Article: Twins Minor League Report (8/21): Rooker Slam!

[Steve Lein]

With a doubleheader going on in Rochester, there was more than a full slate of action in the farm system on Tuesday. Michael Pineda made a rehab appearance at Triple A, a slugger in Chattanooga delivered a grand slam, two top pitching prospects took the mound for Fort Myers and Rochester, and another pitcher delivered yet another solid performance in a long string of them with Cedar Rapids.

 

Keep reading to find out how all your favorite Minnesota Twins prospects performed on Tuesday and be sure to add to the discussion in the comments!TRANSACTIONS

 

There was some maneuvering before Tuesday’s games, with all of it at the top of the system:

• The Rochester Red Wings received Michael Pineda (rehab assignment from Fort Myers), Zander Wiel (promoted from Chattanooga), Johnny Field (optioned by Minnesota), and Tyler Duffey (optioned by Minnesota). Andy Wilkins was transferred to Chattanooga.
• In addition to Wilkins, the Lookouts also received pitcher Clark Beeker from Fort Myers.

RED WINGS REPORT

Game 1: Pawtucket 3, Rochester 6

Box Score

 

Game one of their doubleheader saw these teams complete a game that was suspended due to rain in the first inning earlier in the year. Adalberto Mejia had started that game with a scoreless inning, but it was the Michael Pineda show tonight when play resumed. Pineda would go four innings, allowing one run on a long home run to the first batter he faced, but settled in after that. Overall, he allowed two hits and two walks while striking out two in his Triple A rehab debut.

 

Out of the bullpen D.J. Baxendale allowed two runs on four hits in two innings and struck out two. Nick Anderson finished the game’s final two innings to pick up his fourth save. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

 

On offense the Red Wings put up a four-spot in the third inning to take the lead for good. Those runs came courtesy of four singles, a sac fly from Kennys Vargas, and an RBI triple from LaMonte Wade. An RBI double from Taylor Motter in the sixth and RBI single from Juan Graterol in the seventh finished the scoring for Rochester.

 

Nick Gordon, Gregorio Petit, Wade, Graterol, and Motter all had multiple hits in the effort. Gordon also stole his 12th base with the Red Wings.

 

Game 2: Pawtucket 5, Rochester 3

Box Score

 

The start of this one was delayed due to rain and was a seven-inning contest as the back-end of their make-up doubleheader.

 

Lewis Thorpe took the hill for his second triple-A start and looked good for the game's first two innings as he struck out three and induced a double play ball. But things turned on him quickly in the third. Two walks started the inning (Gameday pitch locations are interesting to look at here), and after recovering enough to get two outs, a two-run homer put his team down 3-0, and another walk and single later Thorpe’s night was done. In 2 2/3 he allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out four to take the loss.

 

Jake Reed went the next 2 1/3 innings and didn’t allow a baserunner. Five of his seven outs also came in the form of strikeouts. Luke Bard finished the final two innings and he allowed one run on two hits and a walk while picking up three K’s.

 

On offense the Red Wings got home runs from Willians Astudillo and Kennys Vargas to account for their three runs. As a team they collected only four hits, and Astudillo was the only hitter with two of them, as he added a double. Vargas’ blast was his 20th of the season and he has homered in five of his last six games. It also was a mammoth shot to the joy of a nearly empty stadium after the rain had driven most fans away.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 5, Montgomery 2

Box Score

 

The Lookouts got all the runs they would need in this one on a single swing of the bat to back a solid start from lefthander Dietrich Enns.

 

With the game tied at zero in the top of the third, the first three Chattanooga hitters singled to load the bases for Brent Rooker. His 22nd home run of the season was of the grand slam variety and gave him 77 RBIs on the season, which paces the Southern League. The Lookouts added an insurance run in the sixth after consecutive doubles from Luis Arreaz and Jordan Gore. Gore (3-for-4, R, 2B, K) and Luke Raley (2-for-5, R) collected multiple hits in the win.

 

Enns went five innings to pick up his third win on the season with Chattanooga. He gave up just one run as he scattered six hits and a walk along with striking out four. Sam Clay added two scoreless innings out of the bullpen, allowing two hits and picking up one K. Austin Adams then made his organizational debut after signing out of the independent leagues yesterday. He gave up a homer to the first batter he faced, but finished the contest for the Lookouts with a one-two-three ninth. He gave up two hits and struck out two.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Fort Myers 4, Palm Beach 6

Box Score

 

The Miracle took a 4-1 lead heading into the bottom of the sixth inning with top pitching prospect Brusdar Graterol cruising to that point, but he was greeted by back-to-back extra-base hits to start that frame and the Cardinals got to the bullpen in the seventh and eighth to pull out the victory.

 

Graterol had allowed just one run on five singles and a walk heading into the sixth and would finish his day with three runs allowed on eight hits and two walks in 5 2/3 innings. Jovani Moran escaped the sixth with their lead still intact, but two walks, a single, and a hit batter led to him being charged with a blown save and the game tied at four. Hector Lujan relieved Moran with two outs in the seventh but gave up two runs in the eighth when he came back out to take the loss. They were the first runs Lujan had allowed in his last 23 1/3 innings pitched.

 

The Miracle lineup was led by Taylor Grzelakowski who finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored, a triple, and his eighth home run of the year. Ben Rortvedt added a triple and scored a run while Aaron Whitefield and Ernie De La Trinidad added sacrifice flies. Alex Kirilloff finished 1-for-4 with an RBI and has now reached base in 32 consecutive games.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 5, Beloit 2

Box Score

 

There weren’t many hits for the Kernels in this one as they tallied just five as a team, but they capitalized on miscues from the Snappers defense to steal this one.

 

Randy Dobnak toed the rubber for Cedar Rapids and he again delivered a quality start to pick up his ninth win of the year. In his seven innings he allowed just one run on five hits and two walks while also striking out five. Since May 16^th Dobnak has made 13 starts (among 16 appearances) and has allowed more than three runs only once while completing six or more innings in eleven of them (he didn’t get the chance to in another that was suspended after the first inning). So that’s basically 10 quality starts in his last 12 as he continues to be a steadying presence for the Kernels.

 

Ricky Ramiriz pitched the final two innings to pick up his second save. He gave up a solo home run, two other hits, and struck out two.

 

Cedar Rapids got on the scoreboard in the fifth thanks to a wild pitch that allowed Ben Rodriguez to scamper home. He had been hit by a pitch to lead off the inning. They took a 2-1 lead in the sixth as an error on a Trevor Larnach single allowed another unearned run to score. They added three insurance runs in the ninth thanks to another error that led into a the two-run homer from Michael Davis, his sixth on the season.

 

E-TWINS E-TALK

Greeneville 3, Elizabethton 6

Box Score

 

Down 2-1 in the seventh, the E-Twins finally broke through against the Reds bullpen to the tune of five runs to take control of this one. A couple of errors on the visiting team started the big inning, and a two-run double from Chris Williams finished it.

 

Williams and DaShawn Keirsey each led the team with two walks and two RBIs on the game. Keirsey also scored two runs. Ricky De La Torre was the only batter in the lineup with multiple hits, as he finished 2-for-3 with a run scored and drew a walk. Trevor Casanova added a double to the effort.

 

Luis Rijo made the start and was fantastic for seven innings. He allowed just two runs on six hits, with both runs allowed coming on a home run in the fourth inning. He struck out five and didn’t walk a batter. Seth Pinkerton pitched the final two innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out one.

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Rays 4, GCL Twins 5

Box Score

 

Despite being outhit 10-to-6 on the game, the Twins were able to take advantage of the seven walks they drew as a team and some misplays from the Rays.

 

An error in the first inning led to their first run on a sac fly from Gabe Snyder. In the sixth a couple of wild pitches helped lead to two more runs. Then down 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth, a two-out rally was started by Kidany Salva drawing a walk. He went to second on another wild pitch, then consecutive doubles from Samuel Vasquez and Alberoni Nunez put them out front.

 

On the mound for the Twins was Tyler Benninghoff and he would pitch into the fifth inning despite struggling some with his control. Over his 4 2/3 innings he allowed two runs on five hits and four walks. He struck out two. Casey Crosby got them through the sixth, picking up four outs with three of them via the K. Regi Grace was charged with a blown save in the seventh as he allowed one run on two hits in his inning, but Michael Montero would pick up his third win by finishing the final two innings. He allowed an unearned run on three hits and struck out one.

 

STARS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Pitcher of the Day – Randy Dobnak, Cedar Rapids Kernels (W, 7 IP, 5 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K)

Twins Daily Hitter(s) of the Day – Brent Rooker, Chattanooga Lookouts (1-for-4, R, grand slam HR (22), 4 RBI, BB, K)

 

TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY

 

#1 - Royce Lewis (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, K

#2 - Alex Kirilloff (Fort Myers) – 1-for-4, RBI

#3 - Brusdar Graterol (Fort Myers) – 5.2 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 4 K

#4 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) – (2 games) 2-for-8, 2 R, SB

#5 - Stephen Gonsalves (Minnesota) – Did not pitch.

#6 - Trevor Larnach (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-4, 2 K

#7 - Brent Rooker (Chattanooga) – 1-for-4, R, grand slam HR (22), 4 RBI, BB, K

#8 - Akil Baddoo (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play.

#9 -Wander Javier – Out for the season.

#10 - Zack Littell (Rochester) – Did not pitch.

#11 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch.

#12 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) – 2-for-4, R, 3B, RBI, K

#13 - Travis Blankenhorn (Fort Myers) – 1-for-4, 2 K

#14 - Lewis Thorpe (Rochester) – L, 2.2 IP, 4 R, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K

#15 - Ben Rortvedt (Fort Myers) – 1-for-3, R, 3B, K

#16 - Yunior Severino (Elizabethton) – 0-for-5, R, RBI, K

#17 - Lewin Diaz (Fort Myers) – Out for the season.

#18 - Ryan Jeffers (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-3, R, BB

#19 - Jacob Pearson (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-4, 3 K

#20 - Luis Arraez (Chattanooga) – 1-for-4, R, 2B

 

WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Pawtucket @ Rochester (6:05PM CST) – RHP Fernando Romero (5-4, 3.19 ERA)

Chattanooga @ Montgomery (6:35PM CST) – LHP Dietrich Enns (2-5, 4.62 ERA)

Fort Myers @ Palm Beach (5:30PM CST) – RHP Andro Cutura (3-6, 4.09 ERA)

Cedar Rapids @ Beloit (7:00PM CST) – RHP Blayne Enlow (2-5, 3.32 ERA)

Greeneville @ Elizabethton (6:00PM CST) – RHP Tyler Palm (2-2, 4.99 ERA)

GCL Twins @ GCL Rays (5:30PM CST) – TBD

 

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games!

 

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[AlwaysinModeration]

Kennys needs to be back up with the Twins.

[h2oface]

Kennys needs to play in Japan or Korea.

[mikelink45]

Kennys could have at least matched Morrison's output.

 

But Rooker is the one who looks like he is an MLB bat.

[rdehring]

Thought it may have been a tight strike zone for Thorpe, but that first batter got a ball call on a pitch that was darn near in the middle of the strike zone and another that could have been a strike.  Then he got squeezed on three pitches to the next hitter.  Hard to overcome those type of calls, but something he has to work on.

 

Rooker's bat has been ice cold all month.  Great seeing him have a big swat.  Likewise, Rortvedt's average was a bit lower in July, but he has been hitting better this month.  I continue to believe that he could be the catcher all Twins fans have been waiting for.

 

I know you don't report on the DSL, but the Twins may be getting one of their best pitching performances from a 17-year old Venezuelan, Anthony Escobar.  After pitching 2.0 innings of relief last night, he has 55.0 innings with 50/11 K/BB, a 0.98 ERA and 0.69 WHIP.  He has made two relief appearances (1.0 and 2.0 innings) the last four days after not pitching for nearly a month.  Does anyone know if he was injured?  Or did he cross the 50 inning threshold and they shut him down to save innings for the playoffs? 

[Han Joelo]

 

Vargas!

[Rosterman]

What is the fate of Kennys Vargas?

 

Why not challenge Brent Rooker with a Rochester advancement.

 

Only a couple mror weeks of minor league play.

[Vanimal46]

What is the fate of Kennys Vargas?

It's pretty obvious, no? He's either going to be a AAA player (probably not for the Twins), or find a better opportunity in Korea or Japan.

[blindeke]

Vargas and Reed get Sept. call ups, no?

[Seth Stohs]

 

It's pretty obvious, no? He's either going to be a AAA player (probably not for the Twins), or find a better opportunity in Korea or Japan.

 

I think he''s at that point where ,while I'm' sure he still wants to play MLB, there are going to be teams in Korea offering him $1.5-2 million/year for a couple of years. Hes' at the stage where he'll more seriously want to consider those offers. 

[Blackjack]

Do you think Rooker will get a September call up?

[Vanimal46]

I think he''s at that point where ,while I'm' sure he still wants to play MLB, there are going to be teams in Korea offering him $1.5-2 million/year for a couple of years. Hes' at the stage where he'll more seriously want to consider those offers.

I hope he does. I understand people want to be in the best baseball league the world has to offer, but he could be a star in Asia mashing 50+ HRs a season.

 

You never know, he could be like Eric Thames and be more desirable to MLB teams 1-2 years down the road after a stint in Asia.

[jkcarew]

Kenny's has been pretty bad all year.  He was OPS'ing .657 on August 7.  Despite an insanely hot streak, he's at .729 currently.

 

Rooker definitely slumping for the last couple of weeks.  That was only his second HR since July 28.  On the positive side, his walk rate has maintained and his K% has not ballooned.  Two things noteworthy with Rooker lately.   One, he has developed absurd home/away spits this year (in favor of home).  Weird.  Probably just SSS anomaly?   Second, whereas in the first half of the season he seemed to have been 'converted' to a first-baseman...lately, he's been playing outfield significantly more than 1B.  We'll see if Wiel's promotion changes things. 

[Franz]

 

Vargas and Reed get Sept. call ups, no?

September call ups need to be on the 40 man roster, so I'd say "no" for Vargas. Beyond roster technicalities, it seems to me that they will want to see as much of Tyler Austin as possible over the last month, and Vargas at-bats would cut into Austin's playing time.

[jmlease1]

Pineda's "start" is interesting. It'd be nice if he makes it back to pitch a little in MLB this season, but making sure he's ready for 2019 is the priority. Hmm. How do people feel about a rotation of Berrios, Gibson, Pineda, Romero and one of Gonsalves/Thorpe/Meija? Not enough upside? too great a risk for regression/injury/inconsistency/growing pains? because right now, that could be the group we're looking at. 

 

Pineda's recovery will be worth tracking. When healthy, he should be a quality pitcher...

[caninatl04]

Vargas and Reed get Sept. call ups, no?

Is Vargas on the 40 man?

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Kenny's has been pretty bad all year.  He was OPS'ing .657 on August 7.  Despite an insanely hot streak, he's at .729 currently.

 

Rooker definitely slumping for the last couple of weeks.  That was only his second HR since July 28.  On the positive side, his walk rate has maintained and his K% has not ballooned.  Two things noteworthy with Rooker lately.   One, he has developed absurd home/away spits this year (in favor of home).  Weird.  Probably just SSS anomaly?   Second, whereas in the first half of the season he seemed to have been 'converted' to a first-baseman...lately, he's been playing outfield significantly more than 1B.  We'll see if Wiel's promotion changes things. 

 

wouldn't be surprised if he's tiring out a bit. College ball doesn't play every day like the pros do. This is his first year in a truly full season. 

[howieramone2]

 

Kennys needs to be back up with the Twins.

Never happen. Next stop is the Bad News Bears.

[ashbury]

Is Vargas on the 40 man?

No. There were some waiver-claim shenanigans between the Reds and Twins when we tried to remove him from the 40 back in March, but ultimately that's what happened.

[BJames]

Glad to see Weil up to AAA.  Vargas has Big League Talent, not sure why no one whats to take a chance on him?  I didn't say Vargas would be or is a great player, but he should be on someone's 40 man roster! 

[Otto von Ballpark]

I think he''s at that point where ,while I'm' sure he still wants to play MLB, there are going to be teams in Korea offering him $1.5-2 million/year for a couple of years. Hes' at the stage where he'll more seriously want to consider those offers.

Vargas might make that much if he is successful over there, but his initial contract would be for much less. Probably no more than $1 mil given his poor 2018 season and positional inflexibility, and I think foreign players are generally limited to 1 year contracts too, especially at first.

 

Of course, he's not likely to get a MLB roster spot this offseason, so he can't even count on the league minimum over here anymore. So $1 million would look pretty good. (If he could somehow get the minimum somewhere, it might be better than $1 mil overseas because of increased pension benefits.)

[Weave]

Take a look at  Dobnak's  last 90 days

[Steve Lein]

 

Take a look at  Dobnak's  last 90 days

 

It's pretty good, and has been really consistent! He's been doing very well for the Kernels. In that time it's:

 

12 starts, 6-3, 2.12 ERA, 81.1 IP, 80 H, 15 BB, 52 K, 1.168 WHIP, .630 OPS against, .303 BABIP