AAA
Game Recap
A suddenly hot hitting Tony Wolters lifted a two-run homer in the 2nd, and then Iowa extended their lead to five in the 5th on a two-run double by Tyler Ladendorf and an RBI single by Dee Strange-Gordon. It proved more than enough for the Iowa staff. Veteran Adrian Sampson has given the rotation some much needed innings the last couple of weeks as he’s gone at least five in six straight starts. His quality start perfectly set up the I-Cubs impressive bullpen trio of Tommy Nance, Ben Leeper, and Manuel Rodriguez to seal the victory.
Top Performers
- Adrian Sampson: 6 IP, 7 H, 2 R, BB, 4 K (W, 4-2, 5.26)
- Manuel Rodriguez: IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, K (S, 1, 0.00)
- Tony Wolters: 1-3, HR (3), R, 2 RBI, BB (.296)
- Vance Vizcaino: 1-2, 2 R, 2 BB, SB (3) (.230)
- Tyler Ladendorf: 1-4, 2B, R, 2 RBI (.200)
Injuries, Updates, and Trends
Manuel Rodriguez earned his first career AAA save. He has not allowed an earned run since blowing a save on Opening Day, converting 5-of-6 save opportunities while allowing just 2 unearned runs on 9 hits, 8 walks over 14.1 innings, and striking out 20 in the process.
I do see Ben Leeper ahead of Rodriguez in terms of development (Leeper has better command of his plus FB/SL combo than Rodriguez does of his plus FB/CV combo), but Rodriguez is already on the 40-man roster so it is more likely he receives a MLB opportunity first. Although it is possible the Cubs could have some 40-man roster spots to add Leeper should they go into sell mode later this month.
Tony Wolters (.296/.412/.465) has reached base safely in 10 consecutive games. In fact, he has reached base at least twice in all 10 of them. It is quite an impressive run for a glove-first catcher. He’s raised his average more than a .100 points and his OBP nearly .150 during the streak.
AA
Game Recap
Rocket City took an early 6-1 lead but Brennen Davis hit a solo homer in the 4th, and then capped a four-run 6th with a two-run double tie the game. It remained tied until Tim Susnara drove in the winning run on a sac fly in the 8th thanks to a stellar outing by the Smokies bullpen (5 shutout innings).
I agree with Todd, such easy power from Brennen. He is just a different kind of strong than any other hitter in the Cubs system right now and it is also why he is now the very clear number one prospect in the system and likely a top 30 or so in all of baseball.
Top Performers
- Brennen Davis: 2-4, 2B, HR (3), R, 2 RBI, BB (.247)
- Jared Young: 4-5, 2B, 2 R (.448)
- Nelson Maldonado: 2-5, R (.280)
- Chase Strumpf: 1-2, 3 RBI (.170)
- Zach Davis: 1-4, RBI, SF, SB (5)
- Tim Susnara: 1-3, 2B, RBI, BB, SF (.400)
- D.J. Artis: 0-3, R, BB, HBP, 2 SB (1, 2) (.146)
- Bryan Hudson: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BB, K (3.72)
- Wyatt Short: 1.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K (W, 1-3, 5.91)
- Ethan Roberts: IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (S, 2, 1.99)
Injuries, Updates, and Trends
Since Jared Young came off the IL on June 30th he has recorded a 5-game hitting streak (10-for-18, 4 2B, HR, 6 R, 3 RBI, 2 BB, 0 K).
Next on the promotion list has got to be Ethan Roberts. He hasn’t given up a run in 7 appearances (9.2 IP). The 6’0″ righty doesn’t have the most overpowering velo (but certainly still above average at 95-96), but he generates terrific spin rates and combined with his low release point makes his fastball up in the zone difficult to barrel up. You see a ton of guys swinging under the pitch. Once there is a free roster spot in the Iowa pen I think the Cubs need to get him up there so he can gain some experience and set him up to compete for role in Chicago some time in 2022.
High-A
Game Recap
Chris Kachmar and three Cubs relievers combined a four-hit shutout. All of the runs in the game came on a three-run shot by Nelson Velazquez.
Top Performers
- Nelson Velazquez: 2-4, HR (10), R, 3 RBI (.286)
- Chris Kachmar: 3.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K (4.83)
- Tyler Suellentrop: 2.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 4 K (W, 2-0, 10.80)
- Hunter Bigge: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (6.75)
- Tanner Jesson-Dalton: 1.2 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 3 K (S, 1, 7.94)
Injuries, Updates, and Trends
Nelson Velazquez is the first Cubs farmhand to reach double digit homers this year.
Low-A
Game Recap
All nine Myrtle Beach hitters reached base and all but one were involved in the scoring. Finesse lefty Didier Vargas managed to punch out ten batters over five innings.
Top Performers
- Ethan Hearn: 2-4, 2B, R, 3 RBI, BB (.179)
- Luis Verdugo: 2-4, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI (.151)
- Jonathan Sierra: 1-2, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB (.235)
- Yohendrick Pinango: 2-4, R, RBI, SF (.278)
- Ryan Reynolds: 2-5, R, RBI (.275)
- Matt Mervis: 1-4, 2B, 2 R, BB (.205)
- Kevin Made: 1-5, 2 R, RBI (.189)
- Didier Vargas: 5 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 10 K (W, 3-2, 4.80)
- Carlos Ocamp: 2 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K (3.57)
Injuries, Updates, and Trends
It was a definite struggle to open the year, but we’ve seen some positive signs at the plate for Ethan Hearn of late. Over his last 10 games he is hitting .290/.400/.410. I haven’t focused on him for a while, so I’m not sure if a change in approach or mechanics are potentially responsible, but I’ll be sure to take a look soon.
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Daily Cubs Minors Recap
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