Article: Twins Minor League Report (4/27): Stewart Stifles, Wheeler Deals

[Cody Christie]

This week's recent disabled list fiasco at the big league level means the upper minors are pretty sparse in the starting pitching department. With Jose Berrios, Alex Meyer, and Tyler Duffey all on the big league roster, three-fifths of the Rochester rotation is no longer with the club. This left a clear need to add another starter.

 

Minnesota wasted little time scouring independent league rosters for some help. Former Twins pitcher Andrew Albers was signed to a minor league deal and assigned to Rochester. He had been pitching for an independent team in the Atlantic League.

 

With the continued roster movement down on the farm, how would the teams fare as they adjust to new faces in new places?RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 1, Buffalo 2 (10 Innings)

Box Score

After being locked into an extra-innings battle on Tuesday, nine innings wasn't enough to decide this one between Rochester and Buffalo. Jason Wheeler was promoted from Double-A before today's game to make the start because of the trio of players mentioned above that were called up to the big leagues.

 

Wheeler pitched a very strong game against a very experienced Bisons roster. He lasted seven innings and allowed one run on six hits with three strikeouts and a walk. Buddy Boshers relieved Wheeler and went 1.2 shutout innings while limiting Buffalo to one hit. Brandon Kintzler took the loss, his first of the season, after three singles in the bottom of the tenth inning allowed the game-winning run to score.

 

Despite the loss, James Beresford recorded his third straight multi-hit game and finished the day 3-for-5 with an RBI. Byron Buxton notched his first multi-hit game since being demoted and he has now recorded a hit in all 15 games he has played in Rochester the last two years. Heiker Meneses recorded the team's lone extra-base hit, his first double of the season. Overall, the team left eight runners on base and went 2-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga (Scheduled Off Day)

After another strong performance from Daniel Palka (one of my breakout hitter picks), the Lookouts enjoyed an off-day on Wednesday. Chattanooga has won two straight games and they currently have a 8-12 record while sitting 4.5 games out of first place in the Southern League North. The club resumes action on Thursday with the start of a five-game home series against Montgomery.

 

Roster Move: Right-handed pitcher Omar Bencomo was added to the Lookouts roster. So far this season, he has been in Extended Spring Training, waiting for an opportunity. Last year he signed with the Twins later in the season and with Fort Myers, he had a 1-1 record with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.89 WHIP over 18.0 IP.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 6, Jupiter 1 (10 Innings)

Box Score

Kohl Stewart did his best to put the Miracle in position to win but he wouldn't figure into the decision as the offense didn't wake up until the late innings. For the second time in his last three appearances, Stewart pitched six shutout frames. When he was pulled, he had struck out five and walked three while lowering his ERA to 1.93. Miracle starting pitchers have now tossed 25 1/3 innings over their last three games without allowing a run. Yorman Landa allowed one run after giving up a lead-off double in the seventh inning and he was in line for the loss before Trey Vavra saved the day.

 

In the top of the ninth frame, Vavra stepped to the plate with his team down 1-0 and down to their last out. He connected on a 3-2 pitch and homered to left field to tie the game. It was just the spark the team needed as the team batted around and scored five runs in the next inning including doubles from Edgar Corcino and Chris Paul. Alex Swim led the team with three hits and Vavra plated three runs.

 

Brandon Peterson earned his first victory of the season after tossing two scoreless frames with a strikeout. Todd Van Steensel closed things out in the bottom of the tenth as the only base runner he allowed was on a two-out walk. With the win, Fort Myers stretched their winning streak to four games.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 3, West Michigan 8

Box Score

The Whitecaps were coming on strong on Wednesday as they plated runs in each of the first four innings including two multi-run innings. Andro Cutura took the brunt of the damage as he allowed a career high eight earned runs on nine hits with two strikeouts and a walk in four innings. Michael Theofanopoulos stopped some of the bleeding as he pitched three shutout frames with a pair of strikeouts. Zach Tillery struck out four in the final two innings.

 

Cedar Rapids struggled offensively, going 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left eight runners on base. A.J. Murray went 2-for-4 with his fourth double and a run scored. Luis Arraez had two hits and reached base four times. J.J. Fernandez hit his first home run, a solo-shot in the second inning to tie the game before West Michigan took back the lead.

 

These same two teams square off tomorrow in the rubber game of this three-game set. The Kernels have lost four of their last six games so a series win could help get things moving in the right direction.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day- Jason Wheeler, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day- Trey Vavra, Fort Myers Miracle

 

THURSDAY'S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester @ Buffalo (12:05 CST)- LHP Logan Darnell (1-2, 4.58 ERA)

Chattanooga vs. Montgomery (6:15 CST)- RHP DJ Baxendale (1-2, 2.35 ERA)

Fort Myers @ Jupiter (9:30 am CST)- LHP Tyler Jay (1-1, 3.60 ERA)

Cedar Rapids vs. West Michigan (6:35 CST)- RHP Sam Gibbons (1-2, 5.74 ERA)

 

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

 

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[Jham]

Nice to see Stewart starting to pile up the K's.  He could move quickly if his stuff starts to translate into empty swings and outs.

[Seth Stohs]

I would say both Stewart and Gonsalves won't be in Ft. Myers too much longer.

[jsteve96]

I can't wait until these guys are pitching in the MLB. The Twins could finally be good again.. Berries' first start had its ups and downs but when he was throwing strikes he got quite a few Swings and misses, just needs to get those nerves out! 21 years old, youngest starting pitcher in the MLB, well that happens. The Strikeouts tonight convinced me he'll be fine, can't wait until his next start.

 

Flashbacks to the last 3 prospects who made a start: Gibson 8 in 5 vs Yankees, May walked like 6 guys in 2 innings and Duffey 7 runs in 2? I think they have turned just fine so far. 5 runs in 4 innings is fine for a debut. 

 

 

Kohl Stewart could be trade bait with this improvement and I dont think i like that. I was one that wanted to trade him last year but with K's up i think they'd be stupid to trade him when we have every position covered in young depth

[Jeff A]

Sorry if I missed this, but why hasn't LaMonte Wade been playing?  Is he hurt?

[FormerMinnasotan]

I would say both Stewart and Gonsalves won't be in Ft. Myers too much longer.

They both should be up now. And Ryan Eades needs to be demoted back to Ft Meyers, there is NO way Eades should be in Chattanooga over Gonsalves and Stewart, plus there should be an open spot since Brett Lee was let go. Insert Gonsalves and Stewart.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Sorry if I missed this, but why hasn't LaMonte Wade been playing?  Is he hurt?

 

Chatted with him a couple of nights ago. He said he's had a bit of a hamstring issue. He told me he hoped to play today (Thursday), but we'll see if that happens. I'm sure they'll be cautious, especially in the cold.

[jokin]

 

I can't wait until these guys are pitching in the MLB. The Twins could finally be good again.. Berries' first start had its ups and downs but when he was throwing strikes he got quite a few Swings and misses, just needs to get those nerves out! 21 years old, youngest starting pitcher in the MLB, well that happens. The Strikeouts tonight convinced me he'll be fine, can't wait until his next start.

 

Flashbacks to the last 3 prospects who made a start: Gibson 8 in 5 vs Yankees, May walked like 6 guys in 2 innings and Duffey 7 runs in 2? I think they have turned just fine so far. 5 runs in 4 innings is fine for a debut. 

 

 

Kohl Stewart could be trade bait with this improvement and I dont think i like that. I was one that wanted to trade him last year but with K's up i think they'd be stupid to trade him when we have every position covered in young depth

 

Stupid? It would be absolutely criminal to trade any of the high upside arms (unless they know something nobody else does). The mortal and semi-mortal carnage that accompanies these types of prospects must be close to 75%- or even higher.

[ThejacKmp]

 

Stupid? It would be absolutely criminal to trade any of the high upside arms (unless they know something nobody else does). The mortal and semi-mortal carnage that accompanies these types of prospects must be close to 75%- or even higher.

 

Agreed. Especially since it's not like the Twins are a team that should go out and sign big free agent arms. If they want to deal Polanco/Rosario types, I'm fine with that. But don't touch any of the high-upside starters (Gonsalves, Thorpe, Stewart etc.)

[Trov]

I know the FSL is a pitchers league, but the Twins starting prospects down there are starting to take it to a new level.  Thorpe is even still out.  I am sure once he is ready to come back starters will move up.

[Pitz]

ugly outing for Jay this morning

[gunnarthor]

Nice to see Buxton collecting hits.  Hopefully a couple months at AAA and he'll be ready to come back. 

[FormerMinnasotan]

ugly outing for Jay this morning

This is why I feel Jay is going to spend most if not all his time this season in Ft Meyers. It is a transition from closer to starter. I don't think we will really see progress with Jay until next year.

[Mike Sixel]

 

This is why I feel Jay is going to spend most if not all his time this season in Ft Meyers. It is a transition from closer to starter. I don't think we will really see progress with Jay until next year.

 

Unfortunately, I agree with this.

[FormerMinnasotan]

Unfortunately, I agree with this.

Also with Jay's height and stature similar to Jose Berrios, and this being his first legitimate season as a starter he (and Lewis Thorpe) will be monitored very closely on innings this year.

[Seth Stohs]

I've said before that my guess is that Jay will spend the first half of the season starting in Ft. Myers... I would think there's a decent chance he goes to the bullpen in the 2nd half and most likely some of that time will be in Chattanooga. 

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

They both should be up now. And Ryan Eades needs to be demoted back to Ft Meyers, there is NO way Eades should be in Chattanooga over Gonsalves and Stewart, plus there should be an open spot since Brett Lee was let go. Insert Gonsalves and Stewart.

 

It's what, four starts in?  I don't think a bit more patience just yet is unwise.  I have no problems if they promote them, but we are definitely in hot month/SSS territory still, and a few more starts in A+ won't hurt either of them.  Same with Eades.  I have no issues giving him a few more starts to turn it around.

[ShouldaCouldaWoulda]

 

I've said before that my guess is that Jay will spend the first half of the season starting in Ft. Myers... I would think there's a decent chance he goes to the bullpen in the 2nd half and most likely some of that time will be in Chattanooga. 

4.1 innings, 10 hits, and ZERO K's?! Please tell me he was out on a bender last night or that they made him throw 100% changeups! Please, let there be some type of excuse for a disastrous start like that. Hey, no walks though;)

[FormerMinnasotan]

It's what, four starts in? I don't think a bit more patience just yet is unwise. I have no problems if they promote them, but we are definitely in hot month/SSS territory still, and a few more starts in A+ won't hurt either of them. Same with Eades. I have no issues giving him a few more starts to turn it around.

4 starts apiece this season for both Gonsalves and Stewart. But both pitched so much in Ft Meyers last year there is little to see IMO. Both have improved and done what is asked. My problem with Eades in AA and not Stewart or Gonsalves is Eades during his minor league career has never been remotely as good as Gonsalves and Stewart. If Eades was better I can accept that better but he is not.

[theJemmer]

Wheeler is a stud - watched him throw a very solid game for AA in Fort Myers ST.  Who doesn't need a big lefty in the rotation.  When would you peg him to debut??

 

Also, Palka has been on fire since, what ? mid-March? great to see - hope he gets moved up a level soon.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Wheeler is a stud - watched him throw a very solid game for AA in Fort Myers ST.  Who doesn't need a big lefty in the rotation.  When would you peg him to debut??

 

Also, Palka has been on fire since, what ? mid-March? great to see - hope he gets moved up a level soon.

 

Wheeler was added to the 40-man roster before the 2015 season, but he was really bad in AAA and sent down to AA where he ended the year strong. That's where he is again. As for when he could debut... it'll be awhile. He's in a tough spot. The TWins have at least 8-10 guys ahead of him as SP options.

 

Palka has had a terrific month. 

[Badsmerf]

I have no problem with gonsalves or Stewart in fort Myers a little longer. They aren't coming up this year regardless, and once they arrive in New Britain they are only a call away. I like seeing them having success. The twins typically like to allow teams to see them twice to see how they adjust. I could honestly see them allow both to stay down until the minor league as break, or slightly before. Look at how they handled berrios. They were cautious and aggressive with him, and he was further along than these two.

[sane17]

"Trevor Hildenberger assigned to Chattanooga Lookouts from Fort Myers Miracle"

Gotta love those fast-rising non-prospects.

 

 

[Darius]

If Kohl Stewart is traded, as mentioned above, as a team that isn't going anywhere this year (or the foreseeable future), a pitchfork and torch wielding mob should drag Ryan out of his office at Target Field, and tar and feather him on the Nicollet Mall.

 

Ok, maybe a little much. But, my God, that would be an awful decision.....which means it will probably happen at some point.