Happy Memorial Day Weekend everybody! Before you stuff your face with tubed meats, ground beef and steak let’s walk you through all the top newsmakers in Minor League Baseball for May 29th 2021. Geoff (Triple-A and Double-A) Rhys (High-A) and Matt (Low-A) did all the watching so you don’t have to!
Hoy Jun Park, SS NYY (Triple-A) 3-for-3, HR, 2 BB
I caught Park right before promotion to Triple-A while he was still with Somerset. It’s a contact over approach profile with the ability to play multiple positions in the infield. There’s some sneaky fringe-average raw and the bat to ball skills to play that up.
Vidal Brujan, SS TB (Triple-A) 2-for-5, RBI
Only noteworthy thing here is that Brujan got the start at shortstop as he looks to play every position but catcher and first base in 2021. Oh BTW, it’s no longer noteworthy if Brujan has a two hit night, he does almost every night. Amirite?!?
Aaron Ashby, LHP MIL (Triple-A) 5.2 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, BB, 9 K
Sat 93-95 mph touching 97 mph on the stadium gun, Ashby mixed all four of his pitches and generated strikes swinging and looking up and down the Columbus lineup. His fastball has great angle and his curveball is a hammer, due to his arm slot and angle, his slider gets sweep, and changeup mirrors his fastball before breaking armside with late bite. Ignore the numbers as Ashby has a good pitch mix and some unique qualities that make him a tough at bat. Still has a ways to go in terms of command, but he was on for the most part last night. His defense behind him let him down, leaving at least four outs on the field.
Cal Raleigh, C SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 R
The answer is “I don’t know” and “I don’t know why”. What are questions about Cal Raleigh’s callup.
Taylor Trammell, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, R
If Triple-A were the big leagues, Taylor Trammell would be Mike Trout. After a rough debut early in 2021 Trammell has been locked in since the demotion to Tacoma. Look for him to be back with the Mariners at some point this summer.
Peter Solomon, RHP HOU (Triple-A) 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 9 K
Struck out five through the first two innings and looked absolutely dominant in doing so. He creates a flatter approach angle on his fastball from a very vertical slot, mixing in a big 12-6 curveball, a tighter slider and a changeup with bugs bunny tumble. It’s a starter’s pitch mix and build, and he can generate whiffs on his fastball, slider, and changeup.
Daz Cameron, OF DET (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R
He is officially on fire, the flames are engulfing him and he’s hitting half court shots at will. En fuego coming through.
Zach Reks, OF LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-2, 3 R, 2 BB
His season slash sits at .298/.403/.491, as he’s hit a bit of a power drought the last week or so before going down with an injury. He was back doing what he does, working deep into at bats and getting on base.
Daulton Jefferies, RHP OAK (Triple-A) 4.1 IP, H, 3 K
Made his second turn in the Aviators rotation throwing a ton of strikes and getting into the fifth on just around 50 pitches. The stuff is excellent but his track record of poor health makes it a very risky profile to project as a viable starter.
Johan Mieses, OF BOS (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
Pushed his minor league leading home run total to 11 with his first inning dong. Now up to an 1.113 OPS through twenty one May contests. I’d still approach Mieses with guarded optimism. This was an absolute shot by the way. Over the video board in left center field, as it caught a tailwind on a blustery night.
Josh Winckowski, RHP BOS (Double-A) 7 IP, H, 9 K
Acquired in the Andrew Benintendi deal via the Mets. He was only with the Mets organization for a few days before being traded to Boston and had spent all of his time prior to 2021 with Toronto. He mixes a low to mid-90s sinking fastball, with a slider and a changeup with wicked drop and fade. He missed bats with his fastball and showed the ability to land it all over the zone. He was nearly unhittable too, as he located everything all night, while getting some calls as well.
Hunter Greene, RHP CIN (Double-A) 7 IP, 7 H, 2 ER, BB, 8 K
Over the first six innings of this game Greene was electric. Sitting 98-100 mph on his fastball touching 102 per the stadium gun. He mixed in his slider, cutter, and changeup effectively but dominated with his fastball, commanding it well elevated and to both sides of the plate. In the seventh he allowed three base hits, a walk, and two runs to cross the plate. A good overall showing and his highest pitch count (101 pitches - 70 strikes) of 2021.
Riley Greene, OF DET (Double-A) 1-for-2, R, BB, SB (Game 1 of Doubleheader) 2-for-4, RBI, R
Some way or another Greene impacts the game. He’s blossomed into a true five tool player, with more projection to come in the way of power. He makes the game look effortless on both sides of the ball.
Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 RBI
Connected for his fourth home run of 2021, as power continues to be his calling card in the early going. His .237 isolated slugging is the highest of his career. He’s 22 for all of 2021 and there’s no need to rush him along, at 6-foot-6 it’s going to likely take him longer to click at each level.
Ethan Lindow, LHP PHI (Double-A) 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 6 K, HR Allowed (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Command and control lefty with good angle on his fastball, a 12-6 breaking ball and a changeup. He changes eye levels, throws lots of strikes, and keeps hitters off balance.
Heliot Ramos, OF SF (Double-A) 2-for-3 (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
The 2017 first rounder will be 21 for all of 2021 and is rule five eligible in December. Meaning he has a shot to be added to the 40 man roster during the summer. I don’t think it’s immediate, but he should see Triple-A by early July, and possibly San Francisco by mid to late August.
Samad Taylor, 2B TOR (Double-A) 0-for-3, 2 R, BB, 3 SB (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
There’s certain players like Samad that border on that role 30 to role 40 pocket. Guys that have a bunch of skills but you don’t know if any of them are truly strong enough to play in the big leagues. Samad has speed and average approach but he’s a primary second baseman without average or better contact+power. Can that work?
Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
I’ve taken in three games now with Moreno behind the plate and he’s one of the most impressive catching prospects I’ve seen, including Adely Rutschman.
Jake Mangum, OF NYM (Double-A) 3-for-3
You just can’t get this kid out when the SEC tournament is underway. This totally tracks.
Hans Crouse, RHP TEX (Double-A) 3 IP, H, ER, 3 BB, K
His longest outing to date but the command wasn’t quite there either. Still a work in progress but someone to monitor as he builds up innings and feel for his stuff.
Brice Turang, SS MIL (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R
His first home run of the season and also had a double. After starting the season 3-for-27, Turang is 18-for-53 in the dozen games since with four extra base hits and five steals. That’s what you get with Turang below-average power and above-average speed and contact.
Esteury Ruiz, OF SD (Double-A) 0-for-3, 2 R, BB, 3 SB
How often does one see this weird statline twice in a night? Almost never but Saturday was wild with 0-fers and triple steal games the rage. Ruiz looks like a player that’s a better fantasy than real life prospect and likely will struggle to lock down a full time gig unless he ends up at DH. One of the players that benefits most from a universal DH.
Bobby Witt Jr, SS KC (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
Homered but also struck out three times as he continues to struggle with Double-A pitching. He’s played well in the field and takes tough at bats. He’ll adjust sooner rather than later and this will all be a bump in the road.
Nick Pratto, 1B KC (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR
He owns this daily sheet until further notice. Pratto ran his 2021 home run total to eight as he slashes .315/.458/.726 with 20 walks to 21 strikeouts.
Jerar Encarnacion, OF MIA (Double-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI
After starting the season sort of hot Jerar has gone totally cold. This was a much needed spark as he hadn’t homered since May 12th. Encarnacion has to really hit in order for the profile to work, even average production won’t cut it.
David Hensley, 3B HOU (Double-A) 2-for-4, R
I’m fascinated by Hensley, hes 6-foot-6, can play all over the infield, has some speed, power, and approach and has produced in 2021. He’s older at 25, but is also a 2018 26th round pick, and with the missed season is where he should be even if he went in the 3rd through 7th. Round non-sense aside, Hensley can play, and an extra tall player blooming late isn't uncommon.
Geraldo Perdomo, SS ARI (Double-A) 1-for-3, RBI, R, BB
We need Perdomo to get going after showing no signs of life post MLB debut. This and Wednesday’s game are some signs he’s not totally lost.
Micker Adolfo, DH CWS (Double-A) 1-for-4, HR
He connected for his sixth of the season but also whiffed twice, running his season total to 31 Ks over 76 at bats. A 40%+ K-rate isn’t going to get the job done and his 59% contact rate only further illustrates the point. Micker can’t make contact.
Jacob Amaya, SS LAD (Double-A) 1-for-2, HR, 2 RBI
Home runs on consecutive nights for Amaya as he’s run his season total up to five. It was also his third in the past five contests. His average still sits at a paltry .185, but he was 6-for-48 in the 12 games prior to entering Friday’s game; and in retrospect may prove to be a bad two weeks and nothing more.
Jose Miranda, SS MIN (Double-A) 2-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, SB
The slam and legs for Miranda as he runs his season slash to a robust .311/.379/.556 with six homers. Miranda doesn’t get much love from the fantasy or real life public evaluators but my guy can hit. He’s showing power just like he did in 2018 and he turns 23 in late June. He’s a prospect, and a possible second division regular with a bat first profile.
Nolan Gorman, 2B STL (Double-A) 2-for-5, RBI, R
He’s getting hot! Don’t let Nolan Gorman get hot! I tell myself as I fight back the tears. All joking aside after a cold streak Gorman looks to be making contact again. Equally noteworthy he started at second base.
Alec Burleson, OF STL (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3 RBI
Am I looking at Friday night’s box score? Burleson, a 2020 second round pick, has already jumped levels in his pro debut, and looks too advanced for Double-A through his first nine games. The once two way player has taken to full time hitting like a fish to water; as he’s run his season home run total to seven. While his slash sits at .333/.411/.641. Not bad for a Pirate. Hooth is happy.
Matt Tabor, RHP ARI (High-A) 7 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 5 K
There’s nothing sexy about Matt Tabor’s profile being a command and control over stuff rightie but he has avoided well to start the season. He’s striking out less than a batter an inning but he’s limited the long ball and doesn’t walk many batters. There's a chance for a back-end starter if he puts it all together.
Aaron Hernandez, RHP LAA (High-A) 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
Former tight-end for the New England Patriots who….oh wrong Aaron Hernandez, what an unfortunate name for the Angel’s farmhand to have to share with someone. 5 innings of 5 strikeout ball with no runs is nothing to scoff at.
Zach DeLoach, OF SEA (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI
The former Texas A&M product has experienced some slight growing pains in the professional ranks. He has shown the power like he has today, and occasionally shown some speed but hasn’t dominated yet the way one thought he might. Still plenty of time for the second round pick but going into last night he was hitting .239/.323/.409.
Brandon Williamson, LHP SEA (High-A) 7.1 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 13 K
From one Mariners former second round pick, to another in Brandon Williamson. This is his first really stretched out outing of the season and it went well. Williamson Is rocking a 39 to 7 K-BB ratio at the moment. He’s tall, he's lanky and he’ll strike out ya motha.
Will Wilson, SS SF (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
Things seem to be alright in the world when Will Wilson hits, maybe that’s just me and that says a lot more about me than it does about you. He’s got a compact swing that can do damage on anything left over the inside portion of the plate, and more than enough plate coverage to impact balls on the outside half of the zone. And to think he was just given away by the Angels just so that the Giants would take on Zack Cozart and his contract.
Willie MacIver, C COL (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
FREE WILLIE!!!! Willie has not been catching his entire baseball life but he has taken to the position and has been hitting moderately well, especially for the position.
Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI
After a slow start to the season, Andy Pages has been hitting well as of recently. Because just what the Dodgers need, yet another position player who can hit a little, and hit for some power.
Spencer Torkelson, 1B DET (High-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
Well Spencer this is the way to come back from a minor injury. I was on twitter and was like sweet Torkelson had himself a nice little single, but little did I know that was just the precursor for what was to come. Torkelson, just for fun, decided to rip off two tanks (second was off a position player, Yermin smiled, Tony LaRussa benched Andrew Vaughn, because he thinks Vaughn’s name is Torkelson.) This is what we love to see.
Korry Howell, OF MIL (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 R, 3 RBI (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
From a highly touted prospect to a former twelfth round pick out of a juco in Iowa. Howell has been one of the best hitters in all of the High-A Central league to start the season, hitting for power, showing some speed, getting on base, and making more contact than he has as a professional. I am a big fan of what Howell has been doing and would look to scoop him up before other outlets decide to finally catch on to what he is doing.
Nick Loftin, SS KC (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Loftin has had a rough go of it to start the 2021 season, he’s a contact-oriented player who has yet to make contact consistently. Nothing to be alarmed about just yet with Loftin, he is being thrown right into High-A without any sort of buffer with what to expect in pro ball.
Angel Zerpa, LHP KC (High-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 7 K (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Quietly one of the best pitchers in all of High-A Zerpa has been turning quality performance after quality performance. He has struck out at least 7 in each of his games this season and has walked 4 batters in 24.2 innings of work. He’s striking guys out, limiting the walks, not giving up lots of contact, what’s not to love.
Jhon Torres, OF STL (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Solid if unspectacular first game of the doubleheader for Jhon Torres, just for someone so big and with that frame you wish he would actually hit for power in games.
Malcolm Nunez, 3B STL (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
Another one that I kinda wished hit for power in game, but he makes solid contact. Drove in a pair of runs in the first game of the double-header then went quiet in the second game.
Jack Ralston, RHP STL (High-A) 6 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Who? Yeah that was my thoughts exactly on the former 2019 7th round pick out of UCLA, but in 2021 he has been pitching well. Matt Thompson in his offseason report mentions a good curveball that he plays well because of his high release point. There isn’t a lot of pro experience to draw from but he has been pitching well when called upon, Cardinal’s devil magic candidate???
Will Banfield, C MIA (High-A) 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
I’ve written about Will Banfield more than I thought I would, but to my surprise he can hit from time to time. We all know about the defensive tools but if can even be a slightly below league average hitter that’s one heck of a player.
Cade Cavalli, RHP WAS (High-A) 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 11 K
He came, he saw, he conquered. That seems to be what Cade does these days, showing no mercy for these High-A hitters. He has struck out 45 batters in his 27.2 innings of professional experience meaning of the 83 outs he has acquired 54% of them have been sent packing via the strikeout, glad I could use my math expertise in a game like baseball.
Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 4-for-6, 2 HR, 3 R, 6 RBI
It was interesting this offseason when it seemed like every trade the Rays made they acquired a catcher. Blake Hunt has been hitting well since coming over to Tampa for some dude who only won a Cy Young because he had 20 wins, over a much more deserving candidate I might add.
Greg Jones, SS TB (High-A) 3-for-6, 2 R, 1 SB
The Tampa Bay organization’s middle infield depth chart is just filled with quality prospects who in many other orgs would get more shine. Jones is a damn good athlete with easy plus speed and will show modest thump in game, he can draw a walk and has shown solid contact skills. The question is however when he is ready how many years do the Rays hold him down, and what sorta platoon/part time role do they make up for him to keep his costs down. Old Greg.
Michael Harris OF ATL (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB
Harris has steadily worked his way into being Atlanta’s top prospect, with some graduations of course.
Bryce Ball, 1B ATL (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI
The fourth offspring of media sensation Lavar Ball has been off to a slow start, and I had questions about the ability for him to hit on a consistent basis back when I wrote his offseason report. A solid two double day for the only brother not in Ball in the Family is nice, it’s more than any of his brothers are doing right now.
Ezequiel Duran, 2B NYY (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI (Game 1 of Doubleheader)
The dreaded second-base only profile is in full effect here, which means that what comes of the bat is significantly more important than anything else he provides. At least he is hitting to hold onto prospectdom, is this a word? It is now, hey mom I created a word.
Oswald Peraza, SS NYY (High-A) 2-for-3, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 3 SB (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
Try as pitchers might they can not keep Oswald Peraza from hitting and making an impact. Three stolen bases have the local police department shaking their heads in disbelief as Oswald Peraza shifts from a loveable blue octopus to an orange fox named Swiper.
Hayden Wesneski, RHP NYY (High-A) 5 IP, 9 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
WHO?!? While I don’t think he’s a legit prospect, Wesneski had himself a nice game punching out 9 in 5 innings of work. Nice job Hayden, not that I am sure it means a lot coming from me.
Bryson Stott, SS PHI (High-A) 3-for-4, 1 HR, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
After a little bit of a layoff Stott is back to fistpumping on the jersey shore with all of your favorites from the hit MTV show. Let’s hope for his sake he finds love in a place outside of the Jersey Shore.
Jose Peroza, 2B NYM (Low-A) 3-for-3, HR (Game 1 of Doubleheader) 2-for-4, HR, 5 RBI (Game 2 of Doubleheader)
The Mets signed Peroza out of Venezuela as part of the 2016 IFA class. He’s not a prospect worth rostering but he had a nice ballgame.
Rece Hinds, 3B CIN (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2B
Hinds was everybody's favorite sleeper prospect this winter largely due to the power and athleticism. Well, the strikeouts have been a problem thus far but he’s hitting .227/.326/.467 so far in 2021.
Todd Lott, 1B STL (Low-A), 2-for-3, 2 HR, BB
You know the drill, double dongs will always get you a post on the most influential prospect daily sheet on the web. Lott is a card carrying member of the #massivehuman club, and was the Cardinals ninth round selection out of Louisiana-Lafayette in 2019. He’s only played in 13 games thus far but he’s hitting .300/.481/.625. Watch list for now.
Jase Bowen, 2B PIT (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, BB
Bowen stays red hot, and makes the list for the third night in a row. Congrats!
Marco Luciano, SS SF (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR
He’s the real deal, in case you were concerned. Luciano is on fire and is up to .284/.341/.556 after a bit of a sluggish start.
Jorge Barrosa, OF ARI (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, BB, 3 R, SB
Slam and legs for Barrosa, one of the few bright spots on a struggling Visalia club. Barrosa is a likely reserve outfielder, but he’s making the best of his opportunity in 2021 hitting .329/.404/.439 with a homer and six steals. Personal favorite of mine A.J. Vukovich also went deep in this game for his only hit.
Victor Labrada, DH SEA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 RBI, BB
Labrada keeps hitting. The Cuban outfielder is up to .313 on the season, with an OPS of .924 despite having zero homers so far.
Cade Marlowe, OF SEA (Low-A) 5-for-5, 3B, 4 RBI, 3 R
An unbelievable start to the season for 23 year-old Marlowe, the Mariners 2019 20th round selection out of West Georgia. He’s hitting .372/.469/.667 so far this season and he had a strong 2019 as well, hitting .301/.372/.438. We’ve been sleeping on this kid. He’s old for the level but he’s also destroying the level so you shouldn’t use that against him too much.
Sam Carlson, RHP SEA (Low-A) 6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
A personal favorite of Prospects Live’s Joe Doyle, Carlson is battling back from injuries and looked fantastic in this one, going 93 pitches. In addition to the nine strikeouts he also recorded eight outs via the groundball. Very good stuff from Carlson who now has 29 strikeouts and nine walks in 18 ⅔ innings.
Diego Cartaya, C LAD (Low-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI
Cartaya keeps hitting, and he clears the wall again for his second homer on the young season. He’s very athletic for his size and has everything you look for in a future everyday backstop. Just needs more seasoning in the minors. To say he’s the Dodgers catcher of the future would be putting the Cart-aya way ahead of the horse though. Will Smith is damn good.
Lazaro Armenteros, OF OAK (Low-A) 4-for-4, 2 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB
Lazarito is hottttt right now. He’s 8 for his last 8 at the plate, and has ten hits in his last three games. He’s one of the most tooled up outfielders in the minors but his ability to make contact has always been the issue. He’s hitting .431/.471/.615 over his first 15 games.
Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2B
First professional homer for Soderstrom, and he also chips in a double as well. He rakes.
Robert Puason, SS OAK (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2B
He must not have enjoyed all the call outs about how he was struggling, as Puason comes through with another multi-hit game and his second extra base hit of the season. He’s almost cleared that .200 mark, which is quite the accomplishment considering where he was even a week ago.
Jeremiah Jackson, SS LAA (Low-A) 2-for-4, 2 HR
It was all or nothing for Jackson in this one, as he finishes with a pair of homers and a pair of strikeouts. He’s been slumping, so hopefully this doubledong day gets him back on track.