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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2 COMMENTS

  1. 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…

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