AAA

St. Paul 6, Iowa 1

Game Recap

St. Paul blasted three home runs off Ben Holmes (4.2 IP, 4 H, 5 R, 4 BB, 7 K), and pretty much controlled the game from the 1st inning. Iowa managed to get base runners in most innings, but were never able to get the big hit (0-for-6 with RISP).

Top Performers

• P.J. Higgins: 1-2, 2 BB (.364)
• Abiatal Avelino: 2-5 (.357)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

With a single and two walks in his first three plate appearances, P.J. Higgins extended his streak of safely reaching base to 9.

Abiatal Avelino (.357/.419/.464) has been a dangerous hitter for Iowa all season. He is currently working on a 6-game hitting streak. In five of those games he reached multiple times. If the Cubs suffer any more injuries and require additional infield help, Avelino has put himself at the head of the line. Abiatal did well in a cup of coffee for SF in 2019. He possesses double digit home run power and is capable of playing all three IF positions. The 26-year old was a good under the radar Minor League free agent signing.

AA

Rocket City 6, Tennessee 4

Game Recap

Levi Jordan homered for the second straight day, and drove in three runs in total to help the Smokies build a 4-3 lead heading into the late innings. Bryan Hudson, worked his way into and out of trouble in the 7th thanks to a timely double play grounder, but couldn’t wriggle off the hook in the 8th. He allowed two walks and a double to give up the lead, before being replaced by Wyatt Short, who couldn’t stop the bleeding, eventually allowing a two-run homer. In all, the Smokies pen walked seven batters in 3.2 innings of work.

Top Performers

• Levi Jordan: 2-4, HR (2), R, 3 RBI (.346)
• Grayson Byrd: 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, BB (.667)
• Christian Donahue: 1-3, R, BB, HBP (.150)
• Vance Vizcaino: 1-3, R, BB, SB (1) (.118)
• Miguel Amaya: 1-3, 2 BB (.333)
• Matt Swarmer: 4.1 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 3 BB, 5 K (3.68)

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

On the shorter side at 5’8″ Levi Jordan reminds me some of former Cubs org infielder Stephen Bruno. Jordan didn’t hit much at all in his first two Minor League campaigns (.242/.300/.323 career line), but he looks to have filled out his frame, and his 2 homers in 7 games this year match his total from his 121 career games prior to this year.

Miguel Amaya (.333/.481/.429) has yet to homer or have a “big game” but he’s looks powerful and patient at the plate so far. His pitch recognition looks improved and has rarely expanded outside the zone. Amaya has already reached base 13 times in 6 games (7 hits, 5 walks, 1 HBP).

Grayson Byrd and Darius Hill have joined the Tennessee bench from Myrtle Beach. Jared Young recently hit the IL, joining Brennen Davis, Alfonso Rivas, and Michael Hermosillo.

Advanced A

Beloit 8, South Bend 3

Game Recap

A seven-run 5th inning by Beloit broke this one open. South Bend starter Chris Kachmar appeared to be breezing along through the first four (8 K), but apparently hit a wall. Unfortunately, this game was not broadcast so I can’t say for certain.

Top Performers

• Cole Roederer: 1-3, BB
• Eury Ramos: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K

Injuries, Updates, and Trends

D.J. Artis dropped down from Iowa to South Bend. The Cubs are currently missing shortstops Luis Vazquez and Aramis Ademan along with outfielder D.J. Wilson.

A

Myrtle Beach PPD