Matt Benedict Promoted to Bradenton

The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-handed pitcher Matt Benedict to Bradenton. The right-hander put up a 3.42 ERA in 76.1 innings in the West Virginia rotation this year, and should take the rotation spot vacated by Gerrit Cole in high-A.

Benedict was drafted in the 30th round of the 2011 draft out of Western Carolina University. He’s a sinker ball pitcher who gets good results with the pitch, leading to a 1.67 GO/AO ratio in West Virginia.

As a college pitcher, his lower level numbers don’t really impact his prospect status much. He’s starting now, but it would be hard to consider him more than an organizational guy until he has success in Double-A or higher.

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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