Mitch Keller will have some company on his way to Indianapolis. After Altoona’s 7-2 win on Wednesday night, outfielder Jason Martin was promoted to Triple-A according to Sean McCool.
BREAKING: #Pirates promote outfielder Jason Martin to Triple-A @indyindians.
Acquired in the Gerrit Cole trade, Martin leads the @AltoonaCurve with a .325 AVG. pic.twitter.com/EQ8lQecVLH
— Sean McCool (@NotSoMcCool) June 28, 2018
Martin has been the leading hitter for Altoona all season. He finished Double-A with a .325/.392/.522 slash line in 68 games. Martin also had an .802 OPS in 79 games last year in Double-A, so he’s been due for a promotion. As one of the pieces in the Gerrit Cole trade, the 22-year-old outfielder was seen as the fourth piece, but he has improved his prospect status this season while showing that he can play center field. Now he will be one of the younger players in Double-A trying to prove that he belongs at that level.
Bradenton has promoted Alfredo Reyes to take the place of Martin. Reyes is an upcoming minor league free agent, who spent two seasons in Bradenton and made the All-Star team this year. He’s a versatile defender with an above average arm and above average speed. He’s worked hard at the plate this year to improve his patience and it’s paid off with a .796 OPS and now this promotion.
