3 potential September call-ups who could make a real difference
Every September, the 25-man rosters across baseball expand, sometimes by as many as 15 players. And while most are relegated to pinch-running or defensive duties, leaving their contributions minimal at best, there are always some young kids showing up to impact the pennant races or even launch themselves into stardom like Francisco Rodriguez circa 2002.
With that in mind, here are three potential September call-ups who could make a real difference in the regular-season's final month.
Chance Adams, Yankees RHP
Even Sonny Gray can't fix the Yankees' rotation woes himself, as injuries are running wild and sidelining not just the star starters but their replacements as well (Luis Cessa landed on the DL Tuesday, one day after joining the rotation).
But the silver lining might be Adams getting a shot. Adams, the Yankees' No. 3-ranked prospect and 61st overall on MLB Pipeline, is having an eye-popping season in the minors, and actually improved following an early-season promotion to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. In 24 starts across two levels this year, Adams has a 2.16 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, and 122 strikeouts to 51 walks while allowing just 10 homers. If he qualified for the International League leaderboard, Adams' 1.01 WHIP at Triple-A would be second in the league.
Given how Adams adjusted so easily after his promotion, the Yankees would be silly not to see if he can plug a rotation hole down the stretch and push them into the playoffs. At worst, he could provide Joe Girardi - the master of September bullpen management - with an extra relief arm. Either way, Adams has proven he's ready to make a difference in the show right now - and the Yankees stand to benefit in a big way.
Walker Buehler, Dodgers RHP
Wait, the 50-games-over-.500 Dodgers need a rookie boost in September? OK, they don't need that kind of help, but Buehler - MLB Pipeline's 13th overall prospect - is probably going to be there to provide it anyway.
A 2015 first-round pick, Buehler has flown through the Dodgers' system and has jumped three levels - from High-A to Triple-A - over the course of 2017, and was moved to Triple-A Oklahoma City's bullpen on Aug. 1 in a possible sign of things to come. Buehler has excelled at all three levels - and don't be fooled by his high ERA in the hitter-friendly PCL, because he's striking out 13.2 batters per nine with Oklahoma City, while averaging 12.7 K/9 across all three levels.
In theory, Dave Roberts could give him a shot to start and move Hyun-Jin Ryu to the 'pen as an extra southpaw arm. The most likely scenario, though, is that Roberts calls on Buehler as a reliever a lot down the stretch and into October, only strengthening an already potent relief corps. And unlike Ferris, Walker Buehler will actually be there to perform when he's called upon.
Brent Honeywell, Rays RHP
In September 2008, the Rays called up 22-year-old David Price for the stretch run, and he began his career with a dominant September and memorable October that included a four-out pennant-clinching save. Nine years later, Honeywell looks ready to follow in Price's footsteps as the Rays' latest September (and maybe October?) hero.
Honeywell was named the Futures Game MVP in July, but his resume is far greater than just that one game. He owns a 3.54 ERA at Triple-A Durham this season, and his 140 strikeouts lead the IL. He also throws a screwball - a pitch that was once thrown by numerous Hall of Famers but is rarely, if ever, seen in the modern-day game. That pitch could truly baffle hitters who have never seen one the first time around the league, giving Honeywell a significant September advantage.
Tampa Bay's rotation, long this team's strength, has struggled behind Chris Archer and is part of why the club is back below .500. But with the wild card (and possibly the American League East) still very much in play, the stage is there for Honeywell to join the rotation and push the Rays to the playoffs with a September run to remember.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)