Twins Minor League Report (8/2): Ohl, Winkel Power Wind Surge; Rodriguez, Rosario Lead Kernels

[Seth Stohs]

All four full-season Minnesota Twins affiliates found ways to win on Wednesday, each in a unique way. There were certainly some big-time performances on the mound and at the plate. And a whole bunch of 2023 draft picks and non-drafted free agents were assigned to a roster. Click to continue for much, much more. 

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (photo of Pierson Ohl)

It was really a good day overall in the Twins organizations. The Saints got a big win in Ohio. The Wind Surge got a tremendous pitching performance, and a great all-around game from their catcher. Two Top 20 prospects on the Kernels powered the Kernels to another win. A 2023 draft pick helped lead the Mussels to another win, and a lefty signed from the independent leagues tossed six great innings in his fifth pro start. And there was a rarity in the FCL game played on Wednesday, something you likely will never see again... a complete game from a 17-year-old. 

Here are the records of the Twins and their six affiliates through games on Wednesday. 

     Minnesota Twins: 55-54
     St. Paul Saints: 60-43 
     Wichita Wind Surge: 41-56
     Cedar Rapids Kernels: 60-38
     Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 47-51
     FCL Twins: 17-22
     DSL Twins: 9-30 

Let’s get to the report. As always, please feel free to discuss and ask questions. 

TRANSACTIONS
Lots of players were added to the FCL Twins roster for procedural purposes. 

When a player is signed, the organization has 15 days to add them to a roster. Several 2023 draft picks and non-drafted free agents were added to the FCL Twins roster on Wednesday. Some of them may start getting into game action soon. One name that you will notice has not been assigned is Walker Jenkins. He just signed a week ago, so they still have time to add him to the FCL Twins roster.

Here is a look at the 2023 Twins draft picks, and players signed as undrafted free agents since then. 

1st Round: OF Walker Jenkins (signed last week)
Comp A: RHP Charlee Soto (will be assigned soon)
2nd Round: IF Luke Keaschall (assigned to FCL Twins on 7/27, promoted to Fort Myers on Monday)
3rd Round: OF Brandon Winokur (assigned to FCL Twins on 7/27)
4th Round: RHP Tanner Hall (assigned to FCL Twins)
5th Round: RHP Dylan Questad (assigned to FCL Twins) 
6th Round: SS Jay Harry (assigned to FCL Twins on 7/27, promoted to Fort Myers on Monday)
7th Round: RHP Nolan Santos (assigned to FCL Twins)  
8th Round: RHP Jace Stoffal (assigned to FCL Twins)
9th Round: RHP Jack Dougherty (assigned to FCL Twins)  
10th Round: LHP Ross Dunn (assigned to FCL Twins) 
11th Round: RHP Ty Langenberg (assigned to FCL Twins) 
12th Round: RHP Paulshawn Pasqualotto (assigned to FCL Twins) 
13th Round: RHP Jeremy Lee (assigned to FCL Twins) 
14th Round: RHP Xander Hamilton (assigned to FCL Twins)  
15th Round: RHP Spencer Bengard (assigned to FCL Twins) 
16th Round: RHP Anthony Silvas (assigned to FCL Twins) 
17th Round: LHP Kade Bragg (assigned to FCL Twins)
18th Round: RHP Hector Garcia Jr (assigned to FCL Twins) 
19th Round: 1B Sam Parker - Did not sign. Heading to Chipola which means he could be a draft-and-follow before next year’s draft.
20th Round: OF Ashton Larson - Did not sign. He’s headed to LSU. 

Undrafted Free Agents
RHP Devin Kirby (assigned to FCL Twins)
RHP Jacob King (assigned to FCL Twins)
RHP Liam Rocha (assigned to FCL Twins)
C Cole Elvis
C Ildefonso Poncho Ruiz (assigned to FCL Twins on Monday) 

 

SAINTS SENTINEL
St. Paul 5, Columbus 3
Box Score
Depending on how you choose to look at it, you could see Simeon Woods Richardson’s start through a positive or negative lens. On one level, he was charged with only an unearned run on just one hit in four innings. He had four strikeouts. However, he went just four innings because he walked six batters. So, how about we just say he did a very nice job of limiting any damage. 

The bullpen did a nice job too and the offense came up with enough big hits. Kody Funderburk came on and tossed a very strong 2 2/3 innings. He gave up no runs and no hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Oliver Ortega got the next four outs, but he was charged with two unearned runs on just one hit. He had two strikeouts. Cole Sands struck out the side in the ninth for his first Save. 

The Saints got on the scoreboard first. Mark Contreras singled in Anthony Prato with the first run. It was followed by a Gilberto Celestino single that scored Trevor Larnach. The Clippers scored a run in the bottom of the inning. But Chris Williams responded in the top of the second with his 18th homer. 

The Saints added a run in the fourth when Austin Martin scored on an Ernie Yake double. In the fifth, they added their fifth (and final) run when Celestino “drove in” Trevor Larnach with a bases-loaded walk. 

Gilberto Celestino led the way. He went 2-for-3 with a walk and two RBI. Trevor Larnach walked twice. Austin Martin walked twice and then stole two bases. Anthony Prato added his 17th double. 

By the way, if you missed @Theo Tollefson's profile on Anthony Prato this week, please click here. 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 4, Tulsa 0
Box Score
The Wind Surge received a fantastic start from Pierson Ohl on Wednesday night. The right-hander from Grand Canyon University tossed six shutout innings. He gave up just three hits, walked one and struck out five batters. Not a bad outing considering he didn't think he had his best stuff. 

Following the outing, he said, "In all honesty, the stuff I was working with didn't feel that great, but I was able to make a few high-quality pitches in big spots." 

From his perspective, the best seat in the house, Patrick Winkel played a role in Ohl's performance, but gives the credit to his pitcher. "Oh was great. he knew how he wanted to attack each hitter and execute his plans. That's the biggest thing. He wasn't falling behind and was putting his pitches where he wanted to. When he does that, he's really, really tough on hitters."  

Taylor Floyd came on and walked two, but gave up no runs, in 1 2/3 innings. Alex Scherff got the final four outs without any further damage. 

Wichita took the early lead in the first inning when DaShawn Keirsey singled in Brooks Lee. Lee had led off with a single and stole second base. Later in the inning, Keirsey stole his sixth base. Things stayed quiet until the bottom of the fourth inning when Patrick Winkel drilled his sixth homer of the season.

An inning later, Alerick Soularie crushed his seventh home run to give the Surge a 3-0 lead. Soularie went 2-for-3 with the homer. He also stole his 11th bag. Keirsey went 2-for-4 with his 17th double.

Winkel led the offense. He went 3-for-3 in the game with a walk, his ninth and tenth doubles, and his sixth homer. Plus, he caught a shutout. What a night! 

Winkel says that he has been working a lot on his swing and timing. "Trying to eliminate the soft contact has been a big focus. I feel confident, and I think the swing and approach is in a really god place. We have a great coaching staff and having their input has helped a ton as well."

His battery mate (Ohl) noted, "Winkel and I have found a great connection this year, and we really love working together. He is very easy to throw to because he does his homework, and he's a guy you can trust back there. Almost feels like he's on the mound with me." 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 5, Lansing 3
Box Score
Emmanuel Rodriguez was not traded at the deadline, and on Wednesday, he put together a great game. 

This game was scoreless through the first three innings. Lancaster got on the board with two runs in the fourth and a solo homer in the fifth frame. Zebby Matthews was very solid. He was charged with those three runs over five innings. He gave up six hits in total and had five strikeouts with any walks. 

The Kernels powered their way back into the game in the bottom of the fifth. With Noah Miller on base, Rodriguez hit his 12th homer of the season. Kala’i Rosario followed with his 16th homer to tie the game and 3-3. 

 

The Kernels added a run in the sixth inning to take the lead. Jeferson Morales scored on a Kyler Fedko single. Then Rodriguez finished the night’s scoring with his second homer of the game and 13th of the season. 

 

The bullpen came up big for the Kernels Malik Barrington improved to 5-0 by tossing two scoreless, one-hit innings. Then Jordan Carr earned a two-inning save with two scoreless, hitless innings. 

Emmanuel Rodriguez and Kala’i Rosario each had two hits. Rosario added his 23rd double to go with his 16th home run. Rodriguez also threw out a baserunner trying to advance to third base. 

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 5, Dunedin 2
Box Score 
The Mussels scored two runs in the first and again in the third inning to take a 4-1 lead. They added one more insurance run in the eighth inning and held on to a 5-2 win. 

Jarret Whorff made the start. The southpaw provided a very strong six innings of one-run ball. He gave up two hits, walked none and struck out a career-high nine batters. Wilker Reyes recorded four outs, two of them on strikeouts. Danny Moreno also got four outs, but he was charged with one run on one hit and two walks. He also had two strikeouts. Gabriel Yanez recorded his second save by striking out the one batter he faced to end the game. 

In the first inning, with a rehabbing-Hernan Perez at third base, Danny De Andrade grounded out but drove in the first run. Two batters later, a Nate Baez single drove in Luke Keaschall. 

In the third inning, Perez scored on Ricardo Olivar’s ninth home run. Olivar then scored the final run in the eighth inning on a wild pitch. 

In his second Mighty Mussels game, Keaschall went 2-for-3 with a walk with his second double. He also stole his second base in as many games. Ricardo Olivar went 2-for-3 with a walkalong with the home run. 

COMPLEX THOUGHTS from FLORIDA

No Game Scheduled. 

COMPLEX THOUGHTS from BOCA CHICA
DSL Twins 0, DSL O’s 2
Box Score
So the first thing you notice when looking through the DSL Twins box score is that a Twins pitcher tossed a complete game. Miguel Cordero, a 17-year-old from the Dominican Republic, is a really decent prospect. He pitched at the end of the DSL All-Star game on Sunday. How many pitches did he throw? It’s not like pitchers at this level are known for their control and limiting their pitch counts. 

The I saw it. This was the completion of a game that started on July 17th but was suspended by rain. Cordero started that game and worked until the game was suspended. Then on Wednesday, he came back and finished the rest of the game, and pitched well. In the game, he is credited with giving up two runs (1 earned) on nine hits in nine innings. He walked two and struck out seven batters. The two runs scored in the sixth inning which was in the transition. 

For the offense, well, there was no offense. Yilber Herrera had the team’s lone hit, a triple. 

I know I tweeted it on Sunday night, but the DSL All Star Game was on Sunday and three Twins prospects participated in the game. On Wednesday, the Twins Player Development account provided pictures. 

 

 

 

 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Hitter of the Day – Pat Winkel (Wichita) - 3-for-3, 2-2B(10), HR(6), BB, R, RBI 
Pitcher of the Day – Pierson Ohl (Wichita) - 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 5 K, 80 pitches, 49 strikes (61.3%). 

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on the new Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did on Wednesday.

#1 - Brooks Lee (Wichita) - 1-for-4, R, RBI, SB(6)
#3 - Emmanuel Rodriguez (Cedar Rapids) - 2-for-4, 2-HR(13), 2 R, 3 RBI, K
#5 - Matt Wallner (Minnesota) - 1-for-3, BB, HR(6), R, 3 RBI, 2 K.
#8 - Austin Martin (St. Paul) - 0-for-2, 2 BB, R, 2-SB(5).
#12 - Luke Keaschall (Ft. Myers) - 3-for-4, 2B(2), R.
#14 - Simeon Woods Richardson (St. Paul) - 4 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 6 BB, 4 K, 76 pitches, 35 strikes (46.0%)
#16 - Kala’i Rosario (Cedar Rapids) - 2-for-3, BB, 2B(23), HR(16), R, RBI, K
#17 - Yunior Severino (Wichita) - 0-for-4, 2 K

THURSDAY’S SCHEDULE AND PITCHING PROBABLES
St. Paul @ Columbus (11:05 AM CST) - RHP Randy Dobnak (4-4, 4.26 ERA)
Tulsa @ Wichita (7:05 PM CST) - RHP Carlos Luna (1-6, 5.50 ERA)
Lansing @ Cedar Rapids (6:35 PM CST) - RHP Kyle Jones (5-4,4.28 ERA)
Fort Myers @ Dunedin (5:30 PM CST) - RHP Juan Mercedes (1-1, 11.12 ERA) 
FCL Rays @ FCL Twins (11:00 AM CST) - TBD 
DSL Cardinals @ DSL Twins (10:00 AM CST) - TBD

 

Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Wednesday’s games or any other Twins minor league topics! 

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[FlyingFinn]

Wow, so many good things happened with our minor league teams last night. E-Rod having a super game, showing why we must add him to the 40 man roster this winter. Funderburk - he might be pitching for the Twins if he was on the 40 man roster (if the Twins are going to put on this winter, why not go ahead and do it now?).

[mikelink45]

I would love a story and statistics on the former Twins still in the system - Celestino, Larnach, Headrick, etc.  Any who have been up but are laboring in the minors.  I am just curious about how they are doing and if they are in fact ready to come back. 

[Doctor Wu]

Thanks for another comprehensive report. I love reading about the minor league action. A bit worrying that Woods-Richardson is still walking a lot of batters, Yes, nice that he limited the number of runs, but all in all, not a very encouraging sign. But great to see E-Rodriguez hit a couple of homers. Keep 'em coming!

[Ghost of Kirby Puckett]

I wonder if ERod will be someone they'll consider for the AFL this fall. I know they generally seem to send guys from AA and above, but he has been dominating for big chunks of the season now, and he could get some valuable experience to make up for time missed earlier this year. I think, like Lee, we'll be seeing him sooner than expected. 

I also loved the Keaschall pick, and he has been playing really well. I see him as a valuable, swiss army knife type of player for us down the road. 

[wabene]

I read everything I found find on Funderburk, mostly Twins Daily articles. Cody Christy said he had a four pitch mix, cutter, two seamer, slider and change. Has he pared down his pitch mix in the pen? He is a big guy. No info on velocity. Can this guy help the Twins in the pen this year? We need the help in the pen. The Twins have had many relievers that looked good in the minors, but never got the chance. If Kody can help, let's get him up! 

[twinstalker]

Seems to me every draftee would be assigned to FCL initially for indoctrination and then go from there.

[roger]

Another great game from both ERod and Keaschall, who is off to a fantastic start to his career.

Seeing he was your hitter of the day, took a longer look at how Winkell has been doing this year, where he came from, etc.  Seems he is one of several catchers who are hitting better than we normally expect from catchers.   Unfortunately, I know nothing about his defense.

Jeffers has taken the role of the Twins #1 catcher, although they are playing about equal games.  His bat is back where we hoped it would be and he must have worked hard over the winter because his defense is so much better.  The Twins will need to replace Vazquez  in 2026.  Do you believe, Seth, that his replacement is currently in the organization?  If so, who do you think is most likely to be that man?  Will he be ready to be their #3 guy in 2024 if either catcher gets injured?  Speaking of catchers, saw that Rortvedt caught Gerrit Cole last night for the Yankees.

[tony&rodney]

1 hour ago, mikelink45 said:

I would love a story and statistics on the former Twins still in the system - Celestino, Larnach, Headrick, etc.  Any who have been up but are laboring in the minors.  I am just curious about how they are doing and if they are in fact ready to come back. 

If you go to milb.com, you can pull up the teams and all of the stats or just individual players you are curious about at the moment. The magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner is handy. Click on game logs to see if a player is hot, cold, etc. For example, you can see that the top prospect (Jackson Holliday-Orioles) hasn't dropped in performance this year despite going from A to A+ to AA this year. It can be a rabbit hole, best saved for very cold winter evenings.

[Dman]

Rosario is tied for first in the league with 16 HR's and is first in OPS.  Quite the year for that young man especially since he struggled so much the year before.  I think part of his success this season is his better plate discipline.  He has almost doubled his walk rate from last year and dropped his K rate 5%.  He could still stand to drop the K rate just a tad more but he is under the dreaded 30% range.  He leads the league after more than half the season he deserves to move up.

With the 2 HR's Rodriguez moves into the top 5 in OPS for the Midwest league.  Take out his horrible start to the year and he likely would be in Rosario's spot.  Schobel still qualifies and is in the number 2 spot for OPS so the Twins have 3 top of the league bats in high A this year. Both Rodrigues and Rosario are young for their level so those look like elite bats to me.

Ohl is one of my favorite pitcher's because of his aggressive style.  This guy does not like to walk anybody but probably needs to stay more out of the zone to keep batters guessing more.  Wasn't sure if his control artist repertoire would work as he moves up but he looks like he is doing just fine so far. Hoping he comes up with enough stuff to make it as a 5th starter type.

I am generally down on Sands but striking out the side in the 9th is impressive and his stats at AAA are really, really good.  Just needs that carry over the MLB level. And yet for as good as Sands has been Funderburk has been better as his FiP and xFIP match his results better than Sands.  Also Funderburk is a much needed lefty arm.  I think the Twins should add him to the 40 man. 

 

[2wins87]

1 hour ago, wabene said:

I read everything I found find on Funderburk, mostly Twins Daily articles. Cody Christy said he had a four pitch mix, cutter, two seamer, slider and change. Has he pared down his pitch mix in the pen? He is a big guy. No info on velocity. Can this guy help the Twins in the pen this year? We need the help in the pen. The Twins have had many relievers that looked good in the minors, but never got the chance. If Kody can help, let's get him up! 

He's strictly 4-seam, 2-seam, slider now.  Hasn't thrown a cutter or changeup in AA according to statcast.

Averages around 91-92 MPH with his two fastballs, and can touch 94/95. 

All three of his pitches have good but not spectacular whiff rates in AAA; the slider maybe could border on being a plus pitch based on whiff rates but I think it's more that he doesn't use it that much compared to the two fastballs so hitters aren't on it.  So he doesn't so much have one carrying pitch but has kept hitters off balance and been effective with all 3. 

[tony&rodney]

Wonder when, if at all, the Twins will move some players up a level.

Seems like Brooks Lee could use the exposure to AAA pitching if he is to be in consideration for a run at an infield position next year with the Twins.

Emmanuel Rodriguez hits the ball a ton when he swings and connects. He looks like he is learning to swing at pitches in the zone as opposed to those players who need to learn to lay off of bad pitches. Rodrigues sure takes a ton of pitches right down the middle. On the other hand, E-Rod hits the ball hard on many occasions. His K-rate is troublesome, particularly the swing and miss. Is he served by going to Wichita, where he has to trust his talent more against better pitching?

I'm curious about if and when there are promotions coming within the minor leagues. Sadly, players moving up also means others are released. 

[jmlease1]

1 hour ago, tony&rodney said:

Wonder when, if at all, the Twins will move some players up a level.

Seems like Brooks Lee could use the exposure to AAA pitching if he is to be in consideration for a run at an infield position next year with the Twins.

Well, your wish has been granted: Brooks Lee is moving up to Saint Paul!

[Jocko87]

3 hours ago, twinstalker said:

Seems to me every draftee would be assigned to FCL initially for indoctrination and then go from there.

I believe that's correct and as if on cue, Walker Jenkins is playing baseball!

 

 

[2wins87]

1 hour ago, Jocko87 said:

I believe that's correct and as if on cue, Walker Jenkins is playing baseball!

 

 

 

Hustling out of the box thinking double all the way.

He picked up another single so far too.

It's pretty common for HS picks to stay in the FCL after the draft.  If Jenkins is good enough I could see him getting a taste of low-A though.

[mikelink45]

9 hours ago, tony&rodney said:

If you go to milb.com, you can pull up the teams and all of the stats or just individual players you are curious about at the moment. The magnifying glass in the upper right hand corner is handy. Click on game logs to see if a player is hot, cold, etc. For example, you can see that the top prospect (Jackson Holliday-Orioles) hasn't dropped in performance this year despite going from A to A+ to AA this year. It can be a rabbit hole, best saved for very cold winter evenings.

Thanks - I just did and it makes me question why Stevenson and Contreras have not been given some opportunities.  We do not have such an exclusive 40 man that we can't bring up hot bats. 

[tony&rodney]

11 hours ago, Ghost of Kirby Puckett said:

I wonder if ERod will be someone they'll consider for the AFL this fall. I know they generally seem to send guys from AA and above, but he has been dominating for big chunks of the season now, and he could get some valuable experience to make up for time missed earlier this year. I think, like Lee, we'll be seeing him sooner than expected. 

I also loved the Keaschall pick, and he has been playing really well. I see him as a valuable, swiss army knife type of player for us down the road. 

Emmanuel just hit a rocket home run off of a left-handed pitcher. His bat is special, so quick and the power is effortless. E-Rod has farmer strength in those forearms. I'm excited to see how he progresses in the next year. Defense. Arm. Speed. Power, Eye.