Kristy Robinson reports that the Pirates will finally promote top outfield prospect Starling Marte.
Just heard from a source that OF prospect Starling Marte will join the #pirates in Houston.
Dejan Kovacevic has confirmed this report.
Marte has posted a line of .286/.348/.500 in Class AAA Indianapolis, and that includes OPS marks of .944 in June and .924 in July after a weak month of May. His power this year has been outstanding, with 47 extra-base hits so far this year, and his speed and especially defense have long been regarded as plus tools. The main question of him has been his ability to control the strike zone, but he's improved in that area this season, with 28 walks and 90 strikeouts so far.
The Pirates have been reluctant to rush Marte, but it's still a little surprising that they've waited this long to promote him. His statistics are excellent, and the Pirates have suffered in recent weeks as Garrett Jones and especially career infielder Drew Sutton have bungled plays in the outfield. Marte will likely be the Pirates' starting right fielder, although his exact role hasn't been announced yet.
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