ALTOONA, PA – Pirates Prospects has learned that the Pittsburgh Pirates are promoting 21-year-old center fielder Elvis Escobar to Double-A Altoona from Bradenton. Escobar is currently riding an eight game hitting streak from the Marauders, and he has been hitting extremely well since early July (.438/500/.594 since July 9th).
The Venezuelan has performed well in the pitcher friendly Florida State League, hitting .272 with a .703 OPS this season. He signed in 2011 as a 16-year-old for a $570,000 bonus. John Dreker very recently wrote that Escobar may finally be reaching prospect status in the organization, as he has began to perform up to his potential.
Escobar will take over regular duties in center field for the Curve, with Harold Ramirez going to the Toronto Blue Jays at the trade deadline. Current Curve outfielder Justin Maffei will go back to Bradenton with Escobar coming up. Maffei has struggled to see the field this season, being inactive for a majority of the summer. He just went 3-for-4 on Tuesday night in Altoona before the move occurred.
