One September call-up to watch for each MLB team

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CLEVELAND, OH – JULY 07: Cristian Pache #16 of the National League Futures Team looks on during batting practice prior to the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game at Progressive Field on Sunday, July 7, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

Atlanta Braves: Cristian Pache

The month of September will be all about staying healthy and locking down home field advantage for the NLDS for the Atlanta Braves, who hold a comfortable lead in the NL East but do not have much of a shot at catching Los Angeles for the best record in the National League. The Braves will be able to put it in cruise control and work on making sure all their ducks are in a row before the postseason starts.

With Nick Markakis, Austin Riley and Ender Inciarte all on the Injured List, the Braves could actually use a boost to their outfield depth in September. Billy Hamilton, Matt Joyce and Rafael Ortega are all getting at-bats now, but none stand out as much more than roster filler. The Braves should consider calling up their top prospect, center fielder Cristian Pache.

Pache is one of, if not, the best defensive outfielders in the Minor Leagues. His defensive abilities will translate immediately at the MLB level, where he will be in the upper echelon of defenders as soon as he makes his debut. Pache is that good, with 70-grade fielding, throwing and running ability on the 20-80 scale. Scouts don’t give out too many 70s, which makes it abundantly clear that Pache is a special athlete.

The 20-year-old is not only a great defender. He’s handled himself very well at the plate, where his power is beginning to show. He has hit .277/.340/.462 this year with 36 doubles, nine triples, 12 home runs and 61 RBI. Even if it’s just as a late-inning defensive replacement down the stretch, Pache should be in Atlanta for the rest of the year.

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