Yankees’ MiLB News: Pirela IL Player of the Month

Jose Pirela-Mandatory Credit: thetimes-tribune.com

My co-editor Jason Evans started a #PromotePirela campaign about a month ago. We here at Yanks Go Yard feel second baseman/ first baseman/ outfielder Jose Pirela would be an immediate upgrade on the current Yankees’ roster. Apparently, the rest of the MiLB world is starting to take notice. Over the past 48 hours, Pirela has been named the International League Player of the Month for June and an IL All-Star.

Pirela’s official June stats per the official Scranton/Wilkes-Barre website were astounding. He hit .336 with ten of his league leading 40 hits going for extra bases. Pirela amassed 18 RBI while scoring 21 runs and swiping five bases. More importantly, Pirela has been expanding his role as a super utility player. With last month’s promotion of the red hot Robert Refsnyder, Pirela was bumped off of his normal second base position. The adjustment period in the field has come with some minor bumps, however his bat has not slowed down.

Pirela claimed the IL Player of the Week in the last week of May, added the IL Player of the Month for June, and now has been named to the International League All Star team. They will square off against the Pacific Coast League’s finest in the 2014 Cree Triple-A All Star Game July 16th at the home of the Durham Bulls. Pirela is now batting .318 with seven home runs and 34 RBI on the season, with an astounding 143 total bases. With Red Sox’ young prospect Mookie Betts recently called up to the show, one can make the case that Pirela is the current MVP of the International League. One can also make the case that the time is now for Pirela to don the pinstripes for the Yankees.