Article: Twins Minor League Report (5/24): 2018 Top Draftees Shine in Rough Night Across the System

[Tom Froemming]

We’re a little over a week away from the 2019 MLB Draft. On a night with very little offense across the system, 2018 top picks Trevor Larnach and Ryan Jeffers put together strong performances. Come see what else happened Friday evening.TRANSACTIONS

-Zack Littell was recalled by the Twins while Austin Adams was designed for assignment.

-Darren Wolfson reported that Randy Dobnak is being promoted to Rochester.

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Game 1: Pawtucket 6, Rochester 1 (7 innings)

Box Score

 

Lewis Thorpe: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 63.6% (49 of 77 pitches)

HR: John Andreoli (5)

Multi-hit games: None

 

Not a whole lot to report from the first game of Rochester’s doubleheader. Lewis Thorpe had a solid, albeit short, start. His ERA has dropped from 8.19 down to 6.31 over his last three starts. Andrew Vasquez also had an encouraging outing, striking out three batters over 1 2/3 scoreless innings.

 

The Wings’ only run scored on John Andreoli’s fifth home run of the season.

 

Game 2: Pawtucket 6, Rochester 1 (7 innings)

Box Score

 

D.J. Baxendale: 2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 K, 52.2% strikes (24 of 46 pitches)

HR: None

Multi-hit games: None

 

Yep, these teams played two games that ended in the exact same score Friday. The Red Wings went with a bullpen game in this one. D.J. Baxendale gave up three runs in his two innings of work and Zack Weiss surrendered three runs in 2 1/3 inning. Ryan Eades followed with 1 2/3 scoreless innings before Trevor Hildenberger pitched a clean seventh inning.

 

Between the majors and Triple A, Hildenberger hadn’t registered a scoreless appearance in five outings, giving up 14 earned runs over 5 1/3 innings over that stretch. Here’s hoping tonight’s performance results in some positive momentum for him.

 

The Red Wings mustered just three hits, Drew Maggi’s double being the only one that went for extra bases. Their only run was scored on a Jake Cave bases-loaded double play.

 

BLUE WAHOO BITES

Tennessee 5, Pensacola 1

Box Score

 

Jorge Alcala: 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, 68.7% (46 of 67 pitches)

HR: None

Multi-hit games: None

 

Sam Clay started this game with two shutout innings before Jorge Alcala took over and struggled as the primary pitcher, though only two of the five runs he gave up were earned. On the other hand, the only reason he had unearned runs was because he committed an error. Tom Hackimer did a great job in his two scoreless innings, striking out three batters. He’s give up just one earned run in 21 2/3 innings this season.

 

Again here, not much to report on the offensive side. The Blue Wahoos combined for just five singles. Their only run scored on an Alex Kirilloff two-out RBI single. Kirilloff also had an outfield assist. Travis Blankenhorn was 1-for-4 and stole his third base of the season.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Daytona 4, Fort Myers 3 (11 innings)

Box Score

 

Tyler Watson: 6.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 58.2% strikes (56 of 79 pitches)

HR: Ryan Jeffers (4)

Multi-hit games: Trevor Larnach (2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 BB), Ryan Jeffers (2-for-4, HR, BB)

 

The Miracle trailed 3-0 in the top of the eighth inning, but a Lewin Diaz leadoff triple sparked a three-run rally capped by a Ryan Jeffers home run. Unfortunately, Fort Myers couldn’t scratch across another run. The pitching staff did an excellent job keeping Daytona off the board from the sixth through 10th innings, but finally ceded in the bottom of the 11th.

 

The 2019 MLB Draft is right around the corner, and it was great to see the first two Twins picks of last year’s draft put together great performances. Trevor Larnach hit two doubles and drew a pair of walks. In addition to his fourth home run, Jeffers had a single and drew a walk.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Peoria 4, Cedar Rapids 1

Box Score

 

Tyler Palm: 6.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 5 K, 66.3% strikes (61 of 92 pitches)

HR: None

Multi-hit games: Ben Rodriguez (2-for-4, 2B)

 

My oh my were runs tough to come by Friday night. Tyler Palm had a very nice start, pitching into the seventh inning while only allowing two runs, but the bats were quiet. Five hits total and the only run came on an Andrew Bechtold sacrifice fly. He also doubled in this game.

 

STARS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day: Tyler Palm, Cedar Rapids

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day: Ryan Jeffers, Fort Myers

 

TOP PROSPECT SUMMARY

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

 

1. Royce Lewis (FM): 0-for-5, 4 K

2. Alex Kirilloff (PNS): 1-for-4, RBI, 2 K, OF assist

4. Trevor Larnach (FM): 2-for-3, 2 2B, 2 BB, R, K

8. Lewis Thorpe (ROC): 4.0 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 K, 63.6% (49 of 77 pitches)

11. Nick Gordon (ROC): 2-for-6, R

13. Ryan Jeffers (FM): 2-for-4, HR (4), BB, 2 RBI, R, K

14. Ben Rortvedt (PNS): 1-for-3, BB

16. Gilberto Celestino (CR): 0-for-4

18. LaMonte Wade (ROC): 0-for-4, BB, HBP

19. Jorge Alcala (PNS): 4.0 IP, 6 H, 5 R, 3 ER, 5 BB, 2 K, 68.7% (46 of 67 pitches)

20. Jose Miranda (FM): 0-for-5

 

SATURDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Rochester vs. Pawtuckett. 6:05 pm CT (Randy Dobnak)

Pensacola at Tennessee, 6:00 pm CT (Brusdar Graterol)

Fort Myers at Daytona, 6:05 pm CT (Jordan Balazovic)

Cedar Rapids vs. Peoria, 6:35 pm CT (Cole Sands)

 

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

 

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[Seth Stohs]

Doogie also reported that Dobnak is going to make his first start for the Red Wings on Saturday as well. 

 

 

[Danchat]

Here's a thought... should we start having Alcala throw as a reliever to see if he might be able to crack the majors by the end of the year? Reading his profiles and seeing his performances, methinks he's going to end up as a reliever anyways, so why not try that out now?

 

Lamonte Wade may not be getting many hits this year, but boy, he just finds ways to get on base. I wonder when we'll get to see him as a Twin (not that we need to see him soon, just wondering when).

[Guest]

 

Doogie also reported that Dobnak is going to make his first start for the Red Wings on Saturday as well. 

 

Really happy to see Randy get this opportunity! Assume it may just be a spot start, replacing Littell in his scheduled start, but I expect Dobnak to do well and if they need a permanent rotation replacement, they could certainly do worse. Never underestimate him. 

[drock2190]

4 strikeout game for Lewis. I know he's young for the level but he is really struggling right now. Maybe that high leg kick hindering him?

[jkcarew]

At what point is it acceptable to acknowledge Lewis is having a disappointing season? He started slow. And now has hit .175 in his most recent 10 games, while striking out 13 times and walking twice. Has now played in about the same number of games at Fort Myers in 2019 as he did in 2018, and has regressed offensively across the board. Haven’t heard or read much on how the defense at short is coming along.

Edited May 25, 2019 by jkcarew

[D.C Twins]

Small sample size....pitcher's league....Too much talent.....focusing on defense....and...

 

...when is it OK to express concern about Lewis again? (I was told it was too early last month, so I thought I'd try again)

[jkcarew]

Lamonte Wade may not be getting many hits this year, but boy, he just finds ways to get on base. I wonder when we'll get to see him as a Twin (not that we need to see him soon, just wondering when).

I agree, his ability to get on base via the walk is a bit uncanny...especially when you consider he is slugging 299. Usually pitchers will do everything but lob the ball underhanded to avoid walking guys that slug 299. That’s slugging 40 points lower in the International League (a league with the juiced ball) than Ehire Adrianza is slugging in the majors this year.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Here's a thought... should we start having Alcala throw as a reliever to see if he might be able to crack the majors by the end of the year? Reading his profiles and seeing his performances, methinks he's going to end up as a reliever anyways, so why not try that out now?

 

Lamonte Wade may not be getting many hits this year, but boy, he just finds ways to get on base. I wonder when we'll get to see him as a Twin (not that we need to see him soon, just wondering when).

 

Seeing how they are using Littell, I wouldn't be surprised if you see several starting pitching prospects get some extended time out of the pen to learn a bit more how to pitch in higher leverage situations. If they keep running away with things, reserving a role for that makes some sense. My gut feel though is that you'll see this come say September timeframe since he's not on the 40 man.

[mikelink45]

 

Here's a thought... should we start having Alcala throw as a reliever to see if he might be able to crack the majors by the end of the year? Reading his profiles and seeing his performances, methinks he's going to end up as a reliever anyways, so why not try that out now?

 

Lamonte Wade may not be getting many hits this year, but boy, he just finds ways to get on base. I wonder when we'll get to see him as a Twin (not that we need to see him soon, just wondering when).

I like the Alcala idea.  Poor Wade, I have wanted him to get a chance for two years, but I really believe that when he is in the majors he will be with another team.  I hope he is part of a trade package this year.

[rdehring]

Ouch, 0 fer five last ngiht.

 

When I saw how Thorpe did, my words were almost exactly yours, except I used nice instead of solid.  Good seeing him with a 'solid' outing after being a bit inconsistent.

 

Can't wait until tomorrow to see how those three starters do tonight.  And who knows, maybe we will see Javier in the Kernel's lineup?

[Seth Stohs]

 

Small sample size....pitcher's league....Too much talent.....focusing on defense....and...

 

...when is it OK to express concern about Lewis again? (I was told it was too early last month, so I thought I'd try again)

 

Hmmm... it is legal to express and even be concerned at this point, if you want.

 

Personally, I won't start worrying about the future of Royce Lewis for a couple of years... 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Here's a thought... should we start having Alcala throw as a reliever to see if he might be able to crack the majors by the end of the year? Reading his profiles and seeing his performances, methinks he's going to end up as a reliever anyways, so why not try that out now?

 

Lamonte Wade may not be getting many hits this year, but boy, he just finds ways to get on base. I wonder when we'll get to see him as a Twin (not that we need to see him soon, just wondering when).

 

Alcala (or any starter) will get the opportunity to work in and out of more situations as a starter than as a reliever. 

 

Looks like Littell may now be in the Twins bullpen and maybe that'll be his role going forward. Most of the best relief pitchers in the big leagues were starters in the minors and learned the bullpen out of necessity in the big leagues. 

 

My personal opinion - and I'm not saying it's right or the only way - would be to keep guys starting as long as possible until they get to the big leagues and can be eased in. 

[Old Twins Cap]

Well, I'm concerned about Lewis.

 

Even Buxton was not the overall number 1 pick.

 

It's okay to struggle, that's baseball, but at some point, when you are a stud, you snap out of it.

[adorduan]

 

Hmmm... it is legal to express and even be concerned at this point, if you want.

 

Personally, I won't start worrying about the future of Royce Lewis for a couple of years... 

So, are you saying he's going to be a 1 level a year guy from here on out?

[Seth Stohs]

 

So, are you saying he's going to be a 1 level a year guy from here on out?

 

I have no idea what he'll be... maybe... maybe not. I expect he'll play in the FSL All Star game and then move up to AA. 

[Aerodeliria]

Certainly Wade continues to amaze with the OBP, but he just can't seem to push his BA high enough to get over the last hurdle. This is his third try at AAA (I believe), but it's looking like the other two so far.

[Tom Froemming]

 

Here's a thought... should we start having Alcala throw as a reliever to see if he might be able to crack the majors by the end of the year? Reading his profiles and seeing his performances, methinks he's going to end up as a reliever anyways, so why not try that out now?

I'd wager that Alcala ends up in the pen, but using him as a primary pitcher seems like a good compromise for now. He stays stretched out but still gets some experience in coming in after the game has started.

 

 

4 strikeout game for Lewis. I know he's young for the level but he is really struggling right now. Maybe that high leg kick hindering him?

Yes. That swing is almost comical.

 

At what point is it acceptable to acknowledge Lewis is having a disappointing season? 

He's most definitely having a disappointing season. I don't think anybody would dispute that. But ...

 

Small sample size....pitcher's league....Too much talent.....focusing on defense....and...

 

...when is it OK to express concern about Lewis again? (I was told it was too early last month, so I thought I'd try again)

... even though I think the swing needs to change and his performance has been disappointing, I'm not concerned. Not about his future. He should be able to successfully make adjustments.

 

I don't really understand why the org has let him continue with that big of a leg kick for this long, but sometimes it does seem like it's good to let a guy fail. Let him figure out the humongous leg kick's gotta go on his own and maybe that adjustment process will be more successful/he'll buy in earlier.

[jkcarew]

 

I don't really understand why the org has let him continue with that big of a leg kick for this long, but sometimes it does seem like it's good to let a guy fail. Let him figure out the humongous leg kick's gotta go on his own and maybe that adjustment process will be more successful/he'll buy in earlier.

This seems very plausible. And my first reaction to Seth's comments above that he thinks Lewis still may be promoted to AA after the FSL all-star game...was how can they promote him as he's struggling so significantly at the A+ level? But, to your point, if he's still strong mentally/emotionally...it might be good for the overall development that he 'fails as hard/fast as possible', and begins making the necessary adjustments.

[Darius]

Well, I'm concerned about Lewis.

 

Even Buxton was not the overall number 1 pick.

 

It's okay to struggle, that's baseball, but at some point, when you are a stud, you snap out of it.

Concur. When the guy we spent a number 1 overall on is striking out at this rate in A ball, it’s concerning. There can’t really be any other conclusion (certainly not encouraging).

 

I’m not even sure you can claim small sample size anymore. It’s 200 ABs of sub .650 OPS, .230 BA, 44Ks to 19 walks, 1 home run, 5 CS to 9 SB, and various other alarming statistics. I can’t speak much for his defense, but i’ve gathered he’s not exactly elite there either.

 

You can make the young argument, I suppose. But, he’s been a pro a couple years now. He’s roughly the same age as guys like Guerrero Jr., Juan Soto, Tatis Jr., who are showing high-level success in the MLB. I know, different career paths, etc.....but my point is the age isn’t really a factor when you’re touted as a phenom.

 

I’m not sure the people claiming they aren’t concerned are being totally genuine about that. I’m not saying he’s in trouble yet, but if you’re not raising an eyebrow at the anointed future face of the franchise getting blown away for 200 ABs in A-ball, I don’t know what could possibly concern you.

[D.C Twins]

 

I have no idea what he'll be... maybe... maybe not. I expect he'll play in the FSL All Star game and then move up to AA. 

 

Whoa! If he makes the All Star game with his current numbers, he is simply getting a pass as the former number 1 pick.... If he is promoted with his current numbers that is sending a very bad message to the other players in the organization.

 

I agree that eventually he will figure things out, but I also think that transcendent players (which we all hope he will be) do not generally struggle to this extent and for this long at A.

 

I personally think (hope) he is nursing an injury, and if so, the organization makes him sit out a few weeks to get healthy.

[D.C Twins]

Will also add that by all accounts he is a GREAT kid.....any my concern is only because I am really rooting for him to succeed for his own sake as well as the team

[Tom Froemming]

 

I’m not sure the people claiming they aren’t concerned are being totally genuine about that. I’m not saying he’s in trouble yet, but if you’re not raising an eyebrow at the anointed future face of the franchise getting blown away for 200 ABs in A-ball, I don’t know what could possibly concern you.

As honest and as genuine as I can possibly be, I am zero percent concerned about the future of Royce Lewis. He's not going to get far with his current swing, but I think anybody who's seen him had a good feeling that was going to be the case from Day 1. 

 

He's athletic enough to where you'd imagine he should be able to make adjustments and there doesn't appear to be any major concerns about his pitch recognition. He has a 22.0 K% and 9.5 BB% this year, both of which are better than average in the FSL. 

[nater79a]

 

I have no idea what he'll be... maybe... maybe not. I expect he'll play in the FSL All Star game and then move up to AA. 

 

Agree.  Look at someone like Travis Blankenhorn....struggled quite a bit after the FSL all-star break last season.  Heads up to AA this year and is absolutely raking. 

 

Could see Royce getting promoted to AA in a month or two and really take off.

[nater79a]

Regarding Alcala's unearned runs...  

Always thought that if a pitcher commits an error that leads to runs they should be earned.  I mean, it's your own fault right?  Wear those earned runs.

[D.C Twins]

 

As honest and as genuine as I can possibly be, I am zero percent concerned about the future of Royce Lewis. He's not going to get far with his current swing, but I think anybody who's seen him had a good feeling that was going to be the case from Day 1. 

 

He's athletic enough to where you'd imagine he should be able to make adjustments and there doesn't appear to be any major concerns about his pitch recognition. He has a 22.0 K% and 9.5 BB% this year, both of which are better than average in the FSL. 

 

Again... all good points. But expectations are "far better" than better than average at FSL. And if "anyone who has seen him had a good feeling" the swing was a problem from day 1, it should have probably been addressed starting at or very near to....

 

Tom and Seth, you guys are great and know way more than me, so we'll just agree to disagree that Lewis's season is of no concern

[Mr. Brooks]

Again... all good points. But expectations are "far better" than better than average at FSL. And if "anyone who has seen him had a good feeling" the swing was a problem from day 1, it should have probably been addressed starting at or very near to....

 

Tom and Seth, you guys are great and know way more than me, so we'll just agree to disagree that Lewis's season is of no concern

I agree with the sentiment that it's probably easier to get a kid to completely buy in to a swing overhaul after you let theirs fail on it's own.