Article: Twins Minor League Report (6/10): Jax Returns, Jay Traded

[Seth Stohs]

The Twins used the sixth overall pick of the 2015 MLB Draft on left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay. The southpaw has dealt with a variety of injuries that cost him his velocity and the electricity on his pitches. He was back in Double-A for a fourth straight season. On Monday, the Twins cut ties with Jay, trading him to the Reds for cash. Hopefully a fresh start helps Jay find his stuff again.Find out everything that happened happened in the Twins system on Monday, starting with the transactions of the day.

 

TRANSACTIONS

• Pensacola announced that RHP Griffin Jax has been activated from the IL. RHP Williams Ramirez has been placed on the 7 Day IL.
• Pensacola also announced that the Twins have traded LHP Tyler Jay, the teams 2015 first-round draft pick, to the Cincinnati Reds for cash considerations.
• LHP Adalberto Mejia began his rehab stint on Monday with the Ft. Myers Miracle.
• I saw that we missed the following transactions on Sunday:

 

 

 

AWARDS

 

RHP Sean Poppen was named the International League’s Pitcher of the Week.

 

ALL STARS

On Monday, Cedar Rapids DH/1B/C Chris Williams will participate in the Home Run Derby at the Midwest League All Star game.

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester

Box Score

 

No Game Scheduled.

 

BLUE WAHOO BITES

Pensacola 7, Biloxi 9

Box Score

 

Griffin Jax returned to the mound after missing nearly a month with a strained shoulder. He gave up a first inning run but got through 2 2/3 innings before reaching his predetermined pitch count (41 pitches thrown). He gave up two hits, walked one and struck out two. Jeff Ames came on and went the next 1 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks. Tom Hackimer went the next 1 2/3 innings and was charged with three runs (two earned) on three hits and a walk. He struck out one. Sam Clay worked the final two innings. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk.

 

Jaylin Davis put the Wahoos on the scoreboard right away with a leadoff home run, his 10th of the year. He went 2-for-5 and hit his eighth double. Travis Blankenhorn hit his 11th home run since joining Pensacola. Brian Navarreto went 1-for-1 with two walks, a sacrifice fly and an RBI double.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Ft. Myers 1, Tampa 0

Box Score

 

There wasn’t much offense, but the Miracle got one big hit and the pitching came through. Adalberto Mejia made his first rehab appearance with the Miracle. He “opened” and gave up a single in a scoreless first inning. He struck out two, and 11 of his 14 pitches were strikes.

 

Blayne Enlow came on to start the second inning and completed six scoreless innings. The right-hander gave up seven hits, walked one and struck out three to earn the win and lower his Miracle ERA to 1.50. Hector Lujan threw two scoreless innings to record his sixth save of the season.

 

Ryan Jeffers led off the second inning with a long, opposite field homer. It was his sixth homer of the year. And it accounted for the only run of the game. The Miracle had just two other hits. Jose Miranda hit his 13th doubles. Trey Cabbage singled, and then stole a base.

 

The Miracle could clinch a playoff berth as early as Tuesday.

 

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 10, Peoria 1

Box Score

 

In a morning game, the Kernels scored four in the third inning and three more in the fourth inning and cruised to a 10-1 win in Peoria. They ended a 14-game road trip with a 9-5 record.

 

However, let’s start with the pitching. Kai-Wei Teng started and gave up one run over six innings. He gave up four hits, walked one and struck out eight batters to record his first Kernels win. Jose Martinez pitched a scoreless seventh frame. JT Perez made his Midwest League debut and tossed two scoreless innings.

 

Jared Akins provided the power in the third inning with a three-run homer. It was his sixth of the season. In the fourth inning, Jacob Pearson hit his third homer of the season, a two-run shot, and Ricky De La Torre followed with his second Kernels homer. Pearson and De La Torre each had two hits.

 

Ben Rodriguez went 3-for-5 with his seventh and eighth doubles. Andrew Bechtold went 2-for-4 with a walk and his 11th and 12th doubles. Gilberto Celestino went 2-for-4 with a walk and his eighth double. Yeltsin Encarnacion hit his second triple, and Estamy Urena added his fourth double.

 

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day - Blayne Enlow, Ft. Myers Miracle

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Ben Rodriguez, Cedar Rapids Kernels

 

PROSPECT SUMMARY

Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed:

 

#1 - Royce Lewis (Ft. Myers) - 0-4

#2 - Alex Kirilloff (Pensacola) - Injured List

#3 - Brusdar Graterol (Pensacola) - Injured List (shoulder)

#4 - Trevor Larnach (Ft. Myers) - 0-3, BB, K

#5 - Wander Javier (Cedar Rapids) - 0-4, BB, K

#6 - Brent Rooker (Rochester) - No Game Scheduled.

#7 - Jhoan Duran (Ft. Myers) - Did Not Pitch.

#8 - Lewis Thorpe (Rochester) - No Game Scheduled

#9 - Blayne Enlow (Ft. Myers) - 6 IP, 7 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 K (79 pitches, 49 strikes)

#10 - Akil Baddoo (Ft. Myers) - Injured List (Tommy John surgery)

#11 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) - No Game Scheduled.

#12 - Stephen Gonsalves (Rochester) - Injured List (elbow)

#13 - Ryan Jeffers (Ft. Myers) - 1-3, BB, HR(6), R, RBI, K

#14 - Ben Rortvedt (Pensacola) - 1-3, BB

#15 - Yunior Severino (Cedar Rapids) - Injured List (thumb)

#16 - Gilberto Celestino (Cedar Rapids) - 2-4, BB, 2B(8), R

#17 - Zack Littell (Rochester) - No Game Scheduled

#18 - LaMonte Wade (Rochester) - No Game Scheduled

#19 - Jorge Alcala (Pensacola) - Did Not Pitch

#20 - Jose Miranda (Ft. Myers) - 1-3, 2B(13), K

 

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Columbus @ Rochester (6:05 CST) - LHP Devin Smeltzer (0-1, 1.82 ERA)

Pensacola @ Biloxi (10:35 am CST) - RHP Andro Cutura (1-2 4.45 ERA)

Ft. Myers @ Tampa (DH @ 3:30 CST) - TBD, TBD

Wisconsin @ Cedar Rapids (6:35 CST) - RHP Austin Schulfer (4-3, 3.02 ERA)

 

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Monday games or any other minor league topics you would like.

 

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[Mike Sixel]

Blankenhorn is ridiculous right now.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Blankenhorn is ridiculous right now.

 

Another example of never really giving up on great athletes... and worrying too much about stats in Ft. Myers... He's obviously still got work to do, but this is very encouraging... And, I've been told that most of Blankenhorn's home runs have been bombs, several through stiff winds...

 

(I know, I know... I walked uphill both ways to school in a blizzard too, but... Ha!)

[curt1965]

I have a request for Seth. Because of your excellent writing ability, knowledge of basically

Every player in the system, and a terrific relationship with management at all levels,

cease and desist answering all future questions about injuries basically saying no comment or something to the fact that the injury is not to be revealed!!!

 

Seth- for 5 years you have trained legions of Twins fans to not only follow players at the big club, but also get involved with the next group(s) we will be paying our attention to.

 

But if it’s a stud player-Lewis,Kirilloff, or Graterol-information concerting these great players must be keep from us rabid TD readers. I’d bet a dime to a dollar that most, if not all moderators know the extent of the injuries, and were told not to tell by the some big wig in the organization.

When that happens, I assume the player has broken some team rules, gotten involved in alcohol or drugs, or has some kind of emotional issue. These things happen, but keeping these from the fans serves no purpose.

[jkcarew]

Blankenhorn, Cabbage, Arraez, Diaz, Balazovic, Poppen, Smeltzer...not that hard to argue that it would be more fun this year to track the “2nd 20” prospects than the top 20.

[jkcarew]

Kirilloff was eligible to come off the IL for today’s Pensacola game...but no. What is the injury? When is he expected back?

[Seth Stohs]

 

I have a request for Seth. Because of your excellent writing ability, knowledge of basically Every player in the system, and a terrific relationship with management at all levels, cease and desist answering all future questions about injuries basically saying no comment or something to the fact that the injury is not to be revealed!!! Seth- for 5 years you have trained legions of Twins fans to not only follow players at the big club, but also get involved with the next group(s) we will be paying our attention to. But if it’s a stud player-Lewis,Kirilloff, or Graterol-information concerting these great players must be keep from us rabid TD readers. I’d bet a dime to a dollar that most, if not all moderators know the extent of the injuries, and were told not to tell by the some big wig in the organization. When that happens, I assume the player has broken some team rules, gotten involved in alcohol or drugs, or has some kind of emotional issue. These things happen, but keeping these from the fans serves no purpose.

 

Was there a question in here somewhere?

[Aerodeliria]

Ahhh...Hackimer let me down. BTW, I noticed that Hackimer plunks a LOT of hitters. Are those numbers correct? Is this related to his submarine delivery?

 

I'm sure hitters aren't too thrilled to be getting beaned every other game (if the numbers do speak the truth).

[rdehring]

Fantastic seeing Jax back on the mound, regardless of the results...which weren't bad.  Now if Mr. Kirilloff will join him, all will be good in Pensacola.

 

Was it a difficult decision whether to give the pitching award of the day to Enlow or Teng?

 

I recall you and others talking about how good defensively De La Torre was when he came into the organization.  Several years later, is he confirming he is that good?  Could be another middle infielder to watch if he continues to hit like he has in his short stay at Cedar Rapids.

[gunnarthor]

 

Blankenhorn is ridiculous right now.

HIs line at AA is .305/.335/.542. The league average is .240/.319/.361. 

 

He's not walking enough - less than 4% - but his strike out rate doesn't seem too bad in today's game. He has some versatility - the Twins have played him mostly in LF and 2B this year. He'll get a call up next year and he'll be a solid bench player/10th man type for us for several years. 

[dbminn]

 

HIs line at AA is .305/.335/.542. The league average is .240/.319/.361. 

 

He's not walking enough - less than 4% - but his strike out rate doesn't seem too bad in today's game. He has some versatility - the Twins have played him mostly in LF and 2B this year. He'll get a call up next year and he'll be a solid bench player/10th man type for us for several years. 

 

Blankenhorn might need to go to AAA in July if he keeps this up. No sense letting him continue to dominate AA without the need for plate discipline. The "AAAA" pitchers in the International League will probably teach him a lesson on plate management. He's had enough success this year that I don't think it will affect him if he struggles a bit at AAA.

[gunnarthor]

 

Blankenhorn might need to go to AAA in July if he keeps this up. No sense letting him continue to dominate AA without the need for plate discipline. The "AAAA" pitchers in the International League will probably teach him a lesson on plate management. He's had enough success this year that I don't think it will affect him if he struggles a bit at AAA.

I agree. I think we'll see a handful of promotions after the minor league all-star break and he could be one. I'm sure Diaz will move up as well. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I agree. I think we'll see a handful of promotions after the minor league all-star break and he could be one. I'm sure Diaz will move up as well. 

 

I definitely think there will be several post All Star game promotions. Of course that also ties in with the short-seasons starting as well. Could be a few more releases.

 

[jkcarew]

 

Was there a question in here somewhere?

I don't know that there was a question there. But there was a question here....

 

 

Kirilloff was eligible to come off the IL for today’s Pensacola game...but no. What is the injury? When is he expected back?

 

[Seth Stohs]

 

I don't know that there was a question there. But there was a question here....

 

I know... and I wish I had an answer for it.

I'm choosing to think it's like a Michael Pineda thing... planned rest... I'm thinking that's not it. 

[ScooterDance]

I’m choosing to think they have a deal in place for Scherzer and Washington has said Kirilloff and Graterol and Duensing and the deal will consummate when WSH falls X GB in the WC.

[rdehring]

See that Smerltzer is scheduled to start tonight for Rochester. 

 

Good chance the Twins will be rained out tonight.  If they are will tomorrow or Thursday become a double header.  Expect if it does, they would like to have Smerltzer make one of the starts.    

[jrod23]

Good stuff as always Seth.  I know Royce has all the tools, but his second half struggles in the FSL last year, and the first half here have allowed the likes of Michael Davis and Joe Cronin to continue the streak of leap froggers from Cedar Rapids to AA.  Royce isn't really striking out a ton at all compared to earlier.  So he's making contact, but just hitting to people.  Is this accurate?  He's got a great head on his shoulders, so I hope he's staying on the positive side of things.  I was a bit surprised to see he made the ASG down there, but then again, the talent pool in the FSL-South isn't top notch right now.

[strumdatjaguar]

Royce Lewis is batting .221 and has an OPS of .602.   

[h2oface]

 

Royce Lewis is batting .221 and has an OPS of .602.   

 

I hear a lot of "he will be fine" optimism, but I find it troubling, and dissappointing. It is not a small sample fluff off anymore. It is the norm for about a year.

[Seth Stohs]

 

Fantastic seeing Jax back on the mound, regardless of the results...which weren't bad.  Now if Mr. Kirilloff will join him, all will be good in Pensacola.

 

Was it a difficult decision whether to give the pitching award of the day to Enlow or Teng?

 

I recall you and others talking about how good defensively De La Torre was when he came into the organization.  Several years later, is he confirming he is that good?  Could be another middle infielder to watch if he continues to hit like he has in his short stay at Cedar Rapids.

 

Enlow or Teng? Not too difficult but both pitched well.

 

De La Torre. I think he's good. He's playing all over already too. 

[Seth Stohs]

 

Good stuff as always Seth.  I know Royce has all the tools, but his second half struggles in the FSL last year, and the first half here have allowed the likes of Michael Davis and Joe Cronin to continue the streak of leap froggers from Cedar Rapids to AA.  Royce isn't really striking out a ton at all compared to earlier.  So he's making contact, but just hitting to people.  Is this accurate?  He's got a great head on his shoulders, so I hope he's staying on the positive side of things.  I was a bit surprised to see he made the ASG down there, but then again, the talent pool in the FSL-South isn't top notch right now.

 

Regarding the All Star game... Lewis is a "star." Not sure performance was a big factor ,or that it should be.

 

I also wouldn't read into the leap frogging thing... They are going to do what is best for Lewis, always... if there is a need elsewhere, they'll fill in. Cronin has jumped all over the last couple of years. Davis is older than Lewis. When they deem Lewis ready for AA ,he'll move up.