Front Page: Twins Minor League Report (8/21): Ober Deals, Pensacola Trio Triumphs, and Celestino Celebrates

[Ted Schwerzler]

Today saw a few key promotions on the farm with Gilberto Celestino (acquired in the Ryan Pressly trade) moved up to Fort Myers after a torrid run for Cedar Rapids. 2019 draft pick Matt Wallner went to Cedar Rapids, and Twins fan favorite Willians Astudillo is now in Rochester. The action itself was great as well with Bailey Ober dominant on the bump, the star trio of top prospects putting their stamp on the Blue Wahoos game, and both promoted players picking up first hits at their new levels.TRANSACTIONS

Rochester

Cibney Bello joins coaching staff as assistant pitching coach

C Willians Astudillo rehab assignment transferred from Pensacola

RHP Zack Littell optioned by Minnesota

LHP Jeremy Bleich placed on IL with hamstring strain

Fort Myers

OF Gilberto Celestino promoted from Cedar Rapids

INF Michael Davis placed on IL with meniscus tear

Cedar Rapids

OF Matt Wallner promoted from Elizabethton

 

RED WINGS REPORT

Buffalo 7, Rochester 4

Box Score

 

Charlie Barnes had the starting duties for Rochester tonight. He recorded one out in the fifth inning and gave up four runs (three earned) on seven hits while walking two and doubling that amount in strikeouts. Down 4-0 by the middle of the fifth inning, it would be on the home team to mount a comeback.

 

Wilin Rosario continued his hot hitting with his 22nd double to open up the scoring in the eighth. Zander Wiel then roped his 34th double to drive in two, pulled the Red Wings within one. Unfortunately three Bison batters scored in the top of the ninth, and a Rosario RBI single in the bottom half was all Rochester could muster.

 

Likely eyeing a September return to the Twins, Willians Astudillo went 1-for-5 with an RBI in this one.

 

Brusdar Graterol worked two innings of relief. He struck out three, walked one, and gave up a single. It’s a double dose of Stewart on the mound in the series finale tomorrow night.

 

 

BLUE WAHOOS BITES

Pensacola 8, Mississippi 2

Box Score

 

Bailey Ober is having one of the best seasons on the Twins farm, and you still may not know it. He made his second Double-A start tonight and turned in seven-shutout innings of three-hit ball while fanning 12 and walking none. He’s now 2-0 with Pensacola and owns a 0.64 ERA.

 

With their starter on cruise control, the Wahoos lineup went to work. A three-run third featured RBIs from the prospect trio of Alex Kirilloff, Royce Lewis, and Trevor Larnach. Mark Contreras and Jimmy Kerrigan went back-to-back in the 4th before Larnach drove in two more. The fourth inning came to a close and Pensacola was already on top 7-0.

 

The Wahoos added an insurance tally in the eighth that was wiped out by two from the Braves in the bottom half. That’s where this one finished though. Early offense and dominant starting pitching was the theme.

 

MIRACLE MATTERS

Fort Myers 7, Charlotte 5

Box Score

 

Tyler Watson wasn’t exactly economical tonight for the Miracle, but he was good in what he gave them. Needing 84 pitches to make it through four innings turned it into a short outing. He left with a no-hitter though, and had struck out six while walking three.

 

The Miracle bats came ready to work tonight as well. Pushing across seven runs on eleven hits, they scored in four straight innings from the fourth through the seventh. Brian Schales notched an RBI single to grab the game's first lead, and a Jacob Pearson double knotted it at two in the fifth.

 

Ernie De La Trinidad tallied an RBI single in the sixth, and then Schales grabbed his first double to drive in two in the seventh. De La Trinidad added another on a sac fly before a Yeltsin Encarnacion single pushed the margin to five.

 

Facing a very good Stone Crabs team the Miracle would need to hang on until the end. Three runs came across between the eighth and ninth, but the opposing rally ended two runs short. Phenom Wander Franco got his in a 2-for-3 night, but Schales and newly promoted Gilberto Celestino matched the effort. Celestino led off in his first Florida State game, and he turned in a 3-for-5 effort with two runs and a double.

 

KERNELS NUGGETS

Clinton 9, Cedar Rapids 0

Box Score

 

Luis Rijo has been nothing short of lights out all season, but Clinton figured him out in this one. He lasted just one out into the sixth inning and had given up five runs (all earned) on seven hits. The lone bright spot was a 7/0 K/BB ratio on the evening.

 

Cedar Rapids got behind by three in the first, and then allowed a six run inning in the sixth to seal the deal. The Kernels only put three hits on the board tonight, so not much of a comeback could’ve been expected.

 

Recently promoted 2019 draft pick Matt Wallner picked up a hit in his second at-bat, and drew the start in right, batting sixth.

 

E-TWINS E-NOTES

Johnson City 3, Elizabethton 2

Box Score

 

After Brent Headrick opened with an inning of scoreless work, Ryan Shreve got the next 4 2/3 innings. He gave up just a single run on five hits while walking two and striking out three. Elizabethton held Johnson City to just three runs, and outhit them seven to six, but the rally run never came.

 

Kidany Salva launched his third homer of the year to open the scoring in the third, and Seth Gray knocked another in on a sac fly. After giving back a run in the sixth, the Twins watched the lead evaporate on a two-run Cardinals eighth. Only four E-Twins batters would come to the plate in the ninth, and Ruben Santana couldn’t advance beyond his two-out single.

 

GCL TWINS TAKES

GCL Orioles 2, GCL Twins 0

Box Score

 

Still working his way back on a rehab assignment, Stephen Gonsalves began this one on the mound. He turned in two strong innings allowing a single hit, fanning four, and walking none. He’s missed a significant amount of time this season, but is looking closer and closer to making a return.

 

The Twins squad tallied just four hits, and Alec Craig was responsible for two of them out of the leadoff spot. Keoni Cavaco was back in the lineup after dealing with a quad injury, however he was lifted after an 0-3 start.

 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY

 

Pitcher of the Day – Bailey Ober (Pensacola) 7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K

Hitter of the Day – Trevor Larnach (Pensacola) - 3-5, 3 RBI

 

PROSPECT SUMMARY

 

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

 

#1 - Royce Lewis (Pensacola) - 2-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB, 2 K

#2 - Alex Kirilloff (Pensacola) - 2-4, 2 R, RBI, BB

#3 - Brusdar Graterol (Rochester) - 2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

#4 - Trevor Larnach (Pensacola) - 3-5, 3 RBI

#5 - Wander Javier (Cedar Rapids) - 0-4, 2 K

#6 - Jordan Balazovic (Fort Myers) - Did not pitch

#7 - Keoni Cavaco (GCL) - 0-3, K

#8 - Brent Rooker (Rochester) - Injured List (groin)

#9 - Jhoan Duran (Pensacola) - Did not pitch

#10 - Blayne Enlow (Fort Myers) - Injured List (hamstring)

#11 - Lewis Thorpe (Minnesota) - Did not pitch

#12 - Nick Gordon (Rochester) - Injured List (leg contusion)

#13 - Ryan Jeffers (Pensacola) - 0-5, K

#14 - Luis Arraez (Minnesota) - 0-3, K

#15 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) - 1-3

#16 - Ben Rortvedt (Pensacola) - Did not play

#17 - Akil Baddoo (Fort Myers) - Injured List (Tommy John surgery)

#18 - Jorge Alcala (Rochester) - Did not pitch

#19 - Misael Urbina (DSL) - 2-3, 2B, R, RBI, BB

#20 - Travis Blankenhorn (Pensacola) - Did not play

 

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

 

Buffalo @ Rochester (6:05PM CST) - RHP Kohl Stewart (7-5, 5.56 ERA)

Pensacola @ Mississippi (6:35PM CST) - TBD

Charlotte @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) - RHP Jordan Balazovic (6-2, 2.98 ERA)

Cedar Rapids @ Clinton (6:30PM CST) - RHP Matt Canterino (1-0, 0.90 ERA)

Elizabethton @ Johnson City (5:30PM CST) - TBD

GCL Twins @ GCL Orioles (11:00AM CST) - TBD

 

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Wednesday’s games!

 

Click here to view the article

[Taildragger8791]

Any word on what in particular Cavaco is struggling with? He’s off to a particularly rough start in his first year. My (usually fuzzy) memory was that these top prospects usually at least hold their own in the GCL on raw talent alone.

[puckstopper1]

Thanks for the report Ted!

 

We need to change Brusdar Graterol's "team" from Pensacola to Rochester in the Prospects Summary.

[rdehring]

Expect Astudillo is on track for a September 1 return to the Twins.  Good seeing him catching rather than at DH.  And what a nice first outing for Graterol.  Any word on his velocity?  Also saw Stashak had an even better appearance, pitching 1.2 innings with 3 K's and no baserunners.

 

When I saw the Pensacola box score, just shook my head when I got to the starting pitcher.  Is it possible Ober's success could play at Target Field late next year?

 

Also really good seeing Wallner move up to the Kernels. 

[Dman]

 

 

When I saw the Pensacola box score, just shook my head when I got to the starting pitcher.  Is it possible Ober's success could play at Target Field late next year?

 

 

I was wondering the same thing.  I thought in the prospect handbook they had him with a low 90's fastball so must have good secondaries and good control?  I mean his K9 and WHIP have been outstanding since he has been with Twins.  His ERA has been good too.  He seems to be a guy that just gets the job done all the way around.  Does anyone know if the stuff he has will play in MLB?  Sure seems like with the WHIP and K9 his stuff should translate I just hope he can stay healthy as I don't think he has made it a full season yet.

[Vanimal46]

After watching Tom's video with every Graterol pitch, I've gotta say the dude looks wild with his pitches.

[MMMordabito]

It would be great if Bailey Ober can finish out the year healthy.  He deals when he's not on the trainer's table.

 

He obviously has command of the zone and those 12 Ks were all of the swinging variety (one foul tip).  76/96 strikes/pitches.  Incredible.

 

 

[twins1095]

 

I was wondering the same thing.  I thought in the prospect handbook they had him with a low 90's fastball so must have good secondaries and good control?  I mean his K9 and WHIP have been outstanding since he has been with Twins.  His ERA has been good too.  He seems to be a guy that just gets the job done all the way around.  Does anyone know if the stuff he has will play in MLB?  Sure seems like with the WHIP and K9 his stuff should translate I just hope he can stay healthy as I don't think he has made it a full season yet.

 

I think part of it is also him being 6'9.  He's gotta have really long arms and a release point closer to home plate than most making his MPH play up.   Also again being 6'9 he has to have a big time downward plane on his pitches.

[AceWrigley]

 

I think part of it is also him being 6'9.  He's gotta have really long arms and a release point closer to home plate than most making his MPH play up.   Also again being 6'9 he has to have a big time downward plane on his pitches.

It must feel like you're standing in a hole trying to hit off of him.

[Aerodeliria]

I think part of it is also him being 6'9.  He's gotta have really long arms and a release point closer to home plate than most making his MPH play up.   Also again being 6'9 he has to have a big time downward plane on his pitches.

 

He should play for the Giants.

[ashbury]

He should play for the Giants.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MjLKhHyfb-0/T9dywpnN9mI/AAAAAAAAAlM/b5IDTVP5vW0/s1600/Baseball+Bugs+(24).jpg

[DocBauer]

No question Ober is having an amazing year. Really too bad he missed time due to injury.

 

I hate to play the age game as I don't really think it's fair, but he turned 24yo in July and is now at AA. This is only his 3rd season, his 2nd full season year.

 

Might have him flying under the radar a bit as a result.

[Ted Schwerzler]

 

After watching Tom's video with every Graterol pitch, I've gotta say the dude looks wild with his pitches.

From a report I've checked in on that has watched him plenty, he lived significantly with the fastball and blowing it by Double-A hitters. That won't play at the highest level, so it'll be interesting to watch.

[DocBauer]

From a report I've checked in on that has watched him plenty, he lived significantly with the fastball and blowing it by Double-A hitters. That won't play at the highest level, so it'll be interesting to watch.

Ted, absolutely respect your opinion and that of your source. Various reports/observations/opinions are the change and breaking stuff are there but need refinement. And I'm OK with that 100% for such a talented YOUNG pitcher.

 

I have no problem with a young man who seems to be mature and hard working and dedicated as Graterol seems to be getting a September look, in whatever capacity. But I remain guarded in regard to what he can bring THIS YEAR to the team. I repeat that his auditioning isn't an issue at this point, but adapting to MLB as well as the ML baseball so soon to make a difference is a mistake in my opinion.

 

Take a look. Go ahead. Lightening may strike. I hope it does. But to really expect him to supplant Romo, Dyson, May or even Littell at this point is a fools errand IMO. If lightning happens, great! But I think any promotion shoukd be about gaining exlerience to get ready for 2020, and nkt some inflated hope he will make a difference for a playoff push.

[Vanimal46]

From a report I've checked in on that has watched him plenty, he lived significantly with the fastball and blowing it by Double-A hitters. That won't play at the highest level, so it'll be interesting to watch.

Yeah he's got a little too much Sam Deduno in his game for my liking... Meaning I don't think even he knows where the ball is going once it leaves his finger tips.

Edited August 23, 2019 by Vanimal46

[Mr. Brooks]

Yeah he's got a little too much Sam Deduno in his game for my liking... Meaning I don't think even he knows where the ball is going once it leaves his finger tips.

Deduno had a career milb bb/9 of 5.1.

Graterol's is 2.9.

[Vanimal46]

Deduno had a career milb bb/9 of 5.1.

Graterol's is 2.9.

Neat. I was commenting about Tom's video showing every one of Graterol's pitches from this one outing. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Mr. Brooks]

Neat. I was commenting about Tom's video showing every one of Graterol's pitches from this one outing. Nothing more, nothing less.

I apologize if I misunderstood you.

 

You're comments seemed to attempt to speak to more than just a one game sample size.

I would think one would need to see more than one appearance to make the type of claims you were making about him.