Twins Minor League Report (4/2): Saints Take Series One

[Ted Schwerzler]

This is the final week of only one Twins affiliate being in action. With the Saints wrapping up just one of two, three-game series, they'll return home for the opener on Tuesday. After a successful trip to Ohio, they'll bring a 2-1 record back to St. Paul with them.

Image courtesy of Dave Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

TRANSACTIONS
None

SAINTS SENTINEL 
St. Paul 2, Toledo 1
Box Score

Randy Dobnak returned to the mound as a starter this season, and it was a breath of fresh air for a guy who dealt with a finger injury most of 2022. He didn’t debut until August last season, so a regular spring training and April start had to feel good. He did give up five walks, but Dobnak also punched out five over 4 2/3 innings allowing only a single run.

St. Paul got on the board first when Mark Contreras hit his first homer of the season, a 4th inning solo shot. After playing with the Twins last season, Contreras is certainly looking to have a year worthy of another call to the big leagues.

After Dobnak allowed the tying run prior to his 5th inning exit, the Saints immediately answered. Contreras stepped in during the top of the 6th inning and allowed Matt Wallner to score, following his triple, on an infield ground ball. Relieving Dobnak in the 5th inning, Austin Schulfer worked 1 1/3 innings in relief. He put up strong numbers at Double-A Wichita last season and earned the promotion to Triple-A. Looking to prove his ability as a leverage reliever, a strong start could carry him to an eventual Major League debut this year.

Following another pitching change, this time Oliver Ortega coming in, the Mud Hens Zack Short blasted a two-run homer to take the lead 3-2. Ortega was a waiver claim from the Los Angeles Angels this offseason, and his addition pushed Blayne Enlow off the 40-man roster. Neither player currently claims a spot, but Minnesota is hoping for strong development from both this season. LaTroy Hawkins mentioned Ortega as a head-turner during spring training.

The Saints were determined to not let this one get away from them, and again had an immediate answer. Matt Wallner ripped his first double of the season to score Edouard Julien. Former Twins prospect Akil Baddoo tossed the ball back in for Toledo and the score was knotted at 3. Then, continuing his nice game, Contreras singled to Baddoo in right field, allowing Wallner to score the go ahead run.

A one-run lead was enough as Connor Sadzeck came on and closed the door. Working two complete innings, he picks up the win and heads home with St. Paul taking their first series of the year.

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Although they don't open until later this week, Wichita unveiled their Opening Day roster on Sunday. The team is highlighted by top prospect Brooks Lee, but also brings pitching promise in Kody Funderburk and David Festa. Former first round pick Aaron Sabato is on the club as well. Seth broke down the entire roster here.

KERNELS NUGGETS
Although the Kernels don't start their regular season until later this week, Seth talked Cedar Rapids on the "All Ears" podcast. You can find that here.
 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Randy Dobnak 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 K
Hitter of the Day – Mark Contreras 2-4, HR(1), R, 3 RBI, BB

PROSPECT SUMMARY
We will again keep tabs on the Twins top prospects. You’ll probably read about them in the team sections, but if they aren’t there, you’ll see how they did here. 

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

#5 - Edouard Julien (St. Paul) - 0-3, R, BB, K
#11 - Matt Wallner (St. Paul) - 2-4, 2B, 3B, 2 R, RBI, BB

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
Iowa @ St. Paul (6:37PM CST) - RHP Louie Varland

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Sunday’s game!

View full article

[tony&rodney]

Once again today I was NOT able to access a video of the game. I have no idea why as I have watched games at all levels in prior seasons on milb.com on numerous occasions since they started showing video of the minor league games. Any ideas?

[2wins87]

36 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Once again today I was NOT able to access a video of the game. I have no idea why as I have watched games at all levels in prior seasons on milb.com on numerous occasions since they started showing video of the minor league games. Any ideas?

Milb.tv has been rolled into the MLB app. https://www.mlb.com/news/milb-on-mlb-tv-faq-2023

I think the MLB At bat subscription is pretty comparable in price to milb.tv in past years

[tony&rodney]

5 minutes ago, 2wins87 said:

Milb.tv has been rolled into the MLB app. https://www.mlb.com/news/milb-on-mlb-tv-faq-2023

I think the MLB At bat subscription is pretty comparable in price to milb.tv in past years

Thank you. I have mlb.com. Does this mean that I access the minor league games on mlb.com? Last year I went to milb.com to watch minor league games. I am signed into both mlb and milb, but the milb just spins whereas in prior years I did not have any problems.

Thank you again. I just was able to get a feed now. There was a verification process that I missed even though I was already signed into my account. I appreciate your help.

[Doctor Wu]

Very happy to see Dobnak on the mound and pitching well again. Hope they keep him in a starting role, even if he has to stay in St. Paul for most of the season. Now that he appears healthy, I hope his confidence returns too. 

[roger]

Nice clean inning from Schulfer.  Have a feeling he is going to help the Twins pen before the year is over.  Expect Dobnak will get his control in check and 5 walks won't be the norm.  He has an interesting contract that should keep him in the system for several years.  Question is, will he be back with the Twins?