Scouting Ethan Salas, Walker Jenkins, Lazaro Montes and other notable late-season call-ups
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- September roster expansions have become less extensive, with limits increasing to 28 players instead of 40, resulting in fewer prospect call-ups around this time.
- Notable recent debuts include Ethan Salas (Padres), who has shown strong hitting and defense as a catcher, and Walker Jenkins (Twins), who impressed with his hitting and fielding despite injury setbacks.
- Lazaro Montes (Mariners) exhibits exceptional power but struggles with pitch selection, leading to high strikeout rates, while Luis De León (Orioles) has shifted to relief pitching after mixed results as a starter.
- Catching prospects Leo Bernal (Cardinals) and Yohandy Morales (Nationals) show promise offensively, though Morales faces challenges with pitch recognition and bat speed against higher-level pitching.
- Pitchers Ricky Tiedemann (Blue Jays) and Tanner McDougal (White Sox) have had limited major league exposure due to injuries and performance issues, with Tiedemann expected to serve as a short-relief lefty option.
