Indianapolis, IN
Indianapolis Indians players to watch this year
Luis Ortiz pitches for the Pittsburgh Pirates throughout a March spring coaching recreation in Tampa, Florida. Ortiz joined the Indianapolis Indians to begin the common season. Photograph: Julio Aguilar/Getty Pictures
The Indianapolis Indians are again — and there is a good probability you do not know who any of the gamers are.
Why it issues: The Indians are a well-liked summertime attraction whether or not you want baseball or not. However the video games might be extra enjoyable when you recognize what (and who) to search for.
Between the traces: Count on the Pittsburgh Pirates, with one of many deepest minor league techniques in baseball, to cycle thrilling gamers by Indianapolis — its Triple-A affiliate — this 12 months.
State of play: A number of prime Pirates’ prospects are beginning the season right here, together with a robust group of pitchers.
1. Endy Rodriquez, catcher
Rodriquez, who performs a number of positions, hit .412 with three doubles in 17 spring coaching at-bats after ending final 12 months with a flourish in Indianapolis.
- What they’re saying: The Athletic’s Keith Legislation writes: “He may not be a star, however I am not ruling it out.”
2. Quinn Priester, pitcher
Priester, a right-hander, is a soon-to-be beginning pitcher within the majors with rookie-of-the-year aspirations.
- What they’re saying: “This 12 months, if I am not within the massive leagues … we’ll look again on it and say, ‘Hey, what occurred?’” Priester informed Triblive.com.
3. Mike Burrows, pitcher
Burrows spent most of final 12 months “shredding Double-A,” per the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette. He used the winter to show himself a slider, a brand new pitch that would assist him transfer up.
- What they’re saying: Burrows “is on the doorstep of reworking PNC Park (in Pittsburgh) into his workplace,” MLB.com reviews.
4. Luis Ortiz, pitcher
Ortiz joins the Indians after pitching for the Dominican Republic within the World Baseball Basic. The suitable-hander tops 100 miles per hour and performed 4 video games for the Pirates final 12 months, putting out 17 batters in 16 innings.
- What they’re saying: “He is nonetheless attempting to good a changeup and typically experiences points together with his management. The stint within the minor leagues is definitely momentary,” the Pittsburgh Put up-Gazette writes.
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