Twins Minor League Report (7/16): All-Star Tuesday, Matthews Promoted

[Steve Lein]

While you are/were taking in the Major League All Star Game tonight, there were a couple of minor league games still being played down on the farm. A lights out starting pitcher in the system also got bumped to just a step away from the big leagues, after dominating so far this season at Cedar Rapids and Wichita.

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (photo of Zebby Matthews)

 

TRANSACTIONS

• Perhaps the biggest news coming out in Twins Territory today, was that RHP Zebby Matthews was promoted from Wichita to the St. Paul Saints. On the year thus far, he holds a 1.85 ERA, 0.76 WHIP, and has struckout 91 hitters compared to just six walks in 78 total innings.

• In other Triple-A moves, the Twins traded cash considerations to the New York Mets for the services of 3B Rylan Bannon, and he was assigned to the Saints. RHP Caleb Boushley was outrighted back to Triple-A from the Twins.
• Down in Fort Myers, the Mighty Mussels placed RHP Julio Bonilla on the 7-day injured list.
• In the Complex League, RHP Hunter Hoopes was assigned to the Twins roster.

While all of the full-season affiliates get the same days off as the major leaguers for the All Star Game festivities, both short season teams were still in action on Tuesday.

COMPLEX CHRONICLES
FCL Braves 13, FCL Twins 3
Box Score
Twins starting pitcher Juan Cota worked around a leadoff double with a pair of strikeouts in the first inning, before unraveling in the second.

The Braves took advantage of two hit batters, two walks, two singles, two doubles, and a sac fly to take a 7-0 lead. Cota recorded two outs in the frame, finishing with 1 2/3 innings pitched. All seven runs were earned.

The Twins scored their first run of the game in the bottom of the second after Hendry Chivilli led off with a single. He was able to get 90-feet away on a groundout to the next batter, and came home on another grounder from Amilcar Vasquez.

Kyle Bloor came on in relief for Cota and finished the third inning. In his 1 1/3, he allowed three hits, but no runs. Miguel Cordero went the next three innings, with the Braves eventually getting to him too. He was charged with six earned runs on six hits and a pair of walks, while striking out two. Alejandro Crisostomo finished off the game for the Twins with a scoreless seventh, though he did load the bases with a pair of singles and a walk. He struck out two.

The Twins lineup added single runs in the third and fourth innings to make the final. A Jayson Bass groundout with the bases loaded in the third made it 7-2. Omari Daniel launched his first home run in the fourth.

As a team the Twins finished 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, and left seven men on base. Bryan Acuna (2-for-3, BB, K) and Daniel (2-for-3, 2 R, HR, RBI) led the way with two hits each. Bass added his sixth double of the season. Yasser Mercedes finished 1-for-4.

DOMINICAN DAILY
DSL Marlins 5, DSL Twins 1
Box Score
This game remained scoreless until the fifth inning, as both team’s starting pitchers had excellent outings.

For the Twins, that was right-hander Anderson Chacon. In his five innings, he allowed just one earned run on three hits. He walked none and struck out three. He retired the first seven hitters of the game before allowing a single in the third, then retired seven more in a row before a single and double broke up his shutout.

In comparison, Estarlin Francisco of the Marlins allowed only one hit, a triple to Merphy Hernandez in the second, and otherwise cruised through his five innings.

Nestor Cafe came into the game to start the sixth, and the Marlins were relieved as they greeted him for a pair of runs in each of the next two frames. In all, Cafe pitched 1 1/3 innings, being charged with four earned runs on two hits and three walks. He struck out one. Sebastian Pulido (1 2/3 IP, 2 H) and Fabian Herrera (1 IP, K) finished off the final two-plus innings for the Twins.

The lineup scored their only run of the game in the sixth inning after Francisco’s exit for the Marlins. Nestor Urbina drew a leadoff walk and moved to second on a wild pitch. Two batters later Daiber De Los Santos brought him in with an RBI single.

The early triple from Hernandez, his first of the season, and Santos’ single were the Twins' only two hits of the game. As a team they also drew two walks and struck out only six times. They were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position, leaving only three men on base for the game. Eduardo Beltre and Urbina drew the two walks. 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day - Anderson Chacon, DSL Twins (L, 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 K)
Hitter of the Day - Omari Daniel, FCL Twins (2-for-3, 2 R, HR (1), RBI)

PROSPECT SUMMARY
#9 – Luke Keaschall (Wichita) – Taking the place of Brooks Lee on the American League roster in the Future’s Game on Saturday, Keaschall entered the game at second base in the fifth inning. His lone at-bat came against St. Louis Cardinals #2 prospect (per MLB.com) Quinn Mathews, who ranked second in the NCAA in strikeouts last year to #1 overall pick, and starter for the National League in the All Star Game tonight, Paul Skenes. Mathews got Keaschall swinging. Despite that (wink), Keaschall was still named the Twins Minor League Hitter of the Week.

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

 

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[Dman]

With the Bannon Signing gotta believe they will send Eeles back down to High A where they desperately need his bat right now.

[LambchoP]

Both Keaschal and Mathews seem like the real deal. Those two, plus Jenkins, Lee and Emmanuel Rodriguez should be off limits. Everyone else is fair game. If we can find a controllable TOR starting pitcher and/or a high impact lefty reliever we should pull the trigger and use some of our other prospects. A lot of them are positionally blocked anyways. Severino, Kiriloff, Larnach, Gabriel Gonzalez, Festa, Raya, Soto.... We have more than enough talent to put together a good prospect package. 

[Mike Sixel]

30 minutes ago, LambchoP said:

Both Keaschal and Mathews seem like the real deal. Those two, plus Jenkins, Lee and Emmanuel Rodriguez should be off limits. Everyone else is fair game. If we can find a controllable TOR starting pitcher and/or a high impact lefty reliever we should pull the trigger and use some of our other prospects. A lot of them are positionally blocked anyways. Severino, Kiriloff, Larnach, Gabriel Gonzalez, Festa, Raya, Soto.... We have more than enough talent to put together a good prospect package. 

Outside catcher, I can't think of any position where players are blocked. Certainly Festa isn't. 

[bean5302]

11 hours ago, Dman said:

With the Bannon Signing gotta believe they will send Eeles back down to High A where they desperately need his bat right now.

Speaking of Eeles, he's looking good at AAA, too. .231/.444/.385 .154 ISO OPS .829 16.7% BB, 13.9% K rate wRC+ 134 in just 36 PA. What a fun story so far.

I wonder how well Eeles will have to play to earn a call to the big show? I'm guessing the Twins are feeling no pressure to make the move now that Eeles is at a level appropriate for his age. Maybe a September call up?

[DJL44]

12 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

I wonder how well Eeles will have to play to earn a call to the big show? I'm guessing the Twins are feeling no pressure to make the move now that Eeles is at a level appropriate for his age. Maybe a September call up?

If Eeles is the best infielder in AAA the rest of the way out, maybe. I can't see them wanting to add him to the 40 man roster.

[Dman]

11 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Speaking of Eeles, he's looking good at AAA, too. .231/.444/.385 .154 ISO OPS .829 16.7% BB, 13.9% K rate wRC+ 134 in just 36 PA. What a fun story so far.

I wonder how well Eeles will have to play to earn a call to the big show? I'm guessing the Twins are feeling no pressure to make the move now that Eeles is at a level appropriate for his age. Maybe a September call up?

I think he looks fine at AAA as well but why go and pay for Bannon if they plan to keep Eeles there?  Also I thought the reason Bannon wanted to move was because he felt blocked on the Mets.  I don't see things being much better with the Twins.  Just don't understand that move yet.

Also since Eeles left Cedar Rapids their offense has tanked.  So I am just thinking they will move him back down, but I guess we will see. 

[bean5302]

4 minutes ago, Dman said:

I think he looks fine at AAA as well but why go and pay for Bannon if they plan to keep Eeles there?  Also I thought the reason Bannon wanted to move was because he felt blocked on the Mets.  I don't see things being much better with the Twins.  Just don't understand that move yet.

Also since Eeles left Cedar Rapids their offense has tanked.  So I am just thinking they will move him back down, but I guess we will see. 

Bannon was acquired for cash and he's not on the 40 man. Diego Castillo was called up, but maybe the Twins suspect Castillo will be claimed if they DFA him, but they're still planning on DFA'ing him and want a backup on the roster because they expect him to be claimed if they do.

If the Twins move Eeles down to A+ ball from AAA to make the A+ team better, that'd enrage MLBPA.

[DJL44]

1 minute ago, Dman said:

Also since Eeles left Cedar Rapids their offense has tanked.  So I am just thinking they will move him back down, but I guess we will see. 

The priority in the minors is individual player development, not wins and losses.

[Dman]

27 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

The priority in the minors is individual player development, not wins and losses.

Yeah but they do this all the time Hougton was just up and Shuffield has been up and down levels so was Ernie Yake who they let go recently.  

 

 

[Dman]

32 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Bannon was acquired for cash and he's not on the 40 man. Diego Castillo was called up, but maybe the Twins suspect Castillo will be claimed if they DFA him, but they're still planning on DFA'ing him and want a backup on the roster because they expect him to be claimed if they do.

If the Twins move Eeles down to A+ ball from AAA to make the A+ team better, that'd enrage MLBPA.

Yeah that makes sense it could be proactive for Castillo as well.

[Mike Sixel]

3 minutes ago, Dman said:

Yeah that makes sense it could be proactive for Castillo as well.

This, and they need someone to play these positions......I don't know if we'll see any more position player promotions (of top prospects) any time soon......

[DJL44]

10 minutes ago, Dman said:

Yeah but they do this all the time Hougton was just up and Shuffield has been up and down levels so was Ernie Yake who they let go recently.  

If they put Eeles back in A-ball you will know they don't think he has a future with the MLB team.

[Dman]

21 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

If they put Eeles back in A-ball you will know they don't think he has a future with the MLB team.

Not necessarily, but most likely yes.  I will say his line at least so far is superior to what others they have moved around like this have put up with maybe the exception of Shuffield who did well there in his first stint. 

So much to like about Eeles, speed, plate discipline, hit tool.  I do hope they just keep him at AAA.  I think given his style of play he can make it there.  The only issue is all we have are SSS of what he can do at each level.  Can he sustain it? I think given his approach he can, but we'll have to wait and see.

[Mike Sixel]

9 minutes ago, Dman said:

Not necessarily, but most likely yes.  I will say his line at least so far is superior to what others they have moved around like this have put up with maybe the exception of Shuffield who did well there in his first stint. 

So much to like about Eeles, speed, plate discipline, hit tool.  I do hope they just keep him at AAA.  I think given his style of play he can make it there.  The only issue is all we have are SSS of what he can do at each level.  Can he sustain it? I think given his approach he can, but we'll have to wait and see.

I'd prefer they keep him there and see what happens also. It's not like he's 19 years old.....Maybe they got lucky here, maybe not. Only one way to really find out. He's not blocking anyone at this point....

[Dman]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

This, and they need someone to play these positions......I don't know if we'll see any more position player promotions (of top prospects) any time soon......

I think you are right.  Maybe Keaschall and Rodriguez late in the year to AAA, but they are just as likely to have them finish out in AA and start in AAA next year since they are both only 21. No reason to push them hard unless they think they can help the MLB club down the stretch.

If the Twins move Festa or Varland to the pen for the stretch run maybe Morris gets a call to AAA?

Olivar is ready for AA but will they move him?  Seems doubtful at this point, but they could.  Other than that I don't see much for movement either except for the recently drafted players and maybe Prielipp if he dominates High A.

[Mike Sixel]

2 minutes ago, Dman said:

I think you are right.  Maybe Keaschall and Rodriguez late in the year to AAA, but they are just as likely to have them finish out in AA and start in AAA next year since they are both only 21. No reason to push them hard unless they think they can help the MLB club down the stretch.

If the Twins move Festa or Varland to the pen for the stretch run maybe Morris gets a call to AAA?

Olivar is ready for AA but will they move him?  Seems doubtful as this point, but they could.  Other than that I don't see much for movement either except for the recently drafted players and maybe Prielipp if he dominates High A.

I'd likely promote Jenkins, mostly because FL has to cancel/delay so many games. But I'm not holding my breath on that.

I think, and this is dreaming, that Keaschell or Rodriguez could help the Twins this year......because Buxton is going to get nicked up, and both could be MUCH better than Margot.....who will be forced into action if Buxton is nicked up.

[jorgenswest]

2 minutes ago, Mike Sixel said:

I'd likely promote Jenkins, mostly because FL has to cancel/delay so many games. But I'm not holding my breath on that.

I think, and this is dreaming, that Keaschell or Rodriguez could help the Twins this year......because Buxton is going to get nicked up, and both could be MUCH better than Margot.....who will be forced into action if Buxton is nicked up.

I hope Rodriguez gets healthy and is an option. I don’t think Keaschall is ready to play defensively at any postion in the majors.

[Mike Sixel]

15 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

I hope Rodriguez gets healthy and is an option. I don’t think Keaschall is ready to play defensively at any postion in the majors.

I agree on the defense.... Hopefully they put him where they want him to play, so he can get better.

[jorgenswest]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

I agree on the defense.... Hopefully they put him where they want him to play, so he can get better.

I think they need to keep trying spots as high in the defensive spectrum as possible. If that is CF then they need to invest the necessary time to see if he can approach average.

[Mike Sixel]

23 minutes ago, jorgenswest said:

I think they need to keep trying spots as high in the defensive spectrum as possible. If that is CF then they need to invest the necessary time to see if he can approach average.

didn't help Austin Martin......imagine his OF defense if he didn't spend 2 years at SS, a position he'd never play. Now, I'm ok with Keaschell getting a shot in CF, because we don't know yet....but eventually it will be more obvious where he can/not play.

[bean5302]

Jenkins -> Cedar Rapids, Gonzalez -> Wichita, Rodriguez -> St. Paul is the likely train of events after the trade deadline.

[DJL44]

33 minutes ago, bean5302 said:

Jenkins -> Cedar Rapids, Gonzalez -> Wichita, Rodriguez -> St. Paul is the likely train of events after the trade deadline.

Mercedes -> Fort Myers

[Mike Sixel]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Jenkins -> Cedar Rapids, Gonzalez -> Wichita, Rodriguez -> St. Paul is the likely train of events after the trade deadline.

Rodriguez has, what, 40 games in AA? I'd be shocked, pleasantly....

[Dman]

27 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Mercedes -> Fort Myers

Yeah that's a good one.  Once the drafted players start playing he should get moved to A ball.  Really nice FCL season for him and they need to give him a taste of A ball this year.

[Dman]

1 hour ago, bean5302 said:

Jenkins -> Cedar Rapids, Gonzalez -> Wichita, Rodriguez -> St. Paul is the likely train of events after the trade deadline.

I'm not sure on Jenkins.  He hasn't been dominant at A ball for an extended amount of time.  I still think they are monitoring that early season injury and they have better facilities at Fort Myers. They could move him up, but I think they play it safe.  We'll see what they decide to do.

I can't see Gonzo getting a promotion to AA when he hasn't been that good at High A.  He would need to be really, really good the rest of the way to earn that one IMO.

Sure Rodriguez could get promoted, it just depends on how the FO see's his being needed at the MLB level.  He's only 21 so no hurry unless they think they need him as insurance for Wallner Larnach, Kepler.