That Didn’t Take Long: McKinney Promoted to AA

This afternoon, the Chicago Cubs promoted outfielder Billy McKinney from high-A Myrtle Beach to AA Tennessee. McKinney, who has been squaring up the ball the past ten games, will likely play left field for the Smokies beside another top prospect, Albert Almora. Earlier in the week, McKinney was named Carolina League Player of the Week.

#MBpelicans OF @billy_mckinney promoted to Double-A Won CL POTW, Play of the Week L11 gms: .447/.531/.895, 11 R, 4 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 17 RBI

— Nathan Barnett (@nathansbarnett) May 14, 2015

By adding McKinney, the Smokies’ deep lineup includes now includes the Cubs’ top four left handed hitters in the system in Kyle Schwarber, Dan Vogelbach, Bijan Rademacher, and McKinney.

At Myrtle Beach, McKinney’s potent bat will be tough to replace. Shawon Dunston and Trey Martin will likely see more playing time next to on base machine Mark Zagunis in the outfield for the Pelicans.

Traveling with McKinney to Tennessee will be utility player Wes Darvill. Outfielder Pin-Chieh Chen will be moving from Tennessee down to Myrtle Beach.