Article: Twins Minor League Report (7/17): Slegers, Ynoa Toss Gems

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins are playing the Yankees. Not just Aaron Judge, but the whole Yankees team. However, this is the minor league report, and there were seven games that started in the Twins system on Monday. They had a couple of big-time starting pitcher performances. Matt Hague and Matt Albanese were very productive, each driving in five runs for their squads.

 

Could the Kernels use their offensive output from Sunday as a catalyst for Monday? Did Michael Tonkin keep his scoreless streak going? There were three morning/early afternoon games, and a doubleheader. It was busy, so let’s get to the report.Find out everything and more that happened happened in the Twins system on Monday. Let's start with Sean Poppen being named the Florida State League Pitcher of the Week.

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Game 1 - Rochester 5, Charlotte 4

Box Score

 

The Red Wings used a big inning and held on for a one-run win in the first of two games on Monday.

 

The Red Wings got RBI singles from JB Shuck and Tommy Field in the third inning. Then with the bases loaded, Matt Hague emptied them with his 16th double of the season.

 

David Hurlbut improved to 7-5 on the season. He went five innings and gave up three runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out three. In the sixth inning, he gave up a double and a single before being replaced by Jake Reed. Reed walked the next two batters, the second pushing in a run. However, Reed got a ground ball double play that cut the Red Wings lead to one, but he got two big outs. He got the third out before the tying run scored. Michael Tonkin came in for the seventh inning. He picked up his fourth save thanks to two strikeouts in a perfect inning.

 

 

Game 2 - Rochester 3, Charlotte 0

Box Score

 

Game 2 was a pitcher’s duel. However, in the second inning, Byungho Park went opposite field for his fifth home run of the year.

 

 

The score remained 1-0 Red Wings until Matt Hague singled in two runs in the sixth inning.

 

But that was more than enough for Aaron Slegers. The right-hander went all seven innings to complete the shutout. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out five. He improved to 10-4 while dropping his ERA to 3.50.

 

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 6, Jacksonville 9

Box Score

 

The Lookouts jumped out to a 6-0 lead after just two innings in this morning game. Felix Jorge was on the mound. Through the first four innings, he’d given up just one run. However, the fifth inning was his and the Lookouts’ downfall in this loss.

 

Jorge got one out in the fifth, but he was charged with six runs on nine hits in 4.1 innings. He walked two and struck out four. Randy LeBlanc came on and allowed one inherited runner to score. He went 1.2 innings and gave up three runs on four hits. He walked one and struck one out. Randy Rosario tossed a scoreless inning, and Luke Bard threw two scoreless innings.

 

Andy Wilkens provided much of the punch for the Lookouts offense. The veteran went 2-3 with a walk and his fourth home run. It was a grand slam and gave the team their 6-0 lead. LaMonte Wade went 2-4 with a walk and his 16th double. Jonathan Rodriguez went 1-3 with a walk. Travis Harrison walked twice.

 

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 3, St. Lucie 7

Box Score

 

It was a get-away morning game for the Miracle. It was also a bullpen game for the pitching staff. Keaton Steele started and threw three shutout innings. He gave up one hit, walked one and struck out three. Williams Ramirez got the next two innings. He gave up just one hit. Michael Theofanopoulos came in for the sixth. He got two outs and was charged with four runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out one. He gave up back-to-back homers in the inning. Andrew Vasquez came on and got the next four outs, striking out one. David Fischer came in and gave up three runs on four hits and three walks over the final two innings.

 

The Miracle pushed across three runs in the game. They had seven hits, but they came from just three players. Jermaine Palacios stayed hot. He went 4-5 and is now hitting .341 through 21 games with the Miracle. Nelson Molina went 2-5 and stole his third base. Zander Wiel went 1-2 with two walks and his 21st double. He also stole his seventh base.

 

In case you were wondering, Tim Tebow started in centerfield. He went 3-5 with a double.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 1, South Bend 2

Box Score

 

After scoring just two total runs over their previous five games, the Kernels busted out for eight runs in South Bend on Monday. On Tuesday afternoon, the Kernels offense was unable to put together sustained rallies and fell by a score of 2-1.

 

Eduardo Del Rosario was on the mound. The right-hander went the first six innings. He gave up two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out five. Ryan Mason and Hector Lujan each threw a scoreless inning.

 

Aaron Whitefield led the offense. He went 2-3 with a walk and his 13th double. He also stole his 21st base. He scored the lone Kernels’ run on a sacrifice fly from Lewin Diaz. Hank Morrison went 2-4. The Kernels had runners on second and third with one out in the ninth inning, but they were unable to cash in a run to tie it.

 

 

E-TWINS E-NOTES

Elizabethton 13, Greeneville 0

Box Score

 

If you just looked at the final score, you would assume that this was a blowout. You’d be right. However, through seven innings, there was no score. However, they started pounding the ball late. They scored five runs in the eighth inning, powered by the first professional home run for Matt Albanese, a three-run shot. Jose Miranda added his fifth homer during that inning. That was just the start. In the ninth inning, the E-Twins scored eight times. Andrew Bechtold added his second homer.

 

Albanese went 2-5 and drove in five runs. Bechtold was 3-5. So was outfielder Shane Carrier. Wander Javier went 2-4 with a walk. Jose Miranda also had two hits. Colton Waltner added two doubles in the game.

 

Huascar Ynoa started for Elizabethton. He went the first innings and gave up just one hit. He walked two and struck out six. He left a 0-0 game. Jose Martinez came on and worked three scoreless innings. He gave up two hits, walked none and struck out two to gain the win.

 

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Twins 0, GCL Rays 0 (Suspended in 1st inning)

Box Score

 

Game was suspended after just two batters. Brusdar Graterol got one out and gave up one hit before the game was delayed and subsequently suspended by lightning.

 

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Aaron Slegers, Rochester Red Wings

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Matt Hague, Rochester Red Wings

 

 

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Charlotte @ Rochester (10:05 CST) - RHP Tim Melville

Chattanooga - No Game Scheduled

Ft. Myers @ Bradenton (5:30 CST) - LHP Lewis Thorpe

Cedar Rapids - No Game Scheduled

Bristole @ Elizabethton (6:00 CST) - RHP Moises Gomez

GCL Twins @ GCL Rays (DH @ 11:00am CST) -

 

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

 

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[Han Joelo]

At first glance, I thought Huascar was wearing some ginormous white elbow pad in that picture.

 

Tyler Ladendorf played a game for Charlotte. Remember him?

[dbminn]

Whitefield is pretty good for a softball player.

 

Seriously, he looks really athletic and his stats are solid. A dark-horse prospect?

[clutterheart]

The Tonkin tease starts again.

 

20 Ks in 12 innings? That's pretty good.

[ThejacKmp]

Aaron Sledgers should be getting this start against the Yankees today. I know Gee has been good but Sledgers is most likely to actually play for the Twins going forward. No idea why he's not getting a shot, everyone else has.

[gman]

Palacios has continued to hit the ball at Ft Myers through 21 games with a line of 341/372/424. His OPS is down about 125 points from Cedar Rapids with only 5 walks Since Ft Myers is not considered a hitters league that might be impacting his OPS numbers. His hitting numbers are all better than Gordans were at Ft Myers. Also he has comitted only 1 error in those 21 games with a RF factor of 3.81.Gordans RF factor at Ft Myers was 4.65.

 

If Gordans range at shortstop is a question for some, what would Palacios future position be assuming he continues to hit as well and might be availabe late in 2018 early 2019? He played 40 games at third in 2014, but exclusively at shortstop since. Then again, if he continues to hit like this they will find a spot for him.

[gunnarthor]

 

Whitefield is pretty good for a softball player.

 

Seriously, he looks really athletic and his stats are solid. A dark-horse prospect?

I have a friend who is an international scout for the Royals. He actually scouted Whitefield and wanted to sign him although it didn't go anywhere. He said we got a "good player" and that he was a steal for us. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Whitefield is pretty good for a softball player.

 

Seriously, he looks really athletic and his stats are solid. A dark-horse prospect?

 

Absolutely a prospect. I think I had him at 21-23 or something like that midseason. Considering he's been playing baseball less than three years, he's definitely one to watch! He's got all the tools. He's 6-4, 200 pounds, very strong, very fast. Terrific range in CF and the instincts are getting better too. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Aaron Sledgers should be getting this start against the Yankees today. I know Gee has been good but Sledgers is most likely to actually play for the Twins going forward. No idea why he's not getting a shot, everyone else has.

 

He's definitely got the ability to be a back-of-rotation starter in MLB. He's been up and down, but the ups make it seem to me that he's got a chance. He may be in that category of not wanting to burn an option... but in my mind, he's old enough that if he needs to use options in 2018, 2019 and 2020, it's probably not a huge deal by the end.

[Bob Sacamento]

Even though the GCL game only lasted 2 batters, Graterol hit 97-99 mph with his fastball.  Carlos Suniaga is slated for one of the games today.

 

Daniel Palka was also dressed and in the lineup for the game that never happened.

[twinsfanstreif]

Any reason why we haven't seen Leach, Enlow, or Widell yet? Seems like they've been signed for long enough to make a start by now

[DocBauer]

I know Slegers doesn't have the upside of Berrios, Romero or Gonsalvez, but I'm a little surprised at the lack of love. If I'm not mistaken, this is first go around in AAA. (Or did he get a cup of coffee late last year?) He's held his own and then some. Sure there have been a couple clunkers, but he's been solid and occasionally excellent. By reports he sits high 80 to low 90 with solid control and a somewhat deceptive delivery due to his frame. He should absolutely get a shot, in September at least.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Any reason why we haven't seen Leach, Enlow, or Widell yet? Seems like they've been signed for long enough to make a start by now

 

I'm not sure on Enlow. Obviously they don't want him pitching much this year. 

 

I'm not sure, but can check, on him and Widell.

 

Leach just got to Ft. Myers last Tuesday. After signing, they had to wait a couple of weeks to get his visa. As soon as he got that, he was on his way. 

[clutterheart]

 

I know Slegers doesn't have the upside of Berrios, Romero or Gonsalvez, but I'm a little surprised at the lack of love. If I'm not mistaken, this is first go around in AAA. (Or did he get a cup of coffee late last year?) He's held his own and then some. Sure there have been a couple clunkers, but he's been solid and occasionally excellent. By reports he sits high 80 to low 90 with solid control and a somewhat deceptive delivery due to his frame. He should absolutely get a shot, in September at least.

 

Why?

He walks too many people.  He gives up too many hits.  He doesn't get enough strike outs.  

 

He is a fine depth pitcher but even guys like Tepesch should be ahead of him.  

 

[mikelink45]

Park has 5 HRs.  Since power is his game, this is a really poor showing in the minor leagues.  I put him down as a bust - time to take him off the speculation lists.  

[Bob Sacamento]

 

I'm not sure on Enlow. Obviously they don't want him pitching much this year. 

 

I talked to Blayne about his time table last week and he said he is building arm strength back up after a long layoff and is expected to get some game action in another week or two.  

[benji21]

Lets say that Palacios continues to to mash as he moves his way up, and he and Gordon play comperable D.  He is only a level behind Gordon.  When it comes time to think about the MLB, do you think they give more opportunities to Gordon because of the cash invested in him?  Or do you think they will go for performance?

 

I would hope that if Palacios is the superior player, that he would get the nod at short, despite the fact that he isn't a big bonus baby.

[Mike Sixel]

 

Lets say that Palacios continues to to mash as he moves his way up, and he and Gordon play comperable D.  He is only a level behind Gordon.  When it comes time to think about the MLB, do you think they give more opportunities to Gordon because of the cash invested in him?  Or do you think they will go for performance?

 

I would hope that if Palacios is the superior player, that he would get the nod at short, despite the fact that he isn't a big bonus baby.

 

Performance. 

[jsteve96]

nobody here is talking about Andrew Vasquez though.. The guy has 63 K's in 40 innings. last year 51k's in 38 innings.. 0.89 ERA this year and 1.41 last year. I think this is a guy we have to push up to AA and possibly give this guy a september call up if he keeps it up and rips through AA. looks like he's legit outa the pen

[Bob Sacamento]

 

nobody here is talking about Andrew Vasquez though.. The guy has 63 K's in 40 innings. last year 51k's in 38 innings.. 0.89 ERA this year and 1.41 last year. I think this is a guy we have to push up to AA and possibly give this guy a september call up if he keeps it up and rips through AA. looks like he's legit outa the pen

You don't check here often enough then  I literally just posted within the week videos of him throwing since being drafted.  Vasquez pitches off his breaking balls (2 "different" sliders - one looks like a curve and the other a soft slider) instead of his fastball. He's maybe 30-40% FB for his pitch percentage.  It's the model, thanks to trackman etc, that many pitchers are going towards of throwing your best pitch more often than your fastball.

[Mr. Brooks]

I would move Vasquez to AA today.

[John Kelsey]

 

nobody here is talking about Andrew Vasquez though.. The guy has 63 K's in 40 innings. last year 51k's in 38 innings.. 0.89 ERA this year and 1.41 last year. I think this is a guy we have to push up to AA and possibly give this guy a september call up if he keeps it up and rips through AA. looks like he's legit outa the pen

 

I posted something about him last week, he's been awesome. 

[jsteve96]

 

You don't check here often enough then  I literally just posted within the week videos of him throwing since being drafted.  Vasquez pitches off his breaking balls (2 "different" sliders - one looks like a curve and the other a soft slider) instead of his fastball. He's maybe 30-40% FB for his pitch percentage.  It's the model, thanks to trackman etc, that many pitchers are going towards of throwing your best pitch more often than your fastball.

can't see everything I guess