Two Major One Minor 052113

Here is the eighth Two Major One Minor segment of 2013. This is my third year of doing this series where I feature two Major League players and one minor league player each week. This week I am featuring Marc Melancon, Cory Gearrin and Jason Gurka. All three are currently relief pitchers that have settled into their role.

RHP Melancon of the Pittsburgh Pirates is one of the prime set up men for closer Jason Grilli. He was a decent closer for the Astros in 2011 when he had 20 saves. This season he is 0-0, 0.78 ERA, 23 K, 0.78 WHIP in 23.0 IP over 23 games. The stars must have aligned over him with numbers like that. He has a respectable 9.0/K rate and has only posted one walk this season. Once the ball is in his hands Melancon owns his inning as well as any other reliever. He was originally drafted by the Yankees in the ninth round in 2006. Melancon turned 28 on March 28.

RHP Gearrin of the Atlanta Braves is one of the set up men for closer Craig Kimbrel and his importance has increased due to losing Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty for the season. While not dominating he keeps the game under control. This season he is 1-0, 0.90 ERA, 14 K, 0.95 WHIP, 1 SV over 20.0 IP over 24 games. His 6.3/K rate is down but it shows improved control after a 12.3/K rate in 2011 was coupled with a 1.58 WHIP. He was originally drafted by the Braves in the fourth round in 2007. Gearrin turned 27 on April 14.

LHP Gurka pitches out of the bull pen for Double A Bowie of the Baltimore Orioles. This season he is 1-1, 1.46 ERA, 29 K, 0.97 WHIP, 4 SV in 24.2 IP over 11 games. His minor league time has been spent in the bull pen so that is a good indication his future is there too. His 10.6/K rate is a bit down but that is likely due to being at a higher level. His current ERA and WHIP are at personal bests and if he continues to develop he could be another prized lefty in the Majors sooner than later. He was originally drafted by the Orioles in the 15th round in 2008. Gurka turned 25 on January 10th.