Minnesota Twins: What’s next for Brusdar Graterol & Jorge Acala?

Graterol made the long-awaited jump to Triple-A, with Alcala joining him. What does this mean for the Minnesota Twins the rest of the way?

Brusdar Graterol has been one of the top pitchers in the minors in 2019 and Minnesota Twins fans have clamored to see him on the big league squad since he returned from the injured list August 7th.

This dream may finally become closer to reality, as Graterol was just promoted to Triple-A on Saturday according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The promotion isn’t a shock, as the 20-year-old pitcher absolutely dominant at Double-A Pensacola, with a 5-0 record and an ERA of 1.78. He still has some control issues with 21 walks, but the stuff is still all there, as he regularly tosses over 100 mph.

Graterol has been doing a lot of work at closer recently, as the Twins are looking to presumably set him up as a reliever for the stretch run and playoffs, meaning he could make the big league club by the end of the month.

Jorge Alcala was also promoted and is the Twins’ twenty-third ranked prospect. He has struggled more than Graterol has throughout 2019 and came over as the headliner in the Ryan Pressly trade last year.

Acala has not pitched well for most of the season, turning in a 5.97 ERA, but his last five appearances have been excellent, recording a strong 2.00 ERA and earned the call-up. He will likely end up being used in the never-ending merry-go-round of relievers the Twins are using.

Graterol is the big name here and has the far more likely chance of pitching in the bigs by the end of the year. Despite being primarily a starter in the minors, he will likely stay a bullpen option to give the Twins another strong bullpen option for the playoffs. Alcala’s big-league chances aren’t as strong as Brusdar’s, but it’s good to see the 24-year old pitcher settling in.

Even if neither pitcher makes the big league roster this month or even this season, it’s good to see talented prospects moving up through the system. Hopefully, we’ll see both of the young arms on the Twins roster really soon.