Nelson Pereira
| IP | 209 |
|---|---|
| ERA | 2.498 |
| WHIP | 1.139 |
| BB/9 | 2.584 |
| SO/9 | 7.837 |
- Full name Nelson Ernesto Pereira
- Born 02/12/1989 in Ciudad De La Union, El Salvador
- Profile Ht.: 5'11" / Wt.: 180 / Bats: L / Throws: L
Top Rankings
Organization Prospect Rankings
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Pereira is the only Latin American player originally signed by the Pirates who's on this Top 30, though that could change in coming years if shortstop Andury Acevedo and outfielders Starling Marte and Rogelio Noris continue to progress. Pereira had a successful U.S. debut in 2008, making the transition that so many Pirates international prospects have struggled with in recent years. He has worked both as a starter and in relief, and he has a chance to stick in a rotation thanks to his three-pitch mix. Pereira has a firm fastball in the low-80s, but he gets hitters out with his above-average curveball and changeup. The Pirates think he could add velocity to his fastball as his body matures, though he's undersized and durability could become an issue. Pereira will get a shot at a full-season job with West Virginia in spring training, and he has a chance to make history as the first native of El Salvador to play in the majors.
