MLB Rookie Profile: Juan Minaya, RHP, Chicago White Sox

This afternoon the Chicago White Sox promoted right-handed pitching prospect Juan Minaya to the major league roster. Here’s a quick look at what to expect.

Minaya is from the Dominican Republic and was originally signed by the Houston Astros as a free agent in 2009. A mediocre starting pitcher at the lower levels, he converted to relief in 2014 and improved, reaching Double-A for the first time.

He earned a spot on the 40-man roster late in 2015 but the Astros ultimately did not have room for him and he was claimed on waivers by the White Sox last June.

He posted a 3.63 ERA in 52 innings in Triple-A between the two organizations last year with a 47/20 K/BB. He also saw action in 10 major league innings for the White Sox, giving up six runs with a 6/5 K/BB.

Minaya was rated as a Grade C prospect pre-season, unranked on the Chicago White Sox Top 20 prospects for 2017 list. He had a 1.23 ERA in 15 innings in Triple-A this year with an 11/4 K/BB.

Listed at 6-4, 210, Minaya is a right-handed hitter and thrower born September 18th, 1990. He’s got a pretty good fastball at 91-96 MPH, averaging 94. He can mix in a low-to-mid-80s change-up and has a breaking ball that can go as low as 78 MPH but is usually around 83.

Minaya shuts down right-handed hitters but has more difficulty with lefties. He will fit best in short/middle relief but won’t get a chance to close unless his ability to deal with southpaw hitters improves.