Early Grades for Top 12 Call-Ups' First Weeks in MLB

As I busily prepare for all of Saturday’s September call-ups—be sure to check back tomorrow for scouting reports and analysis—I thought I’d offer my thoughts on the prospects that have been called up over the past month.

While some prospects like Manny Machado and Matt Harvey quickly announced their presence, others like Josh Vitters and Mike Olt are struggling to stay afloat.

Here is a look at some of the notable prospects that have reached the major leagues since late July, with grades for their respective overall performances.

Manny Machado, 3B, Baltimore Orioles

Grade: B+

2012 MLB Stats: .227/.246/.470, 8 XBH (3 HR), 10 RBI, 16 K/2 BB (19 G)

After going 6-for-16 with five extra-base hits (three home runs) and seven RBI in his first four games, the 20-year-old has cooled off (as expected) and has not recorded an extra-base hit in his last seven contests. However, his defense at the hot corner has been excellent and a noticeable upgrade over predecessors Mark Reynolds and Wilson Betemit.

Casey Kelly, RHP, San Diego Padres

Grade: B

2012 MLB Stats: 1-0, 6 IP, 3 H, 4 K, 2 BB (1 G)

While his major league debut was definitely impressive, especially considering he’s missed a majority of the season recovering from an elbow strain, I can’t issue a higher grade due to the small sample size. Having said that, a “B” grade still seems appropriate.

Tyler Cloyd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies

Grade: B-

2012 MLB Stats: 0-1, 6 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 5 K, 2 BB (1 G)

He’s not much of a prospect and requires minimal projection, but you can’t argue with what he's done this season in the minors. Although his arsenal is comprised of average offerings across the board, they tend to play up due to his above-average command. He pitched well in his big league debut and should receive multiple starts in September.

Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: B

2012 MLB Stats: 1-1, 12.1 IP, 2.92 ERA, 1.216 WHIP, 9 K, 7 BB (2 GS)

Despite winning his first major league start against the Marlins on August 22, the immensely talented southpaw has had bouts with command problems. However, he’s shown the ability to get hitters out by working the entire strike zone, and his changeup has seemingly improved over the course of the season. He’s a big part of the team’s future and will finish the season in the rotation.

Dan Straily, RHP, Oakland Athletics

Grade: B-

2012 MLB Stats: 1-0, 17 IP, 3.18 ERA, 1.176 WHIP, 12 K, 4 BB (3 GS)

Yes, Straily pitched well in his three starts—although he was hampered by the long ball in his second start—but was demoted to make room for Brett Anderson. As baseball’s strikeout leader this season (181 in 146 innings), everyone was expecting him to come up and fan hitters at an unfounded rate. Although his mix and command has been impressive, it’s clearly not as effective against major league hitters.

Mike Olt, 3B/1B/RF, Texas Rangers

Grade: C

2012 MLB Stats: .160/.281/.200, 5 RBI, 9 K/5 BB (12 G)

While I agree that Olt is ready for the major leagues, I disapprove of how the Rangers have used him so far. Like most top position prospects, they need to be in the everyday lineup, not just when a matchup is favorable or a veteran needs rest.

Furthermore, he’s been forced to play numerous positions, including right field, where he has minimal experience. He’ll be fine; he just needs a genuine opportunity to get comfortable in a consistent role.

Jean Segura, SS, Milwaukee Brewers

Grade: C+

2012 MLB Stats: .197/.229/.227, 2 SB, 12 K/3 BB (19 G)

While he’s made the highlight reels with his defense at shortstop, Segura’s bat hasn’t picked up yet, likely due to his lack of selectivity. However, that’s always been part of his game, and there’s no reason to think it’ll suddenly change now that he’s in the major leagues. He’s a free-swinger who makes consistent contact but needs to resist chasing pitcher’s pitches just out of the zone.

Jake Elmore, SS/2B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: B-

2012 MLB Stats: .200/.256/.250, 2 2B, 2 K/3 BB (15 G)

Like Segura, Elmore is the type of hitter who makes more weak-contact outs than strikeouts—an approach that worked well at Triple-A Reno this season (.908 OPS) but doesn’t necessarily translate to the major leagues. With Stephen Drew now a member of the A’s, Elmore has received the bulk of his playing time at shortstop and has looked solid defensively except for a few lazy throws.

Ryan Wheeler, 3B/1B, Arizona Diamondbacks

Grade: C

2012 MLB Stats: .207/.277/.310, 4 XBH, 5 RBI, 11 K/6 BB (28 G)

A left-handed hitter, Wheeler has seen time at both corner infield positions. Primarily, he’s received starts at third base against right-handed pitching, especially with Chris Johnson currently mired in a slump. Wheeler has also served as the team’s primary pinch-hitter, though he’s only 3-for-15 in that role.

Matt Harvey, RHP, New York Mets

Grade: A-

2012 MLB Stats: 3-3, 42.1 IP, 2.76 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 49 K/17 BB (7 GS)

Since making his eye-opening debut on July 26 in Arizona—where he fanned 11 batters over 5.1 scoreless innings—Harvey has been one of the top stories in baseball in August. The right-hander has legitimate swing-and-miss power arsenal, with a four-pitch mix that includes a plus fastball (99 mph in his last start) and slider. He’s fanned at least six batters in five of his seven starts and in my opinion, has merited “must-watch” status. Harvey will be a main cog in the Mets’ 2013 starting rotation.

Brett Jackson, OF, Chicago Cubs

Grade: B

2012 MLB Stats: .216/.341/.473, 10 XBH, 8 RBI, 37 K/14 BB (23 G)

After posting an .817 OPS with 49 extra-base hits, 27 stolen bases and 158 strikeouts this season for Triple-A Iowa, Jackson’s early return in the major leagues has been eerily similar. Although he’s sat against left-handers fairly often, the left-handed hitter has amassed 10 extra-base hits (four home runs) in his first 23 games. However, his swing-and-miss tendency has also been magnified, with 37 strikeouts thus far.

Josh Vitters, 3B, Chicago Cubs

Grade: C-

2012 MLB Stats: .093/.123/.185, 3 XBH, 4 RBI, 19 K/2 BB (17 G)

Called up at the same time as fellow Cubs’ prospect Brett Jackson, Vitters hasn’t received the same consistent playing time, probably because he’s struggled when given the opportunity. The team’s first-round draft pick in 2007, he’s collected only five hits while fanning 19 times in his first 17 games. As a result, the Cubs continue to give Luis Valbuena playing time at the hot corner.