Milwaukee Brewers: Previewing September Call-Ups

With the 2017 non-waiver trade deadline about to commence, the Milwaukee Brewers are in a strange and unexpected position to say the least. Sitting in first place in the National League Central, the Brewers have some tough decisions to make regarding who belongs on the team past July 31st.

With the recent demotion of top prospect Lewis Brinson, it will be interesting to see who the Brewers opt to trade to make room for him.  Will the Milwaukee Brewers make a move to add to the bullpen?  Perhaps even consider dealing a top prospect for much-needed starting pitching.

Whatever happens in July will be quite interesting, but an even more intriguing part of the season that’s overlooked by some is the September call-up period.  This is when teams take a look at some of their top talents from the Minors. The best part is the team does not even waste an option.

The recent promotions of Mauricio Dubon to Triple-A Colorado Springs and starting pitcher Corbin Burnes to Double-A Biloxi make this September one that could provide a in-depth look at the future of this team.  Also, do not forget about Ryan Cordell and Garrett Cooper who are tearing it up in Triple-A.

We now know that the Milwaukee Brewers are not afraid to let their “young and controllable talent” get a look at the Majors for the first time.

Who will we see in September?

• Corbin Burnes SP Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A)

Only recently promoted on May 30th, 2017 to Biloxi, Burnes ranks among the most deserving of a call up. Drafted just last season in the 4th round, he has been on a bullet train through the Minor Leagues. He started his career with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in Single-A last season and posted a 2.20 ERA in nine starts with a 3-0 record while striking out 31 batters. In his short time, opposing batters managed a .194/.351/.258 slash line against him. Once he was promoted to High-A in 2017, Burnes continued his dominance

He owns a 5-0 record in 10 starts with an ERA of 1.05. He also struck out 56 batters in High-A. Hitters are not showing much improvement against him as they are hitting at a clip of .167/.231/.223 between High-A Carolina and Double-A Biloxi. At this pace, he could get a promotion to Triple-A in the following weeks. Howerver, we could see him get a call-up from Biloxi to help contribute to a contending Brewers team.

• Mauricio Dubon SS/2B

Considered the headlining prospect wise in the Tyler Thornburg deal, the young Honduras-born Dubon could look to make MLB history in the coming months. He will be the the first Major League player from Honduras when he makes his debut.  Also recently promoted to Triple-A, Dubon has been on fire since he joined the organization.

Prior to his promotion, he was hitting .276/.338/.351 with two home runs and 24 RBIs.  He was named to the Southern Division All-Star team for his efforts. Given his success at Double-A, Dubon will continue to make a name for himself in the Pacific Coast League.

If Dubon wishes to crack the Major League roster he will truly need to impress in Colorado Springs. Thanks to his defensive versatility, he should have a good shot at making it to Milwaukee before season’s end. That could also depend on the transactions that take place before then.

• Ryan Cordell OF/3B

Currently raking in Triple-A Cordell has a .284/.349/.506 slash line with 10 home runs and 45 RBIs. Cordell will compete to see his first Major League action in the outfield soon. Acquired from Texas, Cordell’s ability to play third base will definitely help him get a call-up. He could provide some pop off of the bench in a close game. Also, the time Cordell gets at the Major League level could help determine his place on next year’s Brewers team.

• Garrett Cooper 1B

The numbers really speak for themselves when making a case for the 26-year-old prospect. He’s batting at a clip of .357/.412/.614 with 14 home runs and 67 RBIs. The only reason he is not with the Brewers already is due to the success of Eric Thames and Jesus Aguilar. If not for first basemen on the roster, Cooper would already have received the call. We should see him in September, if not sooner, unless the Brewers are planning on using him as a trade piece.

Next: What's Brewers Prospect Corey Ray Been Up To?

If any of these players get the call, September will make for a very interesting month. It will be nice to see the underrated prospects help the Milwaukee Brewers, even if it is earlier than expected.