No call-up, but Ben Gamel named I.L. Rookie of the Year

When Scranton/Wilkes-Barre opened its season, Ben Gamel was the team’s fourth outfielder. As the RailRiders, Gamel is arguably their best player.

This morning, Gamel was named the International League Rookie of the Year. He emerged as Scranton’s regular leadoff hitter, staying in that role even after Slade Heathcott returned from the disabled list and even as Jose Pirela put up big numbers as a super utility player.

Gamel did not receive a September call-up, presumably because there wasn’t a clear role for him to play — better to use that potential 40-man spot for either a third catcher, a pure pinch runner or an extra reliever — but the Yankees will have to make a 40-man decision on Gamel this winter because he’ll be eligible for the Rule 5 draft.

Last thing the Yankees need is yet another left-handed outfielder, but Gamel’s been too good to ignore. He was the only Scranton/Wilkes-Barre player named to the International League’s postseason all-star team (in addition to Rookie of the Year, he was also named an outfielder on the all-star team).

Here’s the breakdown of Gamel’s season as announced by the league:

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre outfielder Ben Gamel has claimed the 2015 Rookie of the Year Award. The 23-year-old leads the IL with 14 triples and is in the top three in the League in batting average, hits, runs, and slugging percentage. Gamel’s very first month playing above the Double-A level was his best this season, as he came out of the gate with a .383 average in April. He has primarily served as the leadoff hitter for the RailRiders, posting a .311 average in that role. He’s hit at a .329 clip since the All-Star break as SWB closes in on a division title. Gamel, who was also elected as an outfielder on the Postseason All-Star Team, becomes the first Scranton/WB player to be honored as IL Rookie of the Year since Austin Jackson in 2009. Ben’s brother Mat played for the Brewers for parts of five seasons.

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