Article: Twins Minor League Report (5/16): Diaz Powers Miracle Win

[Seth Stohs]

A couple of Twins minor league sluggers did some impressive slugging on Thursday night. One prospect has started hitting homers since a promotion. The other doubled his home runs production on the season. And a birthday boy put together about as good a series as a player can.Find out everything that happened happened in the Twins system on Thursday, starting with the transactions of the day.

 

 

TRANSACTIONS

• RHP Austin Adams was added to the Twins 40-man roster and their 25-man roster and joined the team in Seattle. He signed with the Twins late last season from the Sugar Land Skeeters. He spent parts of 2014-16 with Cleveland. Fair to say that his daughter is pretty proud of her dad.

• Adams takes the spot on the Twins roster vacated by Trevor Hildenberger who was optioned to Rochester.
• To make room on the 40-man roster, Addison Reed was designated for assignment.
• In Rochester, LHP Andrew Vasquez was activated from the injured list.

PODCASTS

• Royce Lewis joined The Sports Guys podcast and talked about his journey from the draft to today and many other topics.
• Twins Minor League Catching Coordinator Tanner Swanson joined the Ahead of the Curve with Jonathan Gelnar podcast.

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 2, Charlotte 3

Box Score

 

Lefty Andrew Vasquez came off of the injured list and made his return appearance as the team’s opener. He faced three batters and struck each one of them out. Kohl Stewart came and on gave up two runs on six hits and four walks over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out six. DJ Baxendale walked two and struck out one in his 2 1/3 innings of scoreless, hitless relief.

 

Drew Maggi went 3-for-3 with a walk in the game. In the three games at Charlotte, Maggi went 9-for-11 with a walk and two strikeouts. So, when he put the ball in play, he didn’t get out. Must be something about turning 30!

 

 

Luke Raley and Brent Rooker each doubled. Luis Arraez had a single and has hit in all three of his games for the Red Wings, though for the first time it wasn’t a multi-hit game.

 

 

BLUE WAHOO BITES

Pensacola 4, Mobile 5 (10 innings)

Box Score

 

Travis Blankenhorn got things going right for the Blue Wahoos in this game. He led off the game with his fourth home run. Later, he added his fifth homer in 20 games since his promotion to Pensacola. He had one homer in 15 games for Ft. Myers to start the season. Joe Cronin added his second home run. Jaylin Davis added his fifth double.

 

Griffin Jax started and gave up three runs on seven hits (and a hit batter) over 5 1/3 innings. He struck out four batters. Tyler Jay came on and was charged with one run on one hit in 1 2/3 innings. He struck out four, though he also hit two batters. Alex Phillips was next, and he struck out three batters over two scoreless innings. Tom Hackimer got to pitch the 10th inning, and he gave up an unearned run (the runner that started the inning scored) on one hit. He struck out two.

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 13, Bradenton 7

Box Score

 

This game was tied at seven after six innings, but the Miracle scored six runs over the final three innings to ease toward the win.

 

The hitting hero of the game was Lewin Diaz. He came into the game with three home runs for the year, and he doubled that total in this game. He went 4-for-5 with a single and his fourth, fifth and sixth home runs. He drove in five runs. He became the first player in Miracle history to hit three home runs in a game.

 

Ryan Jeffers went 3-for-4 with a walk and his sixth and seventh doubles. Jose Miranda added his ninth and tenth doubles of the season. Trevor Larnach added a triple. Aaron Whitefield added his third home run. Royce Lewis added his ninth double. He now has six doubles in his last six games. And there was this... (please click the below link to see Lewis's double, some push ups and some unwritten rules and ejection and a good old argument. I don't know why the twitter page isn't popping up.)

 

https://twitter.com/...266915980009472

 

 

Charlie Barnes started for the Miracle. The lefty gave up six runs on five hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings. He struck out eight batters. Calvin Faucher came on and worked two innings. He gave up a run on three hits and a walk. He struck out two batters. Anthony Vizcaya came on and got the final eight outs, five of them on strikeouts.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 5, Clinton 4

Box Score

 

Blayne Enlow’s 2019 season has been filled with ups and downs. Thursday night was definitely in the “up” category. The right-hander from Louisiana tossed seven innings of two-run ball. He gave up six hits, walked one and struck out six batters to improve to 4-3 on the season.

 

The Kernels offense got started in a hurry. Outfielder Jared Akins came to bat with two runners on and drilled a three-run homer. It was his second homer in three games since being promoted to the Kernels earlier in the week. Ben Rodriguez went 2-for-4 and added his second home run. Gilberto Celestino reached base three times in the game with a single and two walks. He stole his seventh bag of the year.

 

Carlos Suniaga worked the final two innings. He was charged with two runs on two hits and a walk.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day - Blayne Enlow, Cedar Rapids Kernels

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Lewin Diaz, Ft. Myer Miracle

 

PROSPECT SUMMARY

Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:

 

#1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) - 1-5, 2B(9), 2 R, 2 K

#2 - Alex Kirilloff (Pensacola) - 0-5, K

#3 - Brusdar Graterol (Pensacola) - Did Not Pitch.

#4 - Trevor Larnach (Ft. Myers) - 1-5, 3B(1), R, RBI, 3 K

#5 - Wander Javier (EST) - Injured, return...unknown

#6 - Brent Rooker (Rochester) - 1-4, 2B(5) R, 3 K

#7 - Jhoan Duran (Ft. Myers) - Did Not Pitch.

#8 - Lewis Thorpe (Rochester) - Did Not Pitch.

#9 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) - 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K (86 pitches, 58 strikes)

#10 - Akil Baddoo (Ft. Myers) - Injured List

#11 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) - Injured List (adductor)

#12 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) - Injured List, late-May return possible

#13 - Ryan Jeffers (Ft. Myers) - 3-4, BB, 2-2B(7), R, RBI

#14 - Ben Rortvedt (Pensacola) - Did Not Play.

#15 - Yunior Severino (Cedar Rapids) - Injured List

#16 - Gilberto Celestino (Cedar Rapids) - 1-2, 2 BB, SB(7)

#17 - Zack Littell (Rochester) - Did Not Pitch.

#18 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) - Did Not Play.

#19 - Jorge Alcala (Pensacola) - Did Not Pitch

#20 - Jose Miranda (Ft. Myers) - 2-5, 2-2B(10), 2 R, RBI

 

FRIDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Rochester @ Durham (6:05 CST) - LHP Devin Smeltzer (0-0, 0.00 ERA)

Mobile @ Pensacola (6:35 CST) - RHP Sean Poppen (2-2, 3.27 ERA)

St. Lucie @ Ft. Myers (5:30 CST) - LHP Tyler Watson (1-4, 5.46 ERA)

Cedar Rapids @ Clinton (6:30 CST) - RHP Tyler Palm (1-3, 4.43 ERA)

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss Thursday’s games.

 

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[h2oface]

Kirilloff facing some adversity after a quick start. Down to .214 average. Things can change quickly with such few at bats. I see Wander Javier's status has changed from early May return, to unkown. What's up with that?

[Aerodeliria]

I still have hope for Vasquez. I think he just wasn't quite ready for prime time in his previous call up to the Twins. If he can keep things together down on the farm for a few weeks, I think he might stick a little bit longer this next time around.

[rdehring]

Find the use of Stewart as a 'Primary' pitcher interesting.  He has twice been called up to start double headers for the Twins, thus, appears to be the next man up as a starter.  Could they also be working to get him up here to help their bullpen?  

 

By bringing him into games later in games they are getting him used to doing something other than traditional starting.  Could they be preparing him for some type of role in their bullpen, either a long role or piggybacking with one starter who doesn't pitch deep into games?  

 

There is no question the Twins have a need for more quality relief innings.  This may be a way to get some of those from Kohl Stewart.  Another advantage would be that he is then ready to step into a starting role, if/when it is needed.

 

What a game from Diaz and several others at Fort Myers.  Don't see three home run games very often.  Hopefully, Smeltzer pitches another gem tonight. 

[clutterheart]

I think you meant to point your Lewis link to this:

https://twitter.com/ParkerHageman/status/1129260391480143873?s=19

[clutterheart]

Nice to see Diaz hit for power

[nicksaviking]

 

I still have hope for Vasquez. I think he just wasn't quite ready for prime time in his previous call up to the Twins. If he can keep things together down on the farm for a few weeks, I think he might stick a little bit longer this next time around.

 

I'd like there to be as many good options as possible for the pen, but unless Vasquez can gain significant velocity I don't think he'll be able to do much at the MLB level. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Kirilloff facing some adversity after a quick start. Down to .214 average. Things can change quickly with such few at bats. I see Wander Javier's status has changed from early May return, to unkown. What's up with that?

 

It's no longer early May. So I changed it. I had heard it would be soon last week, so I assumed earlier this week. Still no. So, I don't want to guess. Ha!

 

And no surprised that Kirilloff is struggling some. He didn't get much time in High-A and missed a month... I think he'll be fine, make some adjustments. Like others, just needs to catch up on ABs. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Find the use of Stewart as a 'Primary' pitcher interesting.  He has twice been called up to start double headers for the Twins, thus, appears to be the next man up as a starter.  Could they also be working to get him up here to help their bullpen?  

 

By bringing him into games later in games they are getting him used to doing something other than traditional starting.  Could they be preparing him for some type of role in their bullpen, either a long role or piggybacking with one starter who doesn't pitch deep into games?  

 

There is no question the Twins have a need for more quality relief innings.  This may be a way to get some of those from Kohl Stewart.  Another advantage would be that he is then ready to step into a starting role, if/when it is needed.

 

What a game from Diaz and several others at Fort Myers.  Don't see three home run games very often.  Hopefully, Smeltzer pitches another gem tonight. 

 

I'm guessing that it was nothing more than wanting to get Vasquez back in a controlled situation, so they used an opener. I don't think Stewart being a "primary"  means anything as it relates to the Twins or his future.

 

 

[nicksaviking]

 

I think you meant to point your Lewis link to this:
https://twitter.com/ParkerHageman/status/1129260391480143873?s=19

 

What?!?! How was the manager and pitcher arguing that ejection? The guy intentionally threw behind Lewis because of the silly push-up thing. That manager looked pretty young, and I feel bad for saying this, but if he thinks retaliation is justified for a batter doing a push up at 2nd base I hope he's never considered for promotion.

[2wins87]

 

What?!?! How was the manager and pitcher arguing that ejection? The guy intentionally threw behind Lewis because of the silly push-up thing. That manager looked pretty young, and I feel bad for saying this, but if he thinks retaliation is justified for a batter doing a push up at 2nd base I hope he's never considered for promotion.

 

Also one of the dumbest comments ever by the announcer (ok, announcers say a lot of dumb stuff):  "He didn't throw it at Lewis he threw it behind him."

 

No, he threw it at him and missed.  Idiots all the way down.  Glad it didn't get any more out of hand and the Miracle players just got their revenge at the plate.

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

the #mntwins royce lewis hits a double and does a few push-ups on second to show his team he needs to hit the weight room more and bradenton throws at him the next at-bat because....unwritten rules.

 

I'm not into retaliatory anything, but at the same time, I don't want my players pulling up short at second base and doing push-ups (while they ball's still in play, no less).

[Otto von Ballpark]

 

What?!?! How was the manager and pitcher arguing that ejection?

The pitcher didn't really "argue" -- just did the standard appeal while walking off the mound. The manager did the arguing to back him up, although he probably took it too far after his own ejection.

 

Maybe they were just claiming the pitch was an inside joke to his teammates, about how the pitcher needs to get his vision checked...

[jmlease1]

 

What?!?! How was the manager and pitcher arguing that ejection? The guy intentionally threw behind Lewis because of the silly push-up thing. That manager looked pretty young, and I feel bad for saying this, but if he thinks retaliation is justified for a batter doing a push up at 2nd base I hope he's never considered for promotion.

 

the "unwritten rules" and how they evolve and change over time can be one of the reasons baseball is weird and fun. 

 

The pitcher is an idiot, if he's thinking that he's not going to get chucked immediately for throwing at a guy he thinks showed him up. The manager can bitch all he wants, but it's not like the pitcher slipped, he gunned it right at Lewis. I'm surprised we didn't see the ump roll his eyes out of his head.

[Seth Stohs]

Roger, you're going to be pretty excited about a move the Twins are about to announce... 

[Seth Stohs]

OK... Luis Arraez is being called up... Not sure a corresponding move... which is interesting, by the way... (Adrianza? Schoop or someone hurt?). 

[jmlease1]

I'm bummed for Addison Reed, he's really struggling and the loss of velocity may be ending his career; I was hoping he might have a good bounceback year. But I am encouraged by the Twins designating him for assignment: no scholarships on this team.

[John Kelsey]

Blankenhorn is having a nice, under the radar season. 

[Seth Stohs]

https://twitter.com/MarianaGuzzy/status/1129415249206161408 

[Jham]

OK... Luis Arraez is being called up... Not sure a corresponding move... which is interesting, by the way... (Adrianza? Schoop or someone hurt?).

Woulda been Gordon. Can't catch a break.

[DocBauer]

Wow! That stinks! But a little surprised its Arraez coming up. Didnt see that one coming.

[Twinsoholic]

I like Lewis a lot, but if I were the Twins I would sit him for 3 straight games. His push ups stunt was pointless except to get himself on tv. He's talented enough to get on tv without doing knucklehead stunts like he did yesterday.

[John Kelsey]

 

I like Lewis a lot, but if I were the Twins I would sit him for 3 straight games. His push ups stunt was pointless except to get himself on tv. He's talented enough to get on tv without doing knucklehead stunts like he did yesterday.

 

[Trov]

I am so sick of the unwritten rule crap.  Lewis was just having some fun, that is what is is about.  If you don't want him to do things like that as opposing team, just get him out.  Best way to shut someone up is to beat them.  Why do you think baseball is losing interest in the younger people, because when someone shows an ounce of excitement in the game, other than walk-off hits, the other teams throws at someone and the benches clear.  Screw, act like you did it before, act like you may never do it again regardless you did it before.  Toss those bats, do your dance, or whatever makes the game fun for you.  

[h2oface]

 

I like Lewis a lot, but if I were the Twins I would sit him for 3 straight games. His push ups stunt was pointless except to get himself on tv. He's talented enough to get on tv without doing knucklehead stunts like he did yesterday.

 

Minor league baseball is fun. It should be fun. Most of the players are getting paid less than minumum wage. Perhaps he was doing some pushups to show he needed a bit more strength to get it out of the park, instead of hitting the fence. I'm old, and old school bull**** have their back behavior is always, and has always been, foolish, childish, and cowardly. Let the boys have fun, in the minors, especially. To throw a ball at a batter is the most cowardly thing a player can do in baseball. Conform to the unwritten rule or be hazed by the other teammates and managers. That is what I consider knucklehead stunts. Pitchers show up batters all the time with celebrations after a strikeout, etc. The batter doesn't go hit the pitcher with the bat. 

 

Royce's pushups? That was funny. And original. It didn't harm anyone, and wasn't intended to. Throwing at a batter at 90+mph is motive to do harm. Pitcher celebrations, bat flipping, having fun running the bases, trash talk..... harmless.

Edited May 17, 2019 by h2oface

[Mike Sixel]

I have doubted Diaz, but I continue to hope he proves me wrong