Cleveland Indians: With Owen Miller called up, who’s next in Columbus?

Kirk McCarty, P

One name that is currently flying under-the-radar in the minor league system of the Cleveland Indians is left-handed starting pitcher Kirk McCarty. At 25-years old, McCarty was a seventh round pick by the Tribe in the 2017 MLB Draft out of Southern Miss, working his way up through the minors since. Despite being undersized for a starting pitcher, standing just 5-foot-8, McCarty has started off the 2021 season strong in Columbus.

Through his first four starts, McCarty has been able to compile a 3-0 record and has looked rather impressive in each start. He’s been able to pitch at least five innings in each appearance, now up to 23.2 on the year. He’s also been able to toss a scoreless start that lasted six innings and has allowed five or fewer hits in each start as well.

Perhaps what is more impressive is that he’s walked more than one batter in a game just once so far this season and has only five walks through four starts, a mark much better than any other prospect the Tribe has tried out this year on the mound. McCarty has also managed to throw at least 60% of his pitches for strikes in each outing.

What could end up being the barrier for McCarty is that he isn’t currently on the Tribe’s 40-man roster. The 40-man is currently full, and that’s with Roberto Perez moving to the 60-day IL to make room for Miller. When Miller was still in Columbus we talked about what it would take to get him added to the 40-man and outside of the Perez move, there were few options available.