the third option behind McCann and Ross.

Boscan needs to be ready to suit up behind the plate especially if the Braves clinch the Wild Card and need to rest McCann and provide injury insurance for both catchers.

Jose Constanza

Outfielder Jose Constanza’s speed can’t be denied. Although much shorter in stature than Jason Heyward, Constanza can cover the grass and steal bases just as effectively. He’s hitting .315 with Triple-A Gwinnett this season and has an OBP of .383. He also has 14 stolen bases and can play anywhere in the outfield.

Constanza got considerable time in the majors last season, playing 42 games before the Michael Bourn acquisition. He had a .303 average with seven stolen bases. He has only played in 15 games in the big leagues this year with a .222 batting average.

Constanza consistently produces solid numbers at the plate and has demonstrated consistent defensive play as well. If the Braves were willing to part with Constanza, he could easily be a part of some team's 25-man big league roster.

Constanza is a hard worker who will hustle to beat out an ordinary ground ball. I fully expect him to contribute offensively and defensively in September and reach October's postseason party.