Article: Twins Minor League Report (4/26): Berrios, Walker, Palka, Gonsalves, More

[Seth Stohs]

The story of the last couple of days in the Twins minor leagues has been all the transactions. There has been a lot of player movement. Then again there were some great performances today in the system. Two guys had four hits. One pitcher had a no-hitter into the 6th inning. Two starters gave up zero runs in six innings. Overall, a very nice night in the Twins system.

 

Continue on to read about the pitchers and the hitter highlights from Tuesday’s games. But we’ll start with the Transactions, knowing there are likely several more moves coming. (We’ll try to update anything we hear in the comments section.)TRANSACTIONS

Things have been busy on the transaction list the last few days, for the Twins and throughout the minor league system. Today was a busy day, but expect to hear several more in the next day or two.

 

Before Wednesday’s Twins game, the team announced the starters Ervin Santana (back) and Kyle Gibson (shoulder) were going to the Disabled List.

 

Reports came out around noon that JO Berrios was on the way to Minnesota and will start on Wednesday night against Cleveland. Later, we learned that Jorge Polanco would be returning to the Twins as well.

 

Alex Wimmers was promoted to AAA Rochester.

 

The Twins released Brett Lee from the Chattanooga roster. Trevor Hildenberger and Luke Westphal were promoted from Ft. Myers. Brandon Peterson was sent down to Ft. Myers.

 

Brian Navaretto was placed on the disabled list for the Miracle. That explains the promotion of Kevin Garcia from extended spring training previously announced.

 

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 8, Buffalo 7 (14 innings)

Box Score

 

In the last week, the Twins have taken Tyler Duffey, Alex Meyer and now JO Berrios from the Red Wings. Meyer was supposed to start on Tuesday, so this was a bullpen game. The last thing the team needed was extra innings, especially considering Berrios had been scheduled to start for them on Wednesday.

 

Seven pitchers worked for the Red Wings. David Martinez made the spot start. It was the second time he’s started for the Red Wings this season and the second time that he completed six innings. Martinez went 6.1 innings and gave up three runs (two earned). He gave up six hits, walked none and struck out five. Brandon Kintzler came on and got just one out. He gave up two hits and a run (plus two inherited runs) and got just one out. Buddy Boshers got two outs, one on a strikeout. Marcus Walden gave up a hit and walked two in his scoreless inning. Dan Runzler then gave up just one hit over 2.2 scoreless innings. Next, Alex Wimmers worked two scoreless innings in his AAA debut, completing the 13th inning.

 

The game was tied at four going into the top of the 14th. Adam Brett Walker found himself at the plate with the bases loaded. Walker crushed a ball to right field that hit near the top of the wall. Walker’s triple scored three runs and gave the Red Wings a 7-4 lead. Wilfredo Tovar followed with an RBI single which proved important.

 

JR Graham came in for the bottom of the 14th to protect the four-run lead. Before he got an out, he had given up three runs including a home run from Jesus Montero. However, he got the next three outs and held on to that 8-7 lead for the win. It gave Alex Wimmers his first AAA win.

 

Walker led the way. He went 4-7 with his third double, first triple and three RBI. Carlos Paulino went 3-7. James Beresford went 2-6 with a walk. Max Kepler was in the lineup and went 0-4 with two walks and a sacrifice fly. Byron Buxton went 1-7 and struck out three of his first four at bats. He did hit a double.

 

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 10, Birmingham 7

Box Score

 

Ryan Eades struggled again in this start. He gave up five runs in the first inning. In 3.1 innings, he gave up six runs on nine hits. He walked four and struck out three. Corey Williams came in and settled things down. In 2.2 innings, he gave up only a solo home run and a walk. Mike Strong gave up two hits but no runs in his inning. Jake Reed threw a perfect inning. JT Chargois recorded his third save. He gave up a hit and walked a batter but got the three outs for the save.

 

Daniel Palka continued an incredible streak. He went 3-3 with a walk, his seventh double and his third home run - a grand slam in the 3rd inning. In his final at-bat, he struck out which ended a streak of reaching base in 14 straight plate appearances. Leonardo Reginnato went 4-5. Mitch Garver added two doubles in five at-bats. Zach Granite and Engelb Vielma each had two hits. Granite stole his ninth base.

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 9, Jupiter 1

Box Score

 

When Stephen Gonsalves is on the mound, his team typically doesn’t need a lot of runs, but on this night, they provided some anyway. The Miracle used a five-run third inning and a three-run sixth.

 

Alex Swim led the way with three hits in five at-bats. Nick Gordon was very good as well, going 2-3 with two walks. He also stole his fourth base. Ryan Walker was also 2-5.

 

Of course, Gonsalves was terrific. In fact, the lefty had a no-hitter into the 6th inning. In total, he went six shutout innings. He allowed two hits, walked two and struck out six. With the win he is now 2-1 with a 1.44 ERA.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 1, West Michigan 0

Box Score

 

The Kernels got a run early and held on. The shutout means that they have not allowed a run in 19 straight innings.

 

Randy LeBlanc got things started out well. The right-hander went the first six innings. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out four. CK Irby struck out three over the next two innings. He gave up just one hit. John Curtiss got the ninth. He gave up two hits, but maintained the shutout. He struck out one.

 

The Kernels managed just five hits in the game. Sean Miller was 2-3, and he drove in JJ Fernandez with a single for the game’s lone run. Luis Arraez went 1-2 with a walk and his second double.

 

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Stephen Gonsalves, Ft. Myers Miracle

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Adam Brett Walker, Rochester Red Wings

 

 

WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Rochester @ Buffalo (12:05 CST) - LHP Jason Wheeler

Chattanooga - No Game Scheduled

Ft. Myers @ Jupiter (5:30 CST) – RHP Kohl Stewart

West Michigan @Cedar Rapids (6:35 CST) – RHP Andro Cutura

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Tuesday games.

 

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[JaleelWhite FanClub]

How the hell do you reach base 14 straight times? Palka's a superhero or something. He may make me forget about all the crappy stuff the FO did this past offseason. On second thought, naaaaaaah!

[FormerMinnasotan]

Another outstanding start from Gonsalves. First off I wonder if Gonsalves has really improved or has benefitted from another season at Ft Meyers. IMO I think Gonsalves must have improved his pitching as I don't think you can post a 1.44 ERA and not have improved. I know the season is early, but I think Gonsalves needs to be promoted now as Milone is out the door and if the Twins are looking for a lefty in the rotation Gonsalves might actually be available as soon as next year (provided Gonsalves pitches at least "good" in Chattanooga this year).

[jimbo92107]

Does Gonsalves actually have anything left to prove in A ball? 

[jsteve96]

 

Another outstanding start from Gonsalves. First off I wonder if Gonsalves has really improved or has benefitted from another season at Ft Meyers. IMO I think Gonsalves must have improved his pitching as I don't think you can post a 1.44 ERA and not have improved. I know the season is early, but I think Gonsalves needs to be promoted now as Milone is out the door and if the Twins are looking for a lefty in the rotation Gonsalves might actually be available as soon as next year (provided Gonsalves pitches at least "good" in Chattanooga this year).

I think Gonsalves is going to be a very big prospect for the Twins over the next couple of years. I'm not sure I would rush him as he's putting up numbers a future ace would.. not saying he'll be an Ace but I'm guessing going into next year he will be in MLB.com 's top 50 if not top 30... Gonsalves joining Berrios and Meyer could be a nasty 1-2-3 for many years

[SydneyTwinsFan]

I'd like to offer a tip of the cap to Kennys Vargas and his first stolen base in 6 years.

[clutterheart]

Its early but Vielma is hitting way better than I thought he would.

That couldn't be more encouraging!

 

[clutterheart]

 

Does Gonsalves actually have anything left to prove in A ball? 

 

My hope is Berrios Duffey and Meyer all stay up in the Twins  Rotation.  So hopefully a whole slew of promotions will follow

[Seth Stohs]

 

Does Gonsalves actually have anything left to prove in A ball? 

 

I think he's ready to move on up... Maybe another start or two. No harm in that. We'll see what happens at the upper levels in the next couple of days.

[puckstopper1]

Is there a better reliever in the system than Chargois right now?  I know, SSS, but 1 ER, 1 walk, 10 K and a 0.57 WHIP is impressive.

[twinssouth]

Surprised to see the release of Brett Lee and the Wimmers promotion.

[FormerMinnasotan]

http://m.milb.com/news/article/20160426174724472/gonsalves_unleashes_slider_in_latest_gem

 

I came across this on milb.com. Sounds like yes, Gonsalves definitely knows how to pitch. Secondly it sounds as if Gonsalves' curve ball is definitely improved, and thirdly it sounds like Gonsalves likes his slider as well. Sounds like Gonsalves might be better than what most scouts expect from him.

[Dman]

Man if Gonsalves hadn't given up three runs in the first inning of his first game he would have a sub 1 ERA.  He needs to be moved to AA.  The more time he spends there the more likely he can help the big club next year.

 

Does anyone know if Romero and Thorpe are ready to pitch yet?  For promotions to happen they need someone to step in at Low A and move someone from Low A to High A.

[jokin]

 

Does Gonsalves actually have anything left to prove in A ball? 

 

Man if Gonsalves hadn't given up three runs in the first inning of his first game he would have a sub 1 ERA.  He needs to be moved to AA.  The more time he spends there the more likely he can help the big club next year.

 

Does anyone know if Romero and Thorpe are ready to pitch yet?  For promotions to happen they need someone to step in at Low A and move someone from Low A to High A.

 

The best part of all of this is that Gonsalves keeps setting the bar higher for Kohl Stewart in the following game- in which case Stewart has done so- resetting even higher for Gonsalves' next start.  Look for Stewart to dominate this evening, and look for early promotions to Chattanooga for both by no later than a few more starts.

 

This is the second time around for both of these guys in High A- let's stop wasting those bullets of the best prospect pitching that the system has to offer.

[jokin]

 

 

Its early but Vielma is hitting way better than I thought he would.

That couldn't be more encouraging!

 

Great point, he was on my list for picks to click for early promotion. I don't know much about the guy in front of him in AAA, but assuming Vielma cleans up his early-season defensive scuffles right quick, I don't know how they hold him back from a mid-season move to Rochester.

[jokin]

 

 

I think Gonsalves is going to be a very big prospect for the Twins over the next couple of years. I'm not sure I would rush him as he's putting up numbers a future ace would.. not saying he'll be an Ace but I'm guessing going into next year he will be in MLB.com 's top 50 if not top 30... Gonsalves joining Berrios and Meyer could be a nasty 1-2-3 for many years

 

He's sitting on around 100 IPs at High A, a move to AA at this point wouldn't really be rushing him- really, he appears to be toying with the hitters at his current level- time to move up!

 

And the Twins really need a LH SP, if Gonsalves continues this type of success in the upper minors, why hold him back from a look-see promotion to the Twins by the middle of 2017?

[jokin]

 

 

How the hell do you reach base 14 straight times?

 

Palka's a superhero or something.

 

My prayers on this under-the-radar offseason acquisition are being answered... Palka is my new pick for top Twins Prospect Demigod.  We bow before thee, King Daniel, and your minor league loftiness.

[Mike Sixel]

 

I think Gonsalves is going to be a very big prospect for the Twins over the next couple of years. I'm not sure I would rush him as he's putting up numbers a future ace would.. not saying he'll be an Ace but I'm guessing going into next year he will be in MLB.com 's top 50 if not top 30... Gonsalves joining Berrios and Meyer could be a nasty 1-2-3 for many years

 

What does Rush mean? There are plenty of guys that go from low A to AA or even AAA in a year, when they absolutely dominate. How many starts like this would he need to go up?

[Seth Stohs]

 

Its early but Vielma is hitting way better than I thought he would.

That couldn't be more encouraging!

 

He had hit pretty well... Of course, he's got 6 errors in 10 games too, which is more surprising. 

[jokin]

 

What does Rush mean? There are plenty of guys that go from low A to AA or even AAA in a year, when they absolutely dominate. How many starts like this would he need to go up?

 

Could you re-direct that question to Twins management?

[Mike Sixel]

 

Could you re-direct that question to Twins management?

 

Heh, I'm not sure advice coming from ME is going to help.........

[Seth Stohs]

 

What does Rush mean? There are plenty of guys that go from low A to AA or even AAA in a year, when they absolutely dominate. How many starts like this would he need to go up?

 

I don't think too many. He's been terrific for four starts. If he does it for another four, I can't imagine him not moving up. And, frankly, I might be surprised if he makes four more starts now for the Miracle.

[jokin]

 

 

He had hit pretty well... Of course, he's got 6 errors in 10 games too, which is more surprising. 

 

Yeah, I was wondering about that as well. So uncharacteristic... is there something wrong with his arm? I mean, other than Buxton- and perhaps Turner, he was about as sure a thing defensively in terms of a prospect translating to the majors, as anyone in the system.

 

Any idea what gives?

[Mike Sixel]

 

I don't think too many. He's been terrific for four starts. If he does it for another four, I can't imagine him not moving up. And, frankly, I might be surprised if he makes four more starts now for the Miracle.

 

Agreed.

[bulldozier14]

 

He had hit pretty well... Of course, he's got 6 errors in 10 games too, which is more surprising. 

Also doesn't have a walk and only one XBH, so his OPS is still pretty underwhelming...

[Guest]

Feel kind of bad for Brett Lee. He'd been a moderately effective starting pitcher, yet largely because of the number of minor league free agents the Twins signed in the offseason and the overall number of starting pitching prospects in the organization, he was moved to the bullpen this season. He's never been a high-strikeout pitcher, so it was hard to imagine that was going to be a smooth transition for him and it certainly wasn't. Was he highly likely to ever be in the Twins rotation? No. But I do think his ultimate failure was as much about circumstances as it was anything else. Maybe he'll get an opportunity to get back in a rotation elsewhere. Good guy and I wish him the best.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Also doesn't have a walk and only one XBH, so his OPS is still pretty underwhelming...

 

If you're looking at OPS, it's never going to be real high. 

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I think he's ready to move on up... Maybe another start or two. No harm in that. We'll see what happens at the upper levels in the next couple of days.

Out of my own selfish reasons, I hope you are wrong as I have FSL AllStar game (at Hammond) and was hoping to see him start the game!

[Bob Sacamento]

 

Man if Gonsalves hadn't given up three runs in the first inning of his first game he would have a sub 1 ERA.  He needs to be moved to AA.  The more time he spends there the more likely he can help the big club next year.

 

Does anyone know if Romero and Thorpe are ready to pitch yet?  For promotions to happen they need someone to step in at Low A and move someone from Low A to High A.

Thorpe still has a while  (month or two) but Romero has been looking good since the end of spring training, hitting 98mph with his fastball!!

[jokin]

 

Also doesn't have a walk and only one XBH, so his OPS is still pretty underwhelming...

 

If you're looking at OPS, it's never going to be real high. 

 

Yeah, Andrelton Simmons has a career OPS of .660.

 

The lack of walks so far for Vielma appears to be anomalous, as his K% is just about the same as it has always been- giving him a current OPS of .667. I would think the Twins would be thrilled if he could match anywhere close to that number coupled with his very good glove in a utility role with the major league club.

 

Which brings me cause to reiterate, Seth... does Engelb have an arm problem/injury or a case of the yips that is causing his recent spate of errors?