Shorebird of the Week – June 28, 2012

This young Dominican dominated two levels, one in his homeland and one stateside. But Miguel Chalas hadn’t gone through the rigors of a full season, and it was determined this spring that Delmarva would be that test.

Chalas, who turned 20 yesterday, has managed to survive a rough patch in the early season and is now rounding into a starter Ryan Minor can count on for quality starts. Over his last three Miguel has pitched to an ERA of exactly 2, giving up 18 hits in as many innings and allowing seven runs (six earned) during that stretch. It’s a run that has placed his overall ERA on the right side of 5 runs per nine innings after a tough April which saw him pick up three of his team-leading six wins but pitch to a 7.63 ERA – included in that was a horrific outing at Greensboro where he allowed 11 runs (7 earned) in just 2 1/3 innings.

As I noted above, Miguel had been dominant in his first two pro seasons, going 5-1, 1.78 for the Orioles team in the Dominican Summer League and 5-3, 2.93 for the GCL Orioles last season. He ended up making one start for Aberdeen last year, allowing three earned runs and seven hits in four innings (but striking out six.)

This year has been tougher but with a 6-3 record and 4.95 ERA, things are heading back in the right direction. Since that fateful April start, Miguel has gone just 3-2 but pitched to a more respectable 3.95 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 14 walks in 41 innings. His innings were limited early on as he shadowed Dylan Bundy in Dylan’s first couple starts, coming on after Bundy threw his three innings. It was a cheap way to get a decision but Miguel received a couple wins that way despite not pitching all that well in those instances.

Chalas looks to be someone Ryan Minor can count on in the second half, since he’s on a pace to perhaps throw 60 more innings in 10 or 11 more starts. If he can keep on course there’s no reason Miguel can’t make another jump next season and continue moving up the Oriole ladder.

 

Author: Michael

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