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.
+ postsTim is the owner, producer, editor, and lead writer of PiratesProspects.com. He has been running Pirates Prospects since 2009, becoming the first new media reporter and outlet covering the Pirates at the MLB level in 2011 and 2012. His work can also be found in Baseball America, where he has been a contributor since 2014 and the Pirates' correspondent since 2019.
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…
What a change of career path for Welker. I am guessing maybe Arizona fall league for him?