Two Twins prospects on the rise to Triple-A

ARLINGTON -- The Twins will promote two of their top pitching prospects, right-handers Brusdar Graterol and Jorge Alcala, to Triple-A Rochester on Sunday, the team announced.

The hard-throwing Graterol is the No. 3 prospect in the organization and ranked No. 56 overall in the Minor Leagues, according to MLB Pipeline. Alcala is the No. 23 prospect in the Twins' system. Both Graterol and Alcala have been converted to relief roles over their last several appearances, and Graterol has been considered an internal option for bullpen help in the Major Leagues down the stretch.

The Twins' 40-man roster is at 39 players after right-hander Ryan Eades was claimed off waivers by the Orioles on Wednesday.

Graterol has made three appearances out of the bullpen for Double-A Pensacola since he was activated from the injured list on Aug. 7 following his recovery from a right shoulder impingement. He reportedly touched 103.8 mph with his fastball on Saturday as he threw two perfect innings of relief in the Blue Wahoos' combined no-hit bid against Chattanooga.

The 20-year-old Graterol is 6-0 with a 1.71 ERA in 12 games, including nine starts, for Pensacola this season. He has allowed one hit in five innings as a reliever over the last two weeks, with four strikeouts and two walks.

Alcala, 24, has a 5.87 ERA in 26 games, including 16 starts, for Pensacola this season but has been quite effective as a reliever since he moved into the role at the end of July. He has allowed two earned runs in 10 2/3 innings (a 1.69 ERA) out of the bullpen, with seven strikeouts and two walks in that span.

Alcala’s fastball has more consistently played up to 96-98 mph with movement since his move to the bullpen. He arrived in the Twins' organization at last season's Trade Deadline in the trade that sent right-hander Ryan Pressly to the Astros.