What if J.D. Martinez was still in Houston? by Greg Thurston

Multiple sources are reporting that RHP Jake Buchanan will be called up to start tomorrow’s game in Tampa. The news broke shortly after tonight’s 3-1 win over the Rays.

Brad Peacock, who is dealing with a nasty case of food poisoning, has been scratched from his scheduled start and Paul Clemens has been optioned back to Oklahoma City.

Like Rudy Owens earlier in the year, the timing was right for the 24-year old Buchanan. Jake last pitched on Sunday, picking up a win against Las Vegas, and was due to pitch tomorrow in Tacoma. Also like Owens, Buchanan is likely to be returned to OKC after the outing.

Buchanan isn’t one of the Astros top prospects, but he has put together some solid numbers over parts of five seasons in the minors. A couple of things that jump off the stat sheet are his ability to limit walks and to keep the ball in the ballpark. Jake has a career average of 1.7 BB/9 IP and 0.6 HR/9 IP.

So far this season at AAA, Buchanan has posted a 6-4 record and a 1.166 WHIP and leads the RedHawks with 76 & 1/3 innings pitched. Last season he had a 1.1 WHIP in 158 & 1/3 innings pitched between AA and AAA, earning 12 wins along the way.