Article: Twins Minor League Report (8/1): Gibbons' Big Day

[Seth Stohs]

What a win for the Twins in comeback, walk-off fashion. The story in the minor leagues was the complete game shutout of Sam Gibbons. Very impressive. Also of note, Tyler Duffey leaving the game after just two innings. There may be more to come.All that and more can be found as you work your way through today’s minor league report.

 

First, a little injury update. I ran into Trey Vavra at Target Field tonight. He was in a walking boot. He said that he met with Twins doctors a while ago and then had surgery. He'll be in the boot for another three weeks before heading off to Florida to begin rehab. He was clearly disappointed but remains very positive. Looking forward to just being able to play. However, his 2015 season, at least the minor league season, is done.

 

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 4, Syracuse 10

Box Score

 

The Red Wings scored some runs, but unfortunately, this one got out of hand early. Not too early though. Tyler Duffey started. He gave up one run on three hits and a walk in two innings. He struck out five. However, it is intriguing that he left the game after just two innings and 36 pitches. I’m sure we’ll learn more soon.

 

The Twins did not announce anything following their win. In Rochester, manager Mike Quade was "cryptic" to Rochester Democrat and Chronicle beat writer Kevin Oklobzija following the game. Speculation remains that he could be joining the Twins, but there has been nothing to confirm that at this time.

 

Logan Darnell came on to replace Duffey. He gave up six runs on eight hits over three innings. Alex Meyer threw two scoreless innings with four strikeouts, but he left after loading the bases to start his third inning, the eighth. He thought he had a strikeout then and argued with the ump. Manager Mike Quade stood up for his pitcher and was ejected. Cole Johnson came on. He gave up two hits in that inning, allowing Meyer's three runners to score, but gave up no runs of his own over the final two innings. He struck out two.

 

James Beresford went 3-4. Reynado Rodriguez went 2-4 with his 26^th double. Xavier Avery was 1-17 in his first four games with the Red Wings. He was moved from the leadoff spot to sixth in the order. .He went 3-4.

 

CHATTANOOGA CHATTER

Chattanooga 1, Pensacola 8

Box Score

 

The Lookouts had just one hit through seven innings and by then, they were already down big.

 

David Hurlbut started. The lefty gave up five runs (four earned) on 11 hits in 4.2 innings. He walked one and struck out three. Alex Wimmers came on and went the next 1.1 innings. He gave up three runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out two. Adrian Salcedo returned from his 80-game suspension. He walked one in a scoreless inning.

 

Jorge Polanco played his first game with the Lookouts since June 9. He drove in the team’s run on a single. He drove in Stephen Wickens who had walked.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers, Daytona

Box Score

 

This game was postponed by rain. The teams will try to play a doubleheader on Sunday.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 7, Kane County 0

Box Score

 

The story in this game was the pitching performance of 21-year-old Australian right-hander Sam Gibbons. He went all nine innings and did not allow a run. You may call that a complete game shutout, if you like! In fact, he gave up just four hits, walked one and struck out a season-high nine batters. The outing increased his consecutive scoreless innings streak to 21.2 innings.

 

Alex Real led the way. He went 2-4 with two doubles. He has seven on the year. Rafael Valera went 2-4. Tanner English hit his 16^th double. Nick Gordon had a single and walked once.

 

E-TOWN E-NOTES

Elizabethton 12, Burlington 5

Box Score

 

Terry Ryan is on his way to Elizabethton to check out the E-Twins. Hopefully he can see several games like this one.

 

Dereck Rodriguez improved to 4-1 on the season. He gave up four runs, albeit just one was earned, though the error was his own, on four hits and two walks in six innings. He struck out seven. CK Irby pitched the final three innings to pick up his second save. He gave up one run on three hits. He struck out four.

 

The Twins had 12 runs on 12 hits and five walks. Burlington also committed four errors to help. Jermaine Palacios continues to impress. After going 3-5 in his Appy League debut on Friday night, he went 3-5 again on Saturday. He added his first double. Chris Paul also went 3-5. Daniel Kihle went 2-3 with a walk and his second triple.

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Twins, GCL Red Sox

Box Score

 

Game postponed due to wet grounds.

 

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Sam Gibbons, Cedar Rapids Kernels

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Jermaine Palacios, Elizabethton Twins

 

 

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Syracuse @ Rochester (12:35 CST) – LHP Pat Dean

Chattanooga @ Jackson (6:05 CST) – TBD

Ft. Myers @ Daytona (DH @ 3:05 CST) – RHP Aaron Slegers, TBD

Cedar Rapids @ Kane County (1:00 CST) – LHP Luke Westphal

Burlington @ Elizabethton (5:00 CST) – TBD

GCL Twins – No Game Scheduled

 

Feel free to leave any questions or comments below

 

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[wyatt827]

Nice to see Gibbons pitching well.. Duffey to MLB seems far fetched considering they just traded for a reliever, hopefully aren't attempting to use him in a waiver trade.. and i have a feeling Jermaine Palacios is a name i think we'll be hearing for a few years..

[Seth Stohs]

I'm feeling pretty good about the chances of Duffey being called up. May be nothing after all, but there is plenty of reason for speculation.

[Han Joelo]

Wimmers pitched in relief today and is starting tomorrow?

[Highabove]

Another bad outing for Myers.

[nicksaviking]

I'm feeling pretty good about the chances of Duffey being called up. May be nothing after all, but there is plenty of reason for speculation.

Let's hope so, because the alternative for getting pulled in that situation is usually an injury. Or a top secret CIA South American cartel execution mission.

Edited August 2, 2015 by nicksaviking

[chi-town twins fan]

Tanner English also made a heckuva diving catch tonight in center field for the Kernels.

[DocBauer]

Duffey="the Assassin"

[diehardtwinsfan]

I could see Duffey moving to the pen.  He already has mid 90s velocity and his K rate has improved as he moved up the chain.  Shelving a 3rd pitch and simply operating with two at a higher velocity might make him a decent reliever (not to mention he as a closer in college).  Lots of starts have made that transition (Perkins is a good example there). 

 

I was more worried that it was an injury.  I like potential call up a lot better.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Tanner English also made a heckuva diving catch tonight in center field for the Kernels.

 

English is really good defensively. He's not tall, but he can cover a lot of ground! Strong arm too.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Let's hope so, because the alternative for getting pulled in that situation is usually an injury. Or a top secret CIA South American cartel execution mission.

 

I was told that he did NOT leave with an injury, so I'm encouraged.

[SwainZag]

Duffey to the pen, Boyer DFA'd?

[HitInAPinch]

I've always been a big fan of rotating MiLB players in and out of the MLB.  Over this trade season there's been a HUge difference of opinion on some MiLB players value/propects status.  Run them up north and use them a lot.  If successful, great!  If not, well now you know what they need to work on.

 

Really sad to hear about Alex Meyer's "breakdown".  Is it time to shut him down for the season or the proverbial "fish or cut bait" moment??

[wyatt827]

Palacios hasnt struck out his last 45 Plate Appearances.. don't worry i did knock on wood.

[diehardtwinsfan]

 

Palacios hasnt struck out his last 45 Plate Appearances.. don't worry i did knock on wood.

 

now that's impressive.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Really sad to hear about Alex Meyer's "breakdown".  Is it time to shut him down for the season or the proverbial "fish or cut bait" moment??

 

No.