Prospect Watch

Hunter Barco

Position: LHP

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 235 pounds

Level: Triple-A

Notable: Ask any Pirates fan to name an up-and-coming prospect at Triple-A who’s getting ready for an anticipated MLB debut, and just about every answer would be Bubba Chandler. Although Chandler’s first MLB start seems a matter of when as opposed to if, the Pirates have another starting pitcher with Indianapolis who might not be too far behind: Barco. … The 24-year-old lefty, was promoted to Triple-A from the Altoona Curve in early May. With the Indians, he has made 15 starts, going 2-1 with a 3.70 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 33 walks in 581⁄3 innings. Five of his outings at Indianapolis have been scoreless affairs, and opposing batters are hitting .207 off him. … Barco had to overcome a shoulder ailment earlier in the year and has had his brush with injuries over his young career, including Tommy John surgery in 2022. He ranks as the Pirates’ No. 4 overall prospect, per MLB Pipeline.

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