Minor League Report (6/4): Alerick Soularie Hits For The Cycle! Wind Surge Win on Walk-off!

[Matt Braun]

Alerick Soularie hit for the first Kernels cycle since 2009, three starting pitchers dominated, and a pair of upper-level outfielders exploded at the plate. It was certainly an eventful night in the Twins system. Read all about that and more in this edition of the minor league report.

TRANSACTIONS
INF Anthony Prato promoted to AA Wichita
OF Dylan Neuse promoted to A+ Cedar Rapids
OF Nelson Roberto promoted to A Fort Myers
C Jair Camargo placed on IL (AA Wichita)
RHP Chi Chi González optioned to AAA St. Paul

Saints Sentinel
St. Paul 5, Iowa 8
Box Score
Dereck Rodriguez: 2 IP, 7 H, 6 ER, BB, K
HR: Spencer Steer (3), Alex Kirilloff (4)
Multi-hit games: Alex Kirilloff (2-for-3, HR, 3 R, RBI, BB), Tim Beckham (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI)

Iowa kicked St. Paul into a hole early on Saturday, and they never recovered.

The Cubs jumped all over Dereck Rodriguez in the first inning, plating six runs before the mayhem came to a merciful end. Rodriguez stayed in for another inning, but his night was far shorter than he probably anticipated. 

St. Paul didn’t take it laying down, though. Spencer Steer popped his third AAA homer, because of course he did, while Tim Beckham drove in runs in the 3rd and 5th innings to slash the lead to two. Alex Kirilloff brought the game within a run with a solo homer in the 7th.

Then the momentum ended for St. Paul. Iowa added three runs thanks in part to a homer from Technically Old Friend John Hicks. Jake Faria gritted out six clutch, effective innings, but the task was too tall in the end.

Of note: Steer played SS in this game.

Wind Surge Wisdom
Wichita 8, Frisco 7
Box Score
Louie Varland: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
HR: Chris Williams (4), Edouard Julien (2), Matt Wallner (11)
Multi-hit games: Edouard Julien (2-for-5, HR, R, RBI), Matt Wallner (4-for-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI)

Wichita won an extra-inning affair on Saturday.

Louie Varland made his bid for pitcher of the day, striking out nine batters over five innings with just two earned runs to his name. On any other day, that start would win him the title, but some other arms were just a bit better.

The bats followed a homer-heavy itinerary. Chris Williams, Edouard Julien, and Matt Wallner all crushed bombs; Williams was the only one who did so with runners on base, though. 

The Wind Surge carried the lead into the 9th, but the usually reliable Evan Sisk was fallible and allowed the tying run to score. 

The teams exchanged blows in the 10th before Dennis Ortega sent fans home happy with a zombie runner-scoring single.

 

 

Kernels Nuggets
Cedar Rapids 7, Lansing Lugnuts 5
Box Score
Brent Headrick: 5 ⅔ IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 1 BB, 9 K
HR: Alerick Soularie (5)
Multi-hit games: Alerick Soularie (4-for-4, HR, 3B, 2B, 3 R, 2 RBI), Pat Winkel (2-for-4, 2B, 2 R)

The Kernels won again on Saturday.

It was the “thousand paper-cuts” method of execution, but that counts all the same. Cedar Rapids was like David Bowie in his Berlin sessions—a consistent force pumping out more hits than you can believe. All but two batters reached base.

Brent Headrick continued his excellent start to the season. He netted 17 outs—perhaps the most this author has observed from a Twins minor league starter this year—and never found himself in consistent trouble. The lefty struck out nine hitters.

Alerick Soularie was the star of the game, going a perfect 4-for-4 and hitting the Kernels’ first cycle in 13 years. He also walked once.

Things got tight in the final innings as Lansing plated a few runs, but the Kernels pulled through in the end. Old Friend Gabriel Maciel was the final out.

Mussel Matters
Fort Myers 8, Tampa 2
Box Score
Travis Adams: 5 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 8 K
HR: Keoni Cavaco (3)
Multi-hit games: Keoni Cavaco (2-for-4, HR, 2 R, 4 RBI), Kala’i Rosario (3-for-4, R)

Fort Myers smacked Tampa on Saturday.

Travis Adams set the tone, making sure that his hitters didn’t have to worry about hitting their way out of a deficit. The young righty dominated, allowing just a single earned run over five innings of work with eight strikeouts and no walks. Yeah, that’ll play.

The bats picked him up almost immediately. The Mighty Mussels took a slim 2-1 lead in the 3rd inning before Keoni Cavaco blew the doors down and smacked a three-run homer. Cavaco then added an RBI single in the 7th. It’s been a good last 10 days for the former first-round pick, as he came into the day slashing .286/.333/.524 over that stretch. 

Jaylen Nowlin and Hunter McMahon worked four combined stellar innings in relief, allowing 0 earned runs while punching out nine batters. Fort Myers pitchers struck out 17 Tampa batters overall on Saturday.

The Mighty Mussels must have had intel on Tarpons catcher Antonio Gomez, as four different players nabbed a steal off him; Jake Rucker nabbed his 12th of the season, Emmanuel Rodriguez swiped his 11th. 

Uber prospect Jasson Dominguez went hitless, netting an RBI and striking out once.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Travis Adamsm, Ft. Myers 
Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Alerick Soularie, Cedar Rapids 

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:
#2 - Austin Martin (Wichita) - 1-4, R, K
#3 - Jose Miranda (Minnesota) - 1-for-3, 2B, R, RBI, 2 K
#7 - Spencer Steer (St. Paul) - 1-for-5, HR, R, 2 RBI, 2 K
#8 - Emmanuel Rodriguez (Ft. Myers) - 1-for-2, R, RBI, BB, SB
#9 - Noah Miller (Ft. Myers) - 0-for-4, R, BB, K
#12 - Louie Varland (Wichita) - 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K
#15 - Matt Wallner (Wichita) - 4-for-5, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI
#16 - Edouard Julien (Wichita) - 2-for-5, HR, R, RBI, 3 K
#18 - Christian Encarnacion-Strand (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB, K

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
St. Paul @ Iowa (1:08 PM) - RHP Cole Sands
Frisco @ Wichita (1:05 PM) - RHP Simeon Woods Richardson 
Cedar Rapids @ Lansing (12:05 PM) - LHP Aaron Rozek
Tampa @ Fort Myers (11:00 AM) - RHP Pierson Ohl
Tampa @ Fort Myers (Game Two) - TBD

 

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[stringer bell]

Is Kirilloff ready to come back to the Twins?  

[Dman]

I think Kirilloff has done enough to get another shot with the Twins but is there room with Arraez  at 1st? I don't know.  His batting average alone should be enough to bring him back but who knows at this point.

Congrats to Prato making the jump to AA.  Well deserved IMO.  He generally is a tough out and can be a lightening rod type of player.  

Matt Wallner after an incredibly bad start has moved his season OPS into the .900 level.  He has been incredible in May and now June.  Chris Williams has been absolute money since his return with a .972 OPS.  Both of those sluggers are getting the job done as AA.

Varland doesn't seem as dominant as AA but he just keeps getting the job done and has maybe been the most consistent pitcher at AA.  You can argue Canterino but he hasn't gone starter innings.

Soularie for the cycle what a night.  I have been down on both Soularie and Sabato but both players have been awfully good the last few weeks.  Maybe this in the beginning of something good for both guys.  I sure hope so.

Keoni with a huge HR.  Adams with a big night.  but Nowlin and McMahan with the dominant K lines really put on a show.  Ft Myers is on fire right now with Dominant pitching and a tough lineup.

What a night.  Let's keep this going guys.

[PNW twins]

I think they are going to need his bat,  but bringing up Kirilloff will make for an odd roster.  Who gets sent down? Where does he play?  Miranda's recent play makes you want to keep his right handed bat,  at least for now.   I like AK forcing the issue tho. 

[jmlease1]

It looks like Kirilloff has his swing back and is producing the power he needs to be an effective hitter again. I would think they could find a spot for him on the MLB squad, seeing as how the offense has been so erratic. Arraez playing 1B isn't really a problem: one of them can shift into the DH role, and frankly Kirilloff is a more natural 1B anyways.

Wallner continues to roll. If he has a June like his May he's going to be pushing for a promotion. I wonder if there was anything behind his awful start? (nagging injury he played through? significant adjustment made by him & the coaching staff?) He's mashing it right now, for sure.

[stringer bell]

Kirilloff's numbers are very good. He has a .348 BA and .992 OPS. It looks like he's too good for AAA, but the question is whether his wrist is healed to the point that he can swing freely. 

[bunsen82]

The Twins might be a tad light on elite prospects, but their depth and progress this year is incredible. Both the 2019 and 2021 drafts appear to be very strong groups.  Heck even Cavaco and Holland are beginning to flash.  
 

Right now I wait for this article to pop up more than anything else to see which players had a great game the previous night. Both the pitching and bats seem to be doing well.  

[TeJayDubz]

9 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Kirilloff's numbers are very good. He has a .348 BA and .992 OPS. It looks like he's too good for AAA, but the question is whether his wrist is healed to the point that he can swing freely. 

He's slugging .533 with 9 XBH out of 32 hits. I think he's at least figured his wrist out to a point he can swing effectively again. What I find even more incredible is that he's walked 18 times to only 16 SOs as well at AAA. With him seeing the ball this well we need to get him back up ASAP. Maybe after we get back state-side??

[roger]

Count me among those who are thrilled with how AK has been hitting of late.  Agree it is time to bring him back to Target Field.  Only problem is who goes down and where does he play?  I personally like how Arraez is progressing at first, although AK is likely still the better defensive first baseman.  If Garlick goes on the IL, could replace him.  Only thing is he is another left handed bat.  And this problem is going to get worse when Sano comes off the IL, whenever that will be as he will need a lengthy rehab stint.  Certainly looks to me that the Twins need to trade someone or even two guys over the next 30-45 days to get more relief pitching and solve this logjam.

Also noticed recently that we were seeing Soularie getting more hits and multi-hit games.  Same with Cavaco.  Maybe both can take that next step and get going on that long climb to the BIGS.

Looking at all these very solid starting pitchers down on the farm makes me wonder.  Can just one of these guys turn into the next Joe Nathan or Glen Perkins?  Yes Duran can be a top closer.  But the best teams need at least three top of the line late inning relievers.

 

[PDX Twin]

11 hours ago, Dman said:

Congrats to Prato making the jump to AA.  Well deserved IMO.  He generally is a tough out and can be a lightening rod type of player.  

I second this. I've only seen a few of his games, but he has done something special every time I've tuned in.

[nicksaviking]

With how poor the Saints starters have been, it’s hard to understand why those big three pitching prospects are still in Witchita. I mean if Sands, Gonzalez and Rodriguez are STILL the best emergency starters sitting in St. Paul, I think you need to re-evaluate.

[Rosterman]

2 hours ago, roger said:

Count me among those who are thrilled with how AK has been hitting of late.  Agree it is time to bring him back to Target Field.  Only problem is who goes down and where does he play?  I personally like how Arraez is progressing at first, although AK is likely still the better defensive first baseman.  If Garlick goes on the IL, could replace him.  Only thing is he is another left handed bat.  And this problem is going to get worse when Sano comes off the IL, whenever that will be as he will need a lengthy rehab stint.  Certainly looks to me that the Twins need to trade someone or even two guys over the next 30-45 days to get more relief pitching and solve this logjam.

Also noticed recently that we were seeing Soularie getting more hits and multi-hit games.  Same with Cavaco.  Maybe both can take that next step and get going on that long climb to the BIGS.

Looking at all these very solid starting pitchers down on the farm makes me wonder.  Can just one of these guys turn into the next Joe Nathan or Glen Perkins?  Yes Duran can be a top closer.  But the best teams need at least three top of the line late inning relievers.

 

Now problem swapping out Kirilloff for Miranda. Let Miranda get back in the groove in St. Paul, playing mostly third base (and a few reps at first). I expect Miranda to be a third baseman for out future.

If necessary, you can rotate Alex and Luis at first and DH. Or let Alex play the occasional outfield game. 

Remember, the Twins will have to be up a batter come late June when pitching staffs are held to a 13 count.

The odd man may still be Lewis. If you feel he needs to play everyday (andd at shortstop), do it is St. Paul. If we didn't do that dang "other position" experiment, he would be playing his future position, shortstop, right now for the Twins for another 10 days.

As much as I want Lewis on the team, he also hasn't played for two seasons, folks.

Re: Sano. He has probably played himself off the Minnesota Twins. He will have to rehab somewhere and unless he performs above and beyond, he would probably end up being designated for assignment and anotehr team could pick him up. Will have to wait and see. But no way is he coming back in 2023 unless he does come back and hits a homer a day and keeps the strikeouts away.

[puckstopper1]

I was worried that one of the "pair of upper-level outfielders exploded at the plate" was going to be Cave. ?

[Blyleven2011]

Fear the steer is off to a okay start at AAA ,,, he's always hit at every level  so I expect it just takes some adjusting to the new league  and he will start raking again ....

Love to follow the minor league updates and see the prospects  doing well  .....

I also agree with other posts that we have a logjam at positions and need to trade somebody for better pitching  or lose them  in the rule 5 .....

[Danchat]

2 hours ago, nicksaviking said:

With how poor the Saints starters have been, it’s hard to understand why those big three pitching prospects are still in Witchita. I mean if Sands, Gonzalez and Rodriguez are STILL the best emergency starters sitting in St. Paul, I think you need to re-evaluate.

I think Woods-Richardson should be a candidate to be promoted very soon... I would think about preparing Canterino for a bullpen role, and I'd keep Varland at AA.

[Major League Ready]

6 hours ago, Blyleven2011 said:

Fear the steer is off to a okay start at AAA ,,, he's always hit at every level  so I expect it just takes some adjusting to the new league  and he will start raking again ....

Love to follow the minor league updates and see the prospects  doing well  .....

I also agree with other posts that we have a logjam at positions and need to trade somebody for better pitching  or lose them  in the rule 5 .....

You need to post of your confidence in Steer more often.  3 HRs and a walk today.   OPS is 985.  He must be reading TD and gaining confidence.

[Minderbinder]

Emmanuel Rodriguez is intriguing, only 19 y.o. and appears to have ++ plate discipline for any age.  Anyone see him play?  The only video I can find of him is a scrawny 5'10" kid with a very quick bat, but Milb, BRef and everything else I can find lists him at 210# and playing all three OF positions.  Anyone put some eyeballs on him?

[DJL44]

9 hours ago, Rosterman said:

Let Miranda get back in the groove in St. Paul, playing mostly third base (and a few reps at first). I expect Miranda to be a third baseman for out future.

Miranda has been in a groove in the big leagues for the past 2 weeks. He's hit .333/.358/.778. Why would you want to demote him?