Twins Minor League Report (4/23): Rehab Talents Providing Fireworks on the Farm

[Ted Schwerzler]

It was quite the day for rehabbing players, and Noah Miller continues to look sharp for the Kernels. Michael Helman is tearing up the competition for Fort Myers, and Alex Kirilloff looks closer than ever to a return for the Minnesota Twins. 

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

TRANSACTIONS

• RHP Simeon Woods Richardson optioned to St. Paul
• RHP Bailey Ober recalled by Minnesota

SAINTS SENTINEL 
St. Paul 8, Scranton/WB 5
Box Score

With Bailey Ober heading across town and rejoining the Twins today, Randy Dobnak made the start in his place. He was efficient and impressive, working four scoreless innings. Dobnak allowed just a single hit and gave up only one free pass. He struck out three. Dobnak has been used in a hybrid role this year, so he was lifted after 51 pitches.

Josh Winder, rehabbing for the Twins, piggybacked Dobnak and worked three innings of relief on his own. He allowed a run on two hits. The run came off just a solo home run, and Winder generated three strikeouts.

Possibly coming to the end of his rehab stint, Alex Kirilloff blasted an opposite-field homer in the cold during the 1st inning. He’s been impressive for St. Paul, and could be a significant boost for the Minnesota lineup. Elliot Soto then added another run for the Saints when he singled in Ryan LaMarre during the 4th inning.

Kirilloff wasn’t satisfied with his first homer of the day, so he decided to add another. In the 7th inning, with Soto and Edouard Julien on, the Twins slugger pulled one to right center field and picked up his fifth RBI of the day. Jorge Alcala made his 2023 debut for the Saints in the 8th inning and it was almost a disaster. Allowing a pair of hits and a walk, he had the bases loaded before getting a pop out to end the inning.

 

Looking for a little bit more insurance, the Saints added a pair in the bottom half. LaMarre scored in a Byron Buxton-like fashion after a shallow Soto sacrifice fly. Hernan Perez also came home on an error.

Trevor Megill's struggles continue for the Saints and he was taken deep by Jake Bauers in the 9th inning. It was his second blast of the game and an attempt to crawl back with an unlikely rally. Megill did get two outs, but after a Billy McKinney walk and a Michael Hermosillo home run, the lead was down to just three and his day was done. Brock Stewart, who has been great for the Saints this year, came on and allowed a triple by Estevan Florial, but getting Jamie Westbrook ended the game.

 

Kirilloff was joined by both Soto and Perez in the multi-hit category on the day.

 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Tulsa 4, Wichita 3
Box Score

The Wind Surge closed out their series against the Drillers with Carlos Luna on the mound. He gave Wichita 4 2/3 innings and allowed two runs on a pair of solo shots. Luna did punch out a trio of Tulsa batters while walking just one.

It didn’t take long for Wichita to grab a lead today with DaShawn Keirsey Jr. clubbing his second home run of the year in the top of the 1st inning. Brooks Lee was on, and the two-run shot had the Wind Surge off and running. Before the frame closed, Pat Winkel stepped in and recorded his second double of the year, this one driving in Armani Smith.

Unfortunately for Wichita, that is where the adding ended. Jonny DeLuca and Jorbit Vivas both homered in the 3rd inning to cut the Wind Surge lead, and then Vivas went yard again in the 6th inning to even the score. An RBI single for Jose Ramos followed a few batters later and Andy Pages crossed the plate for a go ahead run.

The Wind Surge got just four hits on the afternoon, and two of them came from Keirsey Jr.

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 11, Beloit 1
Box Score

Pierson Ohl took the ball this afternoon for the Kernels and was very sharp. He scattered four hits across five innings giving up only a single run on a solo homer. He picked up five strikeouts and avoided allowing any free passes.

Complementing Ohl’s strong performance on the mound was the Cedar Rapids offense. They came out with a first inning run when Ben Ross singled in Noah Miller, and from there they just kept adding on.

The 2nd inning saw the Kernels plating four runs. Miller singled to drive in both Jeferson Morales and Ernie Yake, before Tanner Schobel lifted a line drive to center field, scoring Miller and Noah Cardenas. Cardenas got in on the run production with a double of his own during the 3rd inning. He tried to stretch it for a triple but was gunned down. That didn’t prevent both Morales and Miller from scoring on the play.

Beloit finally got on the board with a 4th inning solo shot, but it was immediately answered by Cedar Rapids in the 5th inning. Cardenas put the ball in play and with the Sky Carp booting it around, Yake raced home. A 6th inning wild pitch gave Schobel a chance to cross the plate, and Miller drove Keoni Cavaco in on a sacrifice fly.

The offensive outburst checked in to the tune of 10 runs on 10 hits. Miller stirred the drink strong at the top of the Kernels lineup. Going 4-for-5 with a double, three runs scored, and three walks, he’s up to an .805 OPS this year. Cardenas joined him in the multi-hit affair as well, picking up three and scoring on a 9th inning balk.

MUSSEL MATTERS
Jupiter 10, Fort Myers 9 (F/11)
Box Score

The Mighty Mussels got a start from Tomas Cleto today, and while he only went three innings, his single run was nice to see in a game that saw 19 runs on 28 hits.

Both Jupiter and Fort Myers kicked off scoring in the 1st inning with a run apiece. The Mighty Mussels got their first tally from a Jorel Ortega single to score the rehabbing Michael Helman. From there, it was a back and forth offensive onslaught. Needing to answer four Jupiter runs, Ricardo Olivar’s solo shot in the 6th inning brought Fort Myers within three.

Trading runs in the 7th inning, Helman tripled to drive in Alec Sayre and make it a 6-3 game. Needing a last ditch effort in the 9th inning, Fort Myers was up to the challenge. A throwing error allowed Sayre to score and the bases were loaded for Olivar. He was plunked by a pitch to get an RBI the hard way. Carlos Aguiar then evened the score at six when he drove in Helman.

Jupiter’s 10th inning run scored on a fielder’s choice in the top half before Luis Baez score for the Mighty Mussels on a wild pitch. Onto the 11th inning, and trailing by three after Jupiter singled and tripled in runs, Fort Myers again had to erase a three-run deficit.

Helman continued to make his presence felt and a double allowed Yohander Martinez to score. Aguiar picked up another RBI on a single as he drove in Helman, but Ortega wound up being stranded at second base and the rally ended two bases short.

Playing down a handful of levels it’s not surprising to see him rake, but Helman went 4-for-5 on the day with a trio of runs scored and a pair of RBI. He’s got a 1.226 OPS during his rehab assignment and should be back with the Saints in short order. Outfielder Dylan Neuse was the only other Mighty Mussels hitter to record multiple hits on the day.

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Pierson Ohl (Cedar Rapids) - 5.0 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER 0 BB, 5 K
Hitter of the Day – Michael Helman (Fort Myers) - 4-5, 2B, 3B, 3 R, 2 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:

#1 - Brooks Lee (Wichita) - 1-4, 2B, 1 R, BB
#11 - Matt Wallner (St. Paul) - 1-4, K
#14 - Noah Miller (Cedar Rapids) - 4-5, 2B, 3 R, 3 RBI
#18 - Tanner Schobel (Cedar Rapids) - 1-3, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K

TUESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
St. Paul @ Rochester (5:05PM CST) - TBD
Springfield @ Wichita (7:05PM CST) - RHP David Festa
West Michigan @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) - TBD
Fort Myers @ Daytona (5:35PM CST) - TBD

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

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[FlyingFinn]

Surprised Noah Miller didn't get player of the day over Helmin just because he's a top prospect and there is often a little bias for a guy at a higher level. Great days by both of them. I think Helmin looks ready to go back to St. Paul. Very good to see Miller hitting so good. Can't get too down on these guys out of high school for a couple years (now I am down on Cavaco as he's had enough time).

Catchers in the lower levels have really been hitting as Cardenas was good today.

[tony&rodney]

Time to assess whether AK is ready to play 1B for the Twins. He is swinging the bat well and being selective at the plate. Additionally, he is a good first baseman. Maybe the Twins feel that Kirilloff needs another week of swings for the Saints. I have no knowledge of how his wrist feels. That is a key. If he has zero limitations, he is ready now. He would be a big addition to the lineup.

 

[stringer bell]

23 minutes ago, tony&rodney said:

Time to assess whether AK is ready to play 1B for the Twins. He is swinging the bat well and being selective at the plate. Additionally, he is a good first baseman. Maybe the Twins feel that Kirilloff needs another week of swings for the Saints. I have no knowledge of how his wrist feels. That is a key. If he has zero limitations, he is ready now. He would be a big addition to the lineup.

 

The second homer was the first extra base hit that he pulled in his rehab. To my knowledge, he has played on back-to-back days only once and today was his first nine-inning game. He does have another week allotted for rehab and I wonder if full games back-to-back and more hard-hit balls to the pull side would convince the front office that he is ready. 

[Doctor Gast]

Thanks Ted for a great report & for leaving the boxscores. Great day for the organization, they all played good games. Only a couple of heart breakers but they played hard. I'm getting excited about Kiriloff, he should make an impact soon when he comes up. Miller was in the tough Florida league & was over shadowed by E Rod last season but his bat is shining, along with his glove this season, his value will rise. Helman is ready to leave A ball.

[Jocko87]

2 hours ago, stringer bell said:

The second homer was the first extra base hit that he pulled in his rehab. To my knowledge, he has played on back-to-back days only once and today was his first nine-inning game. He does have another week allotted for rehab and I wonder if full games back-to-back and more hard-hit balls to the pull side would convince the front office that he is ready. 

His key has always been power the other way.  When he does that he's been a monster.  All good signs but I wouldn't be surprised if they waiting a few more days just to see how he feels playing several in a row.

[roger]

Took a look at AK's game logs.  Seems his first rehab day was April 11.  Does that mean he has to be activated by May 1 at the latest?  So we should see him back within the week.  Will be curious who goes down when he joins the team.

Great seeing the start Miller is having.  I know he wore down last year, hopefully, he can maintain strong at the plate all year.  Question, why isn't ERod playing?  Did I miss him getting another injury?

[stringer bell]

25 minutes ago, roger said:

Took a look at AK's game logs.  Seems his first rehab day was April 11.  Does that mean he has to be activated by May 1 at the latest?  So we should see him back within the week.  Will be curious who goes down when he joins the team.

Great seeing the start Miller is having.  I know he wore down last year, hopefully, he can maintain strong at the plate all year.  Question, why isn't ERod playing?  Did I miss him getting another injury?

Kirilloff's rehab runs 20 days from April 11, so that would be May 1. AK has an option remaining that could be used and as I noted, he has played on back-to-back days infrequently and yesterday was his first nine-inning game. I would think the Twins want to see him play nine innings on back to back days before activating him. 

I've been watching Miller's results in box scores for the last week or so. He is doing very well. I think most of the fan base should take a breath when 19-year-olds struggle when playing against older competition. 

[Major League Ready]

33 minutes ago, roger said:

Will be curious who goes down when he joins the team.

Castro seems like the likely choice.  Larnach goes down when Farmer is ready.  Let's hope that the return of Polanco and Kirilloff kickstarts the offense.  It would sure help if Correa, Miranda, and Buxton get in in gear too.

[Trov]

I know it is SSS right now for Miller, and could be he is used to playing in the cold April games, being he played in WI high school, but if he can continue to hit like has started off doing, he will be the fastest rising prospect in our system.  All reports are he will field and the bat was the main question.  I am glad they moved him up to high A, as hitting the FCL is hard to judge normally. Sure more power will be nice, but if he can get on base at a near .400 clip, steal bases, and play good defense he will have a place in the majors. 

[Seth Stohs]

16 hours ago, FlyingFinn said:

Surprised Noah Miller didn't get player of the day over Helmin just because he's a top prospect and there is often a little bias for a guy at a higher level. Great days by both of them. I think Helmin looks ready to go back to St. Paul. Very good to see Miller hitting so good. Can't get too down on these guys out of high school for a couple years (now I am down on Cavaco as he's had enough time).

Catchers in the lower levels have really been hitting as Cardenas was good today.

Fair points... I think Kirilloff, Helman and Miller were all good choices, but I would have gone with Miller since he's not rehabbing. 

Cardenas has been really good this year and last. Cossetti's obviously been incredible. 

[Seth Stohs]

15 hours ago, stringer bell said:

The second homer was the first extra base hit that he pulled in his rehab. To my knowledge, he has played on back-to-back days only once and today was his first nine-inning game. He does have another week allotted for rehab and I wonder if full games back-to-back and more hard-hit balls to the pull side would convince the front office that he is ready. 

Yeah, I tend to think he's still got a few obstacles to work through in this rehab... I personally expect that he'll be optioned at the end of the 20 days of rehab. 

[Seth Stohs]

1 hour ago, roger said:

Took a look at AK's game logs.  Seems his first rehab day was April 11.  Does that mean he has to be activated by May 1 at the latest?  So we should see him back within the week.  Will be curious who goes down when he joins the team.

Great seeing the start Miller is having.  I know he wore down last year, hopefully, he can maintain strong at the plate all year.  Question, why isn't ERod playing?  Did I miss him getting another injury?

Yes, the Twins will need to make a decision on Kirilloff May 1st... Activate or Option. 

E-Rod went on the IL was an abdominal strain or something like that. 

[jmlease1]

Very impressive start to the season for Noah Miller. Sure, it's only 12 games, but so far he's showing everything you would have hoped to see this year: improved contact, harder hit balls, while maintaining a good eye at the plate and patience to draw walks. It's only his 2nd year of full-year pro ball, but it looks like he thriving so far in high A at age 20. No complaints and the team must feel pretty good about what they're seeing so far.

[FlyingFinn]

3 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

Cardenas has been really good this year and last. Cossetti's obviously been incredible. 

Any knowledge how they stack up defensively?

[Major League Ready]

It's a bit of a relief to see some catchers at the lower levels doing well.  It was feeling a little barren for catchers.  Hopefully, Vasquez and Jeffers stay healthy.  A couple of these guys should be ready by the time Vasquez and Jeffers become free agents.  It would be even better if a couple of them forced a trade.   

[stringer bell]

1 hour ago, Major League Ready said:

It's a bit of a relief to see some catchers at the lower levels doing well.  It was feeling a little barren for catchers.  Hopefully, Vasquez and Jeffers stay healthy.  A couple of these guys should be ready by the time Vasquez and Jeffers become free agents.  It would be even better if a couple of them forced a trade.   

Wolters is hitting very well at St. Paul so far. He's supposed to be the prototypical good glove-no hit third catcher. If he can hit at something resembling league average (in the event of an injury to Jeffers/Vazquez) he would be fine. Long term, I'd love to see a switch hitting or lefty hitting catcher develop to pair with one of the two catchers the Twins currently have, more likely Jeffers since he is only 25. 

[Major League Ready]

5 minutes ago, stringer bell said:

Wolters is hitting very well at St. Paul so far. He's supposed to be the prototypical good glove-no hit third catcher. If he can hit at something resembling league average (in the event of an injury to Jeffers/Vazquez) he would be fine. Long term, I'd love to see a switch hitting or lefty hitting catcher develop to pair with one of the two catchers the Twins currently have, more likely Jeffers since he is only 25. 

I noticed Wolters stat line but he has never hit anywhere near the way he has this year so I assumed it was the product of a SSS.  Would love for it to be a break out.