Duke Welker Promoted to Altoona

Posted by on August 13, 2011 | 2 Comments

Along with the promotion of Victor Black to high-A Bradenton, the Pittsburgh Pirates have also promoted right handed reliever Duke Welker from Bradenton to Altoona.  Welker has put up a strong season in Bradenton, with a 2.25 ERA in 52 innings, along with a 7.1 K/9 and a 4.3 BB/9 ratio.  In the past year he’s displayed a 98 MPH fastball, although control has been a big issue, with almost a walk an inning during the 2010 season.  Welker got those control numbers down to a more respectable range, although it’s still high.  The 6′ 7″, 220 pound right hander is 25 years old, but due to his high velocity, he’s definitely a prospect.

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About Tim Williams

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim moved to Bradenton in 2013, and will be providing live coverage all year of the Bradenton Marauders, GCL Pirates, instructs, mini camp, Spring Training, and lunches at Mixon's Fruit Farms.
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2 Responses

  1. F Lang
    August 14, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    What a change of career path for Welker. I am guessing maybe Arizona fall league for him?

  2. Anonymous
    August 15, 2011 at 1:38 am

    It’s about time he made it to Altoona. I believe he was our 2nd round pick in 2007. Personally, I thought Welker was an overdraft in ’07, but I’m glad to see that he is starting to put things together even if it is in a relief role…