Altoona Curve left hander Aaron Thompson won the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week award, after going 2-0 last week, with an 0.75 ERA. Thompson made two starts, both lasting six innings, and combined to allow one run on three hits, with two walks and seven strikeouts.
He started off strong on the road in Erie, allowing one run on one hit, with a walk and two strikeouts in six innings. His next start was even better, with six shutout innings, allowing two hits, one walk, and striking out five.
The Pirates claimed Thompson off of waivers this off-season from the Washington Nationals. The 24 year old left hander is a former first round pick for the Florida Marlins, but has seen his prospect status fall in the last few years. The Pirates identified a flaw in his delivery, and claimed him with the belief that they could fix it.
It’s too early to say whether that was a success, even with the strong start. Thompson started off strong in 2010, putting up a 2.82 ERA in 22.1 innings in April, only to finish with a 5.79 ERA in 136.2 innings at the AA level on the season. At the same time, it’s good to see him having success, as it would be a huge bonus for the Pirates if he could regain his former top prospect status.
Thompson pitches again on Wednesday, which means I will miss seeing him in Richmond this weekend, unless one of the next three games gets rained out.
