Of the three top prospects in their Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, Jesus Montero appears to be headed for the Yankees’ roster before the other two.
Rumors of a Thursday callup for the catching prospect intensified this week. But it appears the Bombers’ two top pitching prospects, 20-year-old southpaw Manny Banuelos and 23-year-old righty Dellin Betances, will stay where they are for now.
It is possible that the hurlers will be called up as the month progresses.
The fact that the 6-foot-3, 230-pound Montero is being called up now is significant, considering he was in the running to make the team after Francisco Cervelli broke his foot in spring training. But the prospect scouts say has the word “stud” written all over him failed to unseat Russell Martin and spent the season at Scranton, where he hit .290 with 18 homers and 67 RBI. He is expected to serve as a right-handed DH.
Montero, who reportedly has some defensive issues behind the plate, could see immediate use since Cervelli will probably continue catching in the ailing Martin’s place.
The 21-year-old Montero has been on a tear, driving in 40 RBIs since July 1.
Banuelos is 2-2 with a 3.03 ERA after a promotion from Double-A this year. And Betances (0-2, 3.94) has been serviceable since his promotion from Double-A.
Out East Show: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Browder's Birds & Sheep Shearing, and Bennett Shellfish in Montauk NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes you to a few special places 'Out East'
Out East Show: Shrine of Our Lady of the Island, Browder's Birds & Sheep Shearing, and Bennett Shellfish in Montauk NewsdayTV's Doug Geed takes you to a few special places 'Out East'
