Is Juan Oramas Ready for Double-A?

Yeah, I know that Juan Oramas gets a disproportionate amount of attention here at Chicken Friars, and it seems like I’m extolling his virtues after every start.

Yesterday, the Mexican lefty tossed six innings, allowing no earned runs or walks, and striking out five.

He’s now 3-0 with a 1.67 ERA, no homers allowed, and a 29/9 K/BB ratio in 27 innings in the Cal League.

1.67 ERA and no homers in the Cal League…that’s special.

Oramas also retired the first 25 batters he faced two starts ago, and now has gone three starts and 19 1/3 innings without allowing an earned run.

Yeah, he just turned 20, but it doesn’t seem like Oramas is being challenged in Lake Elsinore.

It might then be time to start thinking about moving him up to San Antonio.

Nate Culp has just a 4.75 ERA there, and has struck out just 19 batters in 41 2/3 innings. At 25, he likely isn’t going to turn into a big leaguer, so he’s a candidate to be released.

The Padres could also release Josh Geer or Scott Munter from AAA, promote a Double-A pitcher (likely Wynn Pelzer) to Portland, and get Oramas up that way.

Given that he’s just 20 years old, it’s not imperative for Oramas to move this quickly, but he certainly seems like a capable upper-minors pitcher. Let’s not forget the guy was Mexican League Rookie of the Year last year, and the Mexican League is pretty comparable to the Cal League, so it’s nothing new for him to pitch this well at a level this challenging.

It’s something to think about, at least.