Five September callups to get excited about this month
It's September, so you know what that means: Roster expansion.
With the teams expanding to the 40-man roster, we are introduced to faces, old and new. From a photogenic catcher whose face went viral to Carl Crawford's cousin, here are a few players we want you to keep an eye on as the season continues.
When you meet Jimmie Sherfy in person, before you've seen him throw one pitch on the mound, you're instantly a fan. Beyond his friendly demeanor, the guy's a stellar pitcher as well.
A University of Oregon alumnus, the reliever had his first career callup in August. He pitched in two games for the D-backs, tossing two shutout innings with three strikeouts. He was sent back down to Triple-A Reno following the stint, but was recently promoted once again in September. The D-backs' No. 15-ranked prospect boasted a 3.12 ERA with 61 strikeouts and 20 saves over 49 innings in the Minors in 2017. He's also Reno's all-time saves leader with 32.
Does the name "Crawford" ring a bell? J.P. Crawford is the cousin of four-time All-Star Carl Crawford. The Phillies' No. 4 prospect is making his own name for himself and came on the Cut4 radar with an unforgettable inside-the-park grand slam with Triple-A Lehigh Valley.
He got his call to the bigs on Tuesday after hitting 15 home runs and 63 RBIs in the Minors this year. He's typically a shortstop, but could spend some time at the hot corner as well and oozes athleticism.
His sister Eliza posted an emotional message to him as he got the call which brought tears to her eyes, and after you read it, you'll see why.
My little brother is making his major league debut tomorrow. And I couldn't be any more proud. Literal tears are happening @jp_crawford pic.twitter.com/4LckrxGchV
— Eliza Crawford (@elizacrawford_) September 4, 2017
Taylor Davis become a viral sensation because the camera loves him. And it loves him a lot. He gave props to his former teammate
"He was with us last year, that was just one of the things he did," Davis said to USA Today. "After I did it, everyone just liked it."
Couldn't take our eyes off @Beanz_TD this season. pic.twitter.com/aPYwV8uchV
— Iowa Cubs (@IowaCubs) August 27, 2017
Beyond his camera-ready ways, he made a case for himself in the Minors this season boasting a .297/.357/.786 line with six home runs and 106 hits in 102 games. While he does have a famous mug now, it looks like his bat has some star power as well. And if you're wondering if he left his ways of finding the camera in the Minors, the answer is no -- he brought his look to the bigs.
No matter what happens, Davis is embracing his reputation of being "the guy who finds the camera."
Walker Buehler has been described as many things, and "ultra-talented" might be the most appropriate term for him so far. The Dodgers' No. 1 prospect can pretty much do it all. He got the call this month and MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo says Buehler came back successfully from Tommy John surgery and, as much as his power can play as a starter, he can even contribute to give the bullpen a rest.
In the Minors this season, the 23-year-old had a 3.35 ERA in 28 games with 125 strikeouts.
Dillon Maples hasn't spent a week in the bigs this season, but he already has a Cubs' dancing bullpen under his belt compliments of a
Maples led the dance party and remained dominant across the Minors this year -- finishing his Triple-A stint with a 13.75 K/9 ratio and 28 strikeouts in 18.1 innings.
During his Major League debut on Sunday in the Cubs' 5-1 loss to the Braves, he pitched a scoreless inning -- and catcher Rivera made sure to save the ball for him. Not bad for a guy who was struggling with injuries and considered quitting.
