The Minor League Daily Sheet: May 7th: Jesus Rises Again!

Hey you! Yeah you! Sit down, drink your coffee or whatever non-coffee drinkers do to wake up in the morning. Now sit down and get to work, reading this glorious rundown of last night’s minor league action. 

Triple-A/Double-A: Geoff

High-A: Rhys

Low-A: Matt

Thomas Szapucki, LHP NYM (Triple-A) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 5 K

Came on in relief of Daniel Zamora in the third, has swing and miss stuff still but really lacks command and flirted with the zone all night. This is likely his best role with a long injury history and a lack of consistency feel. 

Omar Estevez, SS LAD (Triple-A) 1-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB

File Estevez under players I sort of forget exist until I see them do something and say “oh that guy…”. Estevez signed with the Dodgers out of Cuba back in the “Wild West” days of the international market for $6 million. He’s going some power, and a contact over approach profile at the plate, with the ability to play all over the dirt. 

Curtis Terry, 1B TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 3 R

The former 13th rounder from way back in 2015 is a #MassiveHuman. He’s always been productive statistically in the minors, but right-right (echo) first base only is a tough profile. You have to hit, and in 2019 Terry did. How he fairs in Triple-A will say a lot about his chances at the big league level. 

Elier Hernandez, DH/OF TEX (Triple-A) 3-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, 3 R 

There were five homers in this game, and Elier Hernandez hit one of them. Do you know who Elier Hernandez is? Me either. He’s been a professional for ten seasons and is yet to see any major league time. I hope he does and they make a Disney movie about him called Elier On Fire. Don’t hold your breath for the green light on that project, Elier is an up and down type at best, but more than likely a system guy.

Anderson Tejeda, SS TEX (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 BB, SB

The slam and legs for Tejeda! One of the strangest moments of 2020 baseball was when the Rangers called up Tejeda, I truly didn’t see it coming. He didn’t really hit much in 91 at-bats but he’s a young (23) switch-hitter that can play short. I don’t know if he ever develops into an everyday guy, but he possesses strong utility skills. 

Jesus Sanchez, OF MIA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI 

The Jesus for his third this week! Sanchez has made the cut for every sheet this season, as he continues to hit. I’m told by sources that he’s not in the plans for a callup in the short term, but if The Jesus keeps playing like this, he may force their hand. 

Nick Neidert, RHP MIA (Triple-A) 5 IP, 3 H, 3 BB, 3 K

Had a lot of 3’s also gave up 3 runs but none of them were earned. Neidert was supposed to be a backend guy at the major league level for three years running. Now he’s just obsessively fixated on the number three. 

Ryan McKenna, OF BAL (Triple-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 R

Back in 100% no doubt about it. He went 1-for-5 with a homer, call him up you cowards! #McKennaGang

Luis Garcia, 2B WAS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI

Big night for Luis Garcia, but you can probably say that in any town where baseball is played and have a 50% chance of it being correct. Nationals Luis Garcia had a home run and a double. He’s also a member of the 2020 Surprise Call-up club. 

Carter Kieboom, 3B WAS (Triple-A) 2-for-5, 3 RBI

He isn’t a prospect any longer, but he had two hits and drive-in runs, which is more than he did in all of his MLB bats combined I believe. 

Tucker Davidson, LHP ATL (Triple-A) 7 IP, 3 H, R, 2 BB, 6 K, HR Allowed

A little bit of everything here from Davidson but a very solid start. He popped in everyone’s radars after he hit 100 mph in his underpants at Driveline. Fame on the internet is awesome! In reality he sits low-90s and will bump it to 95, mixing a slow curveball and a hard slider with good velocity. 

Jarren Duran, OF BOS (Triple-A) 3-for-4

If I knew Duran was going to just hit singles I would have signed Jeff Fyre. No one said this. No one wants an old man hitting off a tee and yelling about bunting. In reality Duran brings speed, feel to hit, and developing power. He’s one of the most exciting prospects in the Red Sox system, particularly in the short term. 

Jeter Downs, 2B BOS (Triple-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, SB

Nice to see some signs of life from old Jeets! Word on the street; his teammates chipped in and bought him a gift basket for his locker after the game. First Triple-A hit, SB, and high five! No one had given him a high five yet this season. Jeter has on-base skills, some pull-side pop, plus running, and an extremely uppercut attack angle on his swing. He went backward a little last year from where he had been in 2019 with the Dodgers. Still a lot to like in the package.  

Marcus Wilson, OF BOS (Triple-A) 1-for-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, SB

This is another one of those guys you forget exists until he does something and you go “that’s right he’s on the Red Sox now”. Wilson popped up years ago as a young outfielder with a power+speed mix in the Diamondbacks outfield. It’s been a long road but he’s still just 24 and on the shortlist for a callup should there be injuries in the Red Sox outfield.

Bobby Bradley, 1B CLE (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 2 BB

The big man finally does something! Bradley is stuck in that purgatory between still a prospect and Josh Ockimey. I still think Bradley has a shot if he can get his swing and miss to a reasonable rate. The power has always been prodigious. 

Scott Moss, LHP CLE (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, BB, 4 K

Pen Boss Scott Moss with a solid start. I’ve always had some interest in Moss as a guy that could strive in a multi-inning relief role, but he seems to struggle to get deep into games and get outs with consistency. 

Corey Ray, OF MIL (Triple-A) 2-for-3, HR

I wonder if the Brewers ever think about how badly they messed up taking Ray 5th overall in 2016. He’s now hitting 7th in their triple-a team and he’s 26. Oh, he homered. 

Aaron Ashby, LHP MIL (Triple-A) 4 IP, H, 4 BB, 6 K

A funky lefty with an operation that limits his command, Ashby gets it up to mid-90s and mixes in a nasty breaking ball. Also features a slider and a changeup. Ashby is the kind of arm the Brewers have a history of developing. A funky operation with stuff, and some relief risk. 

Zack Short, SS DET (Triple-A) 1-for-3, HR, 2 R, BB

You know what would be funny? If Zack Short becomes the best player on the 2021 Tigers. Will it happen? No, it won’t happen but it’s funny to think about. Short is a utility type with a little bit of bat to play off of. He’s had a pair of homers in the early going. 

Mario Feliciano, C MIL (Triple-A) 2-for-4, R

Former second-round comp pick from the same draft as Corey Ray, he’s still just 22 and has a history of hitting, and the defense is legit enough to keep him back there. A future platoon catcher. 

Luis Barrera, OF OAK (Triple-A) 3-for-5, 2 RBI, R, SB

There’s a real shot that Barrera sneaks into a second division regular or platoon outfield role. He’s got an sum-of-his-parts skill set that may do enough to get an extended look at an MLB gig, or he may end up a fifth outfielder. 

Greg Deichmann, OF OAK (Triple-A) 1-for-2, R, 2 BB, SB

Former LSU legend Big Deich brings a little bit of everything to the table, some power, speed, outfield defense, and on-base ability. He’s not an everyday type but another one of those bench/platoon types. 

Thairo Estrada, SS SFG (Triple-A) 2-for-4, HR, 4 RBI, BB

Traded to the Giants about a week into the major league season. He’s a utility guy that can play all over the dirt, this seems to be the theme of today’s sheeeeet, it’s all about the utility homies! Estrada was always intriguing but was never going to be a long-term roster solution in New York, but has a shot to see some extended MLB time in the Bay. I like calling it The Bay to feel like Mac Dre. 

MacKenzie Gore, LHP SDP (Triple-A) 4 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 3 K

Went four scoreless before crumbling in the 5th. He was 92-94 mph on the fastball, showed the ability to land it up, but struggled to put guys away. The breaking ball command was bad, and his changeup became his most effective secondary on the night. We watched this game in the Prospects Live clubhouse last night and the group was a touch surprised when he came out for the fifth. Not a bad first start for Gore. 

Logan Gilbert, RHP SEA (Triple-A) 5 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 5 K

In a matchup of arguably the top two pitching prospects in baseball, Gilbert outperformed Gore, running the fastball up to 97, sitting mid-90s and showing feel for both breaking balls. He really shoved on the night, didn’t give up any real hard contact, and looked the part of an impact arm. Gilbert should be in the big leagues by mid-June the latest, but he could handle it now. 

Jarred Kelenic, OF SEA (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, 2 R, BB, SB

Took quality at bats all night, was tough to put away and even his first out was loud. Got on base three times, and stole a base a night after going YABO twice. Kelenic is the genuine article even if the Tree guy in Twitter thinks he’s little and not man enough to trim trees with a helicopter. 

Jose Siri, OF HOU (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

Classic “Is Jose Siri good tho…” game. He’s been doing this for years, he does something really loud, you look at the defensive ability and say “That’ll play”. Then he goes 0-for-23 with 15 strikeouts and you forget how you felt. It’s a vicious cycle and I’m still in Siri recovery from his Dayton days. 

Tyler Ivey, RHP HOU (Triple-A) 4.2 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 7 K

We really like Ivey, as a lot of prospect sites do. He’s low-90s with the fastball but it has good shape and plays in the upper quadrants. His breaking ball is plus and he has a deceptive, albeit violent, and funky delivery with a pronounced head whack. He’s probably destined for a long-relief role, but he could fit in as a three-inning opener this season in Houston. If the command comes, which is unlikely with his operation, he has starter traits with his four-pitch mix and sequencing. 

Jo Adell, OF LAA (Triple-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 R, SB 

No longer rookie eligible, I think everyone agrees that Adell wasn’t ready for prime time in 2020. He needs a half-season at triple-A to get his timing and confidence back. There’s still a lot of swing and miss (two Ks last night), and some poor swing decisions, but there’s very real juice in the bat. A slam and legs for Adell on Friday and that’s exactly what you want to see early in the 2021 campaign. Adell hitting the ball hard and making plays with his legs. 

Seth Beer, 1B ARI (Triple-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2 R

One of the more famous college players of the last decade Beer has struggled to live up to the hype of his freshman campaign at Clemson. That said he’s never stopped hitting, there’s some quad-A risk here but I think the bat is quality enough to play as a power-hitting first baseman in a second division regular role. The approach is good, not great and there are some questions about the bat speed. That said he has a .910 OPS over 700+ minor league at-bats. That’ll play! 

Stuart Fairchild, OF ARI (Triple-A) 2-for-4, RBI, BB

I took a real shot on Fairchild this off-season and slapped a 50 on his role. I believe he has everyday corner outfield skills, with on-base ability, feel to hit, power, and the ability to handle a corner. It’s a risk but to me, he looks the part, don’t be shocked if he plays himself onto the Diamondbacks active roster by mid-summer. 

Josh Lowe, OF TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 R

Started in centerfield again, perhaps I’m severely underrating Lowe’s defense chops but he’s always seemed like a right fielder to me. He showed off the power last night hitting a couple of tank shots. Wander got the night off and Brujan didn’t homer so Lowe picked up the slack. Definitely could be in the mix in Tampa soon enough but it’s Tampa so who knows.

Taylor Walls, 2B TB (Triple-A) 3-for-5, RBI, 3 R, BB

Got on base four times and crossed the plate three times. Filled in at short with Wander on the bench. Walls is a high-end utility profile with second division regular written all over him. He won’t be a star but he fits into a bunch of roles and can hit. One of the more underappreciated talents in a deeeeeep Rays system. He’ll get his shot sooner rather than later.

Kevin Padlo, 3B TB (Triple-A) 3-for-6, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R

Josh Lowe went double dong and so did Padlo. Half a decade ago Padlo was an interesting prep player in the Rockies system. His prospect stock has died and come back to life three times already but he’s a three true outcome type bat with some juice. Will it play at the major league level is a massive question I’m not smart enough to answer. 

Austin Martin, SS/OF TOR (Double-A) 1-for-4, RBI, BB

Played shortstop and continued this streak of one big extra-base hit (he had a triple Friday) and not a whole heck of a lot else. He’s shown the ability to hit double-A pitching early out of the draft but it seems like they’re still trying to figure out his true position. 

Gabriel Moreno, C TOR (Double-A) 2-for-4, R, BB

He's had hits in every game this season and already has two multi-hit games. Moreno is one of the more underappreciated players in the Jays system and likely it’s best catcher when it’s all said and done. Nothing is loud, but it all plays. 

Rodolfo Castro, 3B PIT (Double-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2 RBI

Over the years Castro has hit for power at every level while playing solid infield defense and running a little. He swings and misses a bit and will never hit for a high average but it all works enough to keep my interest up. 

Oneil Cruz, SS PIT (Double-A) 2-for-5, RBI 

Also struck out three times and made an error in the field. Few players are more physically imposing or more unusual than Cruz, no idea if it all clicks but he’s a fun follow.

Christopher Morel, OF CHC (Double-A) 1-for-5, HR, 2 RBI

Tooled up player with lots of fans, had been an infielder, and a pretty good one but the Cubs are working him out in the outfield. There’s power as you saw last night and running ability. Some hit tool questions drag down the profile. 

Estevan Florial, OF NYY (Double-A) 2-for-3, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 2 BB

Is this finally going to happen? Like really is it finally going to happen? This is tremendous, give me all the Florial finally clicks thoughts even if they’re fleeting. Make no mistake about it, if Florial is in fact clicking he has the ability to be an actual star. Long roads lead to gold sometimes, other times they lead to Japan. 

Tyler Freeman, SS CLE (Double-A) 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB, SB

Leadoff and played shortstop, stole a base, hit a triple, and got on base twice. It’s been a solid showing for Freeman in the early going, with all eyes on the 2017 competitive balance pick. He showed increased power over the last year and there’s some hope it can play at the MLB level. 

Michael Busch, 2B LAD (Double-A) 2-for-4, 3 R, BB

Ho hum, another day, another game where Michael Busch gets on base three times. Say it with me now “I love Busch”. Somewhere Matt Thompson is crushing a 30 rack and nodding profusely. Matt’s note: 30 beers for the price of 24! How can you beat it!

Devin Mann, 1B LAD (Double-A) 3-for-4, 4 RBI, 2 R, BB, SB

We told you that Mann could really hit this off-season and that was no joke. He’s got strong bat-to-ball skills, sneaky pop, and can steal a base like he did yesterday. It’s almost like the Dodgers draft director is just Doc Brown from the future. Like, how do they know? 

Davis Wendzel, SS TEX (Double-A) 2-for-4, 2 R, BB

The man doesn’t look like he should be able to play shortstop, let alone hit. In fact, he looks like he should be selling bird calls. But Wendzel is one of the best all-around players in the minors. Go long hair go! 

Drew Rom, LHP BAL (High-A) 5.0 IP, 1 BB, 2, K 

Rom just needs a vacuum or a well-groomed infield behind him because of the 15 outs he got in his appearance, 9 of the outs were outs of the ground-ball variety. Super craft lefty, who generates weak contact over swings and misses. 

Andy Pages, OF LAD (High-A) 2-for-4, 1 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K 

Staring at the blank Pages before you. Pages touched home twice, drew a walk and hit himself a double. An intriguing prospect with projection left, just what the league wants another player for the Dodgers to turn into a useful big-league piece. That could have been an Angel had that trade gone through, he could have been one of the holy Pages. 

Tanner Burns, RHP CLE (High-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Tanner Burns treated the Lugnuts roster the same way Mr. Burns treated Bart after he hit him with his car. Striking out 6, not allowing a free-baserunner, stranded three, and didn’t allow a run. Cleveland and their pitching prospects, man.

Bryson Stott, SS PHI (High-A) 1-for-2, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 BB

I was surprised the Phillies didn’t assign Stott to AA. He showed up today, drew a walk, sprayed a double and was the only run to score in the game. He is one of the guys I am most interested to see how he developed over the pandemic, because I think there’s a chance for more power from the Phillies prospect

Blake Hunt, C TB (High-A) 2-for-3, 2 BB, 2 RBI, 1 K

He DH’d today but you don’t see many catchers hitting in the middle of the order. He hit two singles, drew two walks, let me guess the Rays got yet another good prospect, as if they needed another one. Love this trade for the Rays tweet. 

Chase Strumpf, 2B/3B CHC (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1K 

Strumpf was just trying to make sure there were no zeroes on the stat-sheet for him apparently. Hit a double to drive in a run, was also able to walk and struck out once. Committed 3 errors as well, just to keep things interesting. A joke for this one left me Strumpfed 

Jimmy Govern, 2B/3B KC (High-A) 3-for-6, 4 RBI, 1 R

Govern doing anything as a 30th round pick is fun, even as the MLB is looking to make that round extinct like Blockbuster and boom boxes. He was helped by Strumpf(previously noted) erratic play in the field. Makes contact, has some speed, KC might have something. 

Spencer Torkelson, 3B DET (High-A) 0-for-4, 1 K, 1 BB

He only struck out once so that’s progress, right?!? 

George Kirby, RHP SEA (High-A) 3.2 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 4 K 

Command is as advertised with Kirby, he just got hit around to the tune of 6 hits and 3 runs. Not the way you would draw up your first start of the season. There’s a Kirby the video game joke in here somewhere but I suck at this. 

Logan Wyatt, 1B SF (High-A) 2-for-4, 2 BB, 2 RBI 

2 hits with 2 walks, a double-double of sorts. Wyatt has started the season with 7 hits and all of them are singles. He has been taxing on pitchers the same way Ben Wyatt is taxing to Pawnee. 

Graham Ashcraft, RHP CIN (High-A) 3.2 IP, 2H, 3 BB, 6 K 

More like Graham Witchcraft with that slider. Showed off why some believe his ultimate role will be in the bullpen with the three walks. Striking out 6 in the short outing for him also shows why he has people intrigued. 

Ronny Mauricio, SS, NYM (High-A) 3-for-5, HR, 2B, 4 RBI 

Two extra-base hits from Ronny will always give me the warm and fuzzies. Let’s see how he used the pandemic to better himself as a prospect. Is he the guy that’s got hyped up because of his frame and high profile bonus, or the guy who has just kinda whelmed in the minors. Will the real Ronny Mauricio please stand up? 

Luis Santana, 2B HOU (High-A)  2-for-4, 3 RBI 

I kinda just want this to stay around because what an absolute pimp job. Santana after having a top 5 bat flip has continued to hit, and if he keeps waking up in the morning and hitting he can bat flip all he wants. 

Santana woke up this morning and chose violence..

And we are absolutely here for it. pic.twitter.com/WUs7WXdB0G

— Asheville Tourists (@GoTourists) May 7, 2021

Drey Jameson, RHP ARI (High-A) 3.2 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K 

About as smooth as the irish whiskey on the mound, escaped a short outing with only allowing a single run. He can get you with his plus fastball and pairs that with an above-average slider that he uses to entice batters to swing and miss the same way chicken nuggets in the freezer entice me to eat them all in one sitting. 

C.J. Van Eyk, RHP TOR (High-A) 0.2 IP, 4 ER, 2 BB, 0 K

Things you hate to see, a professional debut like this. Van Eyk didn’t even make it out of the first inning. Not all of his outings will be like this but just not the way you want to start your pro career as a second-round pick. 

Matt Wallner, OF MIN (High-A) 0-for-4, 4 K, 1 BB

You sir get a golden sombrero, and are showing the downside of the three true outcome batters. Did work a walk and brought in a run as a result of his walk so was able to help out the cause. He already has two homers thus far in the season. 

Hayden Cantrelle, 2B MIL (High-A) 1-for-4, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 2 R, 1 SB

The Ragin’ Cajun showcased his ability to contribute in a few different ways on offense. He drew a walk, stole a base, and even hit a homer for good measure. 

Jordan Walker, 3B/DH STL (Low-A) 1-for-4, 2B, 2 BB (Doubleheader)

The Cardinals’ first-rounder is having a nice first week in pro ball, going 4-for-12 thus far with a homer and a double. Prospects Live’s Ian Smith attended the doubleheader in Palm Beach today and had some good things to say about Walker’s quality of at-bats. Walker is a physical beast, and his double was an impressive 109.8 MPH off the bat.

Jordan Walker with a loud 109.8 MPH 2B in the 1st #Cardinals pic.twitter.com/duabmtHSPi

— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) May 7, 2021

Rece Hinds, 3B CIN (Low-A) 1-for-4, HR

Hinds is the trendy pick for breakout prospect this year, and while he’s off to somewhat of a slow start he’s hitting for power with his second homer this week. 108.5 EV on the homer.

This got out in a hurry.

Rece Hinds with a HR to LF. 108.5 off the bat. #Reds pic.twitter.com/quDytiaowZ

— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) May 8, 2021

Francisco Alvarez, DH NYM (Low-A) 2-for-3, HR, 2B, 2 BB

The power is absolutely real, as Alvarez smoked the ball over 100+ MPH three times this game, his homer travelled at 106, the double was 102.9 and he also had a lineout at 100.9. Ridiculous. Alvarez might hit his way out of Low-A soon if he keeps it up. He’s now hitting .583 with a 1.647 OPS right now. An interesting note from this game, Mets prospect Tanner Murphy hit a ball over 110 MPH and another at 105.9. 

Junior Santos, RHP NYM (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 4 K

Santos is a monster human, standing 6’7” and weighing 244 pounds, and he was our 12th ranked Mets prospect entering the year. His first appearance of the year was a fun one. In his 55 pitch outing (32 strikes) he averaged 94 with his two-seamer while topping out 96.6. He also mixed in a slider, curveball and a change. 

Jhonkensy Noel, 1B CLE (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR

Noel seems to have found another gear in the power department with baseball returning, and is hitting .500 so far on the young season. As a first baseman he has to continue to hit, but so far so good. 

Josh Wolf, RHP CLE (Low-A) 4 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 7 K

Wolf was making his first start with his new organization and the 6’3” righty pitched well. He was showing excellent command of his fastball which allowed his big breaking ball to play up, off of the heater. Wolf came over in the Lindor trade and has a chance to be a solid mid-rotation arm in a few seasons.

Newest SP prospect RHP Josh Wolf is dealing through 4IP with 7K pic.twitter.com/Kodal9vV4u

— Justin L. (@JL_Baseball) May 7, 2021

Luis Garcia, 2B PHI (Low-A) 2-for-4, BB, SB

It’s nice to see the “other” Luis Garcia get off to a good start after a brutal 2019 season. Garcia is advanced for his age with strong plate skills. He needs to add strength, but he’s got time on his side.

Starlyn Castillo, RHP PHI (Low-A) 3 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K

Castillo was part of the Phillies 2018 J2 class. He sat 92-94, T95 and also threw a curveball and changeup. He got a whiff in nearly half of the curveballs that drew swings, and looked good in his 50 pitch outing. He’s got some room to grow into his frame and could become one of the next big arms.

Miguel Hiraldo, DH TOR (Low-A) 4-for-6, 2 2B, 2 RBI

There were 35 total runs scored in this game, so everybody got to eat a bit. Hiraldo is one of the more interesting bats on the Dunedin team. He should stick on the infield with second base as his most likely home.

Pat DeMarco, OF NYY (Low-A) 4-for-6, HR, 2B, 7 RBI

The offensive line of the day in the lower minors. Tampa exploded for 25 runs in this one and the red hot DeMarco knocked in seven. The former Vandy centerfielder is blistering hot to start the season, hitting an even .500 with a 1.958 OPS. 

Anthony Volpe, SS NYY (Low-A) 1-for-4, 3 BB, 2B, SB

Volpe is a dude. The tools aren’t particularly loud but the secondary skills, his approach and high baseball motor, give him one of the higher floors in the minor leagues. He is a positive contributor in all facets of the game. 

Luisangel Acuña, SS TEX (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 2 RBI, CS

The younger Acuña makes another appearance in the rundown and is off to a fun start in 2021. He’s not his brother, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t an interesting prospect in his own right. Right on that line of offensive first utility man or second division starter for me right now. We’ve got time to figure it all out. 

Tekoah Roby, RHP TEX (Low-A) 2 ⅓ IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K

A strong 32 pitch pro debut for Roby, who was taken in the third round of the 2020 draft. Roby features an above-average fastball and an average curveball and had them both working today. Fun arm to watch this year.

Matthew Thompson, RHP CWS (Low-A) 4 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 4 K

The 2019 second round pick had two pro innings under his belt to this point before going four innings last night. Thompson was in the zone a lot, perhaps a bit too much as he gave up seven hits, but he did only walk one while getting four strikeouts. All in all it’s a fair debut for Thompson, but he couldn’t best his high school teammate, Josh Wolf. Thompson is extremely athletic on the mound and will modify his delivery on the fly. He made a strong behind the back defensive play in this game as well. 80-grade name.

FB up, CV down from Matthew Thompson to get Antonio Cabello. he’s very comfortable throwing the CV for strikes, looking or swinging pic.twitter.com/a67yvfIwDD

— Ben Spanier (@b_span2) May 8, 2021

Shay Whitcomb, 2B HOU (Low-A) 4-for-5, 2 2B

Whitcomb projects as a likely utility option as he lacks an above-average tool but also has no glaring weakness to his game. He was a fifth rounder in 2020 out of UC San Diego, and has only played in two games thus far but there’s something here. Maybe he’s an Owen Miller type? Fun fact, Whitcomb was the final pick in the abbreviated five round draft last season.

Yohendrick Pinango, OF CHC (Low-A) 2-for-4 1 R, 1 RBI

Pinango might get overlooked on this Cubs team with Ed Howard and Jordan Nwogu, but he’s a plus runner with enough of a hit tool to get an extra look. He’s off to a bit of a slow start but file the name away and just be sure to check in every once in a while.

Richard Gallardo, RHP CHC (Low-A) 1 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 1 K

Gallardo made 41 pitches in his lone inning of work. He was uncharacteristically wild in this one, and gave up a three-run homer to Heriberto Hernandez before getting an out. He should bounce back in his next outing. An interesting note, he was relieved by RHP Jose Albertos (remember him?) who struck out three in 2 ⅔ scoreless innings.

Heriberto Hernandez, OF TB (Low-A) 2-for-4, HR, 3 RBI, BB

Hernandez has been listed as an outfielder so far, and it appears his days behind the plate are in the rearview. He’s been an interesting follow as former Prospects Live scout, now professional scout Jason Pennini raved about Hernandez’s hit tool out in AZ when he was with the Rangers. Hernandez can hit, and it’ll be interesting to see what the Rays do with him and his limited defensive value.

Logan Driscoll, C TB (Low-A) 3-for-4, BB, K

Driscoll was a strong collegiate performer and was a surprising AFL inclusion in 2019. He did well there and hit two homers in a game I was attending. He looks solid behind the plate and could be an everyday catcher in the big leagues. Hernandez and Driscoll were both acquired in trades and are both producing. The Rays are a cheat code.

Robert Hassell III, OF SD (Low-A) 3-for-5, HR, 3B, 3 R, 2 RBI

For the second night in a row, Hassell makes an appearance on the rundown. He got to show a bit of his complete all-around game tonight legging out a triple and then sending one over the wall. Hassell profiles as a future leadoff guy in the bigs. He has average of better tools across the board, and the only tool below a 55 is his power.

Brandon Valenzuela, C SD (Low-A) 2-for-5, HR, 2 Ks

Valenzuela is hitting .438 on the young season with a 1.363 OPS. He was signed as part of the Padres 2017 J2 class. Entering this season he had one career homer to his name in 96 career games, but now he has two in his last two. Possible breakout? Or just a mirage?

Luis Matos, OF SF (Low-A) 3-for-4, 3 R, BB, SB

It has been a pretty slow start for Matos to this point, but hopefully, this game can help pull him out of it. Matos was a bit of a social media star just prior to the season starting with the Giants’ prospects twitter account tweeting out some loud exit velos by Matos. Hopefully, this is enough to get going. He’s got average or better tools across the board.

Nick Swiney, LHP SF (Low-A) 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K

Swiney made his professional debut in this outing and outdueled fellow 2020 draftee Sam Weatherly. Swiney sat in the low-90s while at N.C. State and features a plus changeup and an average curve. The lefty should move up to High-A relatively soon. 

Tyler Soderstrom, C OAK (Low-A) 2-for-3, 2 BB, SB

Flip a coin between Soderstrom and Hassell as the prep bat with the most polish. The A’s have a decision to make here, they could push Soderstrom through the minors if he continues to hit and move him out from behind the dish, or they keep him in the lower levels and have him work on his defensive skills back there. He’s hitting .375 with a .975 OPS to this point.

Taylor Dollard, RHP SEA (Low-A) 4 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 10 K

Dollard was the Mariners 2020 fifth-rounder out of Cal Poly and he gets the pitching line of day in Low-A. The fastball hovers around 90, but Dollard throws a pair of beautiful breaking balls with great shape and also a changeup. It’s an athletic and deceptive delivery and he seems to outpitch his stuff more often than not. Dollard is my favorite under the radar arm from last year’s draft. 

Taylor Dollard's first professional strikeout. He follows it up with another strikeout for his first professional swinging strikeout. pic.twitter.com/UQQmAJR8o5

— Lookout Landing (@LookoutLanding) May 8, 2021

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