Top prospect Gerrit Cole moving closer to the Major Leagues

Gerrit Cole, the Pirates top prospect, is moving closer to the Major Leagues.

Cole who was promoted to Double-A Altoona this season, has been promoted to Triple-A Indianapolis, Cory Giger of the Altoona Mirror reports. Cole’s belongings in his stall have been removed and he is enroute to join the Indians, Giger reports. Cole went 3-6 with a 2.90 ERA in 12 starts with Altoona. He was promoted to Altoona on June 12.

Cole, 21, struck out 60 and walked 23 batters in 59 innings pitched with the Curve, holding opposing batters to a .239 batting average.

Cole could start as early as Saturday for Indy.

Cole had been expected to start next season in Indianapolis so this gives him an early look so he will know what to expect and he projects to be in the Major Leagues by somepoint in the 2013 season. There are even a few pundits who feel the Pirates should consider bringing him up to the big club this September and use him some in the bullpen down the stretch like the Rays did years ago with David Price.