Luis Escobar waited a long time for the call he received early Saturday. The right-hander from Cartagena, Colombia, found out that he was getting called up from Class AAA Indianapolis.
“It felt great. I’m proud of myself for finally being able to accomplish my dream,” Escobar said through an interpreter before Saturday’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers. “I got a call a little past midnight from (Class-AAA manager Brian) Esposito and he asked me where was I at. Then he said it didn’t matter where I was at, but I needed to pack a bag because I was going to the big leagues. When I looked at the phone and saw who it was I figure that either I was getting called up or I’d done something really bad.”
The 23-year-old was signed by the Pirates as a non-drafted free agent on July 8, 2013. Escobar languished a bit with a 15.9 percent strikeout rate and a 4.54 ERA last season with Class AAA Indianapolis. This season has been a turnaround with Escobar posting a 2-1 record with a 2.72 ERA, 42 strikeouts and .212 batting average against in 13 appearances (five starts) at Class AAA.
“We’ll use him appropriately out of the bullpen. He’s a brand-new guy, first time up,” Pirates manager Clint Hurdle said. “Quite a story behind it. We’ll try not to use him in a high-leverage situation. If we get in the 14th inning today, tie game, he’s one of the few left, you never know how that might work out. I can remember that a few years ago saying that about a young player — we’re not going to use him — then the 14th or 15th inning, there he is making his debut.
“We had him in spring training so we know the guy. The reports have been good. He’s gotten better each month this year. He’s probably the most confident and has the most conviction of any time in his career.”
Escobar is a reliever so it isn’t certain when he’ll pitch, but when he does he’ll be the eighth Pirate to make his big league debut this season. Dario Agrazal, Jason Martin, Cole Tucker, Bryan Reynolds, Montana DuRapau, Geoff Hartlieb and Mitch Keller are the others. Escobar would be 45th Pirate to play in a game for the team this season.
Escobar began the season at Class A Bradenton before being promoted to Indianapolis on May 9. He credited time in the Venezuelan Winter League for part of his success this year.
“I’ve been able to surround myself with men who’ve poured into me and supported me,” Escobar. “I am here today because of all the support I’ve gotten. I knew that Pirates believed in me and my gifts, but I needed to connect the maturity with my talent. I’m thankful for this opportunity.”
Escobar was suspended last August while with the Class AA Altoona Curve for violating club policies.
First Published: July 6, 2019, 6:18 p.m.
