Twins Minor League Report (8/1): Tanner Hall Tosses Immaculate Inning

[Ted Schwerzler]

The Minnesota Twins were off on Thursday night but that didn't stop the farm system from being in full swing. Walks haunted the opposition and wins came because of it.

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

CURRENT W-L Records
Minnesota Twins: 59-48
St. Paul Saints: 53-51
Wichita Wind Surge: 41-58
Cedar Rapids Kernels: 55-42
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 51-45
DSL Twins: 21-19

TRANSACTIONS

• OF Agustin Ruiz reinstated from IL for the Kernels.
• Fort Myers activated RHP Jose Olivares from the 7-Day IL. 
• The Minnesota Twins signed RHP Tyler Stasiowski to a minor-league contract. The undrafted free agent pitched at Cal-Berkeley. He graduated from Analy High School in Sebastopol, California, in 2020. He spent two seasons at Santa Rosa Junior College. He pitched out of the bullpen for the Bears. This past season, he tied for the team lead in saves with 2024 Twins draft pick Christian Becerra. 

SAINTS SENTINEL
St. Paul 8, Iowa 2
Box Score
Adam Plutko was coming off the best start of his Saints career and again shoved on Thursday. He worked 6 1/3 innings while allowing just a pair of hits. He gave up two runs and walked three but struck out four and improved to 6-1 on the season.

Yunior Severino kicked off the scoring in the first inning with a sacrifice fly that scored DaShawn Keirsey Jr. Jair Camargo homered for the ninth time on the year in the fourth inning, and his three-run shot scored Severino and Edouard Julien to make it 4-0. He then drew a bases loaded walk in the seventh inning to drive in Chris Williams before Rylan Bannon singled to bring in Keirsey Jr. and make it a 6-0 game.

Iowa grabbed a pair back in the seventh inning, but St. Paul had an eighth inning answer. Severino drew another bases loaded walk to bring in Williams again before a wild pitch scored Keirsey Jr. for the third time on the night.

St. Paul picked up 11 hits with Keirsey Jr. grabbing three. Julien, Bannon, and Williams each had two. Camargo drove in half of the runs.

WIND SURGE WISDOM
NW Arkansas 6, Wichita 5
Box Score
The Wind Surge sent Andrew Morris to the bump. He turned in 5 1/3 innings but allowed six runs on seven hits and four walks. It was a tough start, but the Wind Surge starter did strike out four. Mason Fox pitched his second game for Wichita and struck out two in a scoreless inning.

Trailing 1-0 in the fourth inning, Wichita began to answer. Tyler Dearden tied things on a sacrifice fly that scored Luke Keaschall. Carson McCusker stole second and Ricardo Olivar scored on the play by stealing home. A wild pitch then scored McCusker and made it a 3-1 game.

The Naturals plated five in the sixth inning to take the lead, and Wichita had work to do. They responded with a Jake Rucker run in the seventh inning, and a McCusker home run (his tenth) in the eighth inning. Drawing within one, that’s as close as they could get, and they dropped the contest 6-5.

McCusker and Rucker were the only batters to record two hits. McCusker’s home run was also the only extra-base hit of the night.

KERNELS NUGGETS
Great Lakes 6, Cedar Rapids 1
Box Score
It was the D-Bo Show for Cedar Rapids with Darren Bowen on the bump. He lasted just four innings allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits. Bowen gave up a walk and struck out two.

Down 6-0 by the fifth inning, the Kernels found themselves in a considerable hole. Kevin Maitan ended the scoreless drought in the ninth inning with a sacrifice fly to score Gabriel Gonzalez. The Kernels put up just two hits on the evening while owning a 7/4 K/BB, and couldn’t generate another run.

Nick Lucky was the only hitter to reach base twice as he drew a pair of walks. Mike Paredes was great in relief working five scoreless innings allowing only a single hit and striking out four. Walker Jenkins had the night off.

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 7, St. Lucie 2
Box Score
Tanner Hall took the pill for Fort Myers and picked up his third win while showing a level of dominance. Hall turned in six innings of two run baseball while allowing just four hits and a walk. He struck out nine on the evening. Hall also recorded himself an immaculate inning on the evening.

St. Lucie grabbed an early lead with a first inning run, but that didn’t hold up long. Yasser Mercedes drew a bases loaded walk to drive in Angel Del Rosario in the bottom half and evened things up. Rixon Wingrove followed with another walk to plate Poncho Ruiz, and Maddux Houghton grabbed another to bring home Brandon Winokur. Fort Myers led 3-1 after the first inning.

Wingrove blasted his seventh home run of the season in the third inning, scoring Mercedes, to make it 5-1. After a Mets dinger made it 5-2 in the fourth inning, Fort Myers again answered in the fifth inning.

Wingrove picked up his tenth double, scoring Daniel Pena. Another bases loaded walk from Del Rosario brought home Wingrove and the Mighty Mussels led by a 7-2 tally. That held up for the victory and Fort Myers wound up with 10 free passes on the evening.

Wingrove was the only batter to record a pair of hits, and he drove in four runs. The 7/10 K/BB was the difference, and Fort Myers simply let St. Lucie do the work.

DOMINICAN DAILIES
The Twins hosted the Mets Blue squad but the two sides faced a suspended game after just two innings. The Mets led 2-1 and the contest will be resumed on August 16.

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Mike Paredes (Cedar Rapids) - 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 4 K
Hitter of the Day – DaShawn Keirsey Jr. (St. Paul) - 3-5, 3 R, K, SB

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on the Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did on Thursday. 
#5 – Gabriel Gonzalez (Cedar Rapids) – 1-4, R, K, 2B
#9 – Luke Keaschall (Wichita) – 1-3, R, RBI, BB, K
#10 – Brandon Winokur (Fort Myers) – 2-5, 2 RBI
#13 – Tanner Schobel (Wichita) – BB
#18 – Yunior Severino (St. Paul) – 0-2, R, 2 RBI, 2 BB
#20 – Ricardo Olivar (Wichita) – 0-5, R, 2 K

FRIDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
St. Paul @ Iowa (7:38 PM CST) – RHP Zebby Matthews (1-1, 6.00 ERA)
Wichita vs NW Arkansas (7:05 PM) - RHP Marco Raya (1-3, 5.34 ERA)
Cedar Rapids vs Great Lakes (6:35 PM CST) – RHP Ricky Castro (0-1, 4.50 ERA)
Fort Myers vs St. Lucie (6:05 PM CST) – RHP Jose Olivares (2-1, 2.73 ERA)

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

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[Dman]

I have been down on Hall as he has given up so many hit's like 42 in 39 IP and a fair number of walks 18 for a 1.51.WHIP which leads to a bloated 5.22 ERA.  I get the numbers mean less at low A where players are working on pitches and the process which is more important than box scores. Still I thought when they grabbed him in the 4th round he was an arm with really good control.  He just needed to get the fastball up a few ticks and let his changeup work. Instead he has really struggled to keep hitters off the bases.

The good part about his profile is his changeup can be an effective strikeout pitch and his K rate is 11.8 per 9. So it was really great to see him just throw strikes in that immaculate inning.  That is one hell of an accomplishment.  I mean I can see getting ahead 0-2 with foul balls or guys waiting for a better pitch, but you have to K all three guys either looking or on a swing miss back to back to back.,  That takes some really good stuff to make that happen.  Congrats on a pretty amazing accomplishment no matter the level.

So he has the stuff and hopefully he finds ways to walk fewer guys and keep more balls off of barrels and the Twins might have another really promising pitcher in the system.

[mikelink45]

I always enjoy these summaries but I have two questions for Seth - first why isn't Keirsey a prospect?  Why haven't they given him a day in the majors? (those combine for my first question).

Second with all the various pitchers and levels I would like to know how you would rank the top ten minor league pitchers in our system.

[FlyingFinn]

Morris just copies Zebby all year. Matthews has his worst game with the Saints in his last outing and Morris has his worst game last night. Of course, it's their worst games because almost every game is great.

[jmlease1]

40 minutes ago, mikelink45 said:

I always enjoy these summaries but I have two questions for Seth - first why isn't Keirsey a prospect?  Why haven't they given him a day in the majors? (those combine for my first question).

Second with all the various pitchers and levels I would like to know how you would rank the top ten minor league pitchers in our system.

Because he's 27, didn't hit in the minors all that much until last season, and isn't on the 40-man. 

He's got talent and might be a good fit as a 4th OF because of his skill defensively, but we've had enough OF this season that are on the 40-man that there hasn't been room to add him. If Buxton goes down with a serious injury (god forbid!), I think you might see him get his chance, and there might be a window for him next season as guys like Kepler and Margot likely move on.

But he's a late bloomer dealing with a roster squeeze.

[Hawkeye Bean Counter]

58 minutes ago, Dman said:

I have been down on Hall as he has given up so many hit's like 42 in 39 IP and a fair number of walks 18 for a 1.51.WHIP which leads to a bloated 5.22 ERA.  I get the numbers mean less at low A where players are working on pitches and the process which is more important than box scores. Still I thought when they grabbed him in the 4th round he was an arm with really good control.  He just needed to get the fastball up a few ticks and let his changeup work. Instead he has really struggled to keep hitters off the bases.

Hall has taken a little longer to figure things out.  However, he is starting to show signs of figuring it out.  He has always been known at control pitcher with quality secondary pitches.   The concern was always if he could increase the velocity.  Now it does appear,  his control has gone down this year as he has tried to increase velocity and quality of the stuff.  Ultimately I think he will begin to get more comfortable,  and his control will really begin to stand out similar to Andrew Morris.  He is still one that I am going to keep an eye on, because he has the ability to take off like Morris has this year.   

[Dman]

41 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

Morris just copies Zebby all year. Matthews has his worst game with the Saints in his last outing and Morris has his worst game last night. Of course, it's their worst games because almost every game is great.

Just to add context.  Morris's line was great with only one run given up through 5 innings.  He came out for the 6th and things just got out of control.  Some hard hit balls and weakly hit balls fell in.  Not sure if he was out of gas or just unlucky but he left with the bases loaded and of course those excellent AA relievers made sure all of the guys he left on base made it home.  I don't know how the Twins can't develop relief arms, but those AA arms have lost so many games this year I have lost count.  At any rate if Morris didn't come out for the 6th his line would have been the same as it always is.  Probably good he had some tough luck late as it gives him something to work on.

[Blyleven2011]

It would be a nice story for keirsey Jr  to be added to the roster  , dobnak was just added to the 26 man roster  , we hold on to players to long in the minors only to lose them to other teams  ...

he didn't do well in the minors early in his professional career due to injuries , but since he has been healthy  he has hit and played average or above defense  ...

I guess keirsey Jr if not given a chance in a twins uniform will be playing for another team next year as they won't protect him in the rule 5 draft 

[LambchoP]

I get that Keirsey is a late bloomer and not on the 40 man which hurts his chances of a call up. But with Kepler leaving next year out outfield will probably be Larnach in left, Buck in center and Wallner in right. Both corners are bigger slower power guys, I think a speedy Keirsey who can play all three OF spots well, would be a solid 4rth outfielder.

Both Camargo and Severino have been mashing for St Paul this year. Too bad we're stuck with Vasquez another year, otherwise I think Camargo would get his shot. I'd like to see Severino getting reps at first base. With his crazy power I'd like to see if it translates to the majors. Maybe he could be our home run hitting long term first baseman we've been needing. I will say he'd need to limit his strikeouts for this to work, but it could happen.

[SaberNerd]

If Hall is able to add velo to the fastball, he could be a significant contributor.  Both the Changeup (38 Whiff%) and Slider (40%) both miss bats, but a fastball with an average speed under 90MPH won't cut it.  Probably a bullpen arm since I doubt he adds enough for the fastball to work as a starter.

[roger]

Disappointing that Julien continues to strike out about one-third of the time in AAA.

Yes, Oliver's ridiculous (good) numbers are based on only a handful of at bats.  But, his numbers before moving up were very good.  Is he a capable catcher?  Or will his future fall short because of his D?

When their #1 pick signed for slot, it became clear there wasn't any money to sign either of the two college guys they drafted late on Day 3.  Yes, they both would have been interesting prospects.  But I am as happy as the proverbial pig in you know what that they signed both the High School pitcher from Texas AND the lefty from Madison Tech.  Went well over budget to get both.  Hopefully, they will both stay healthy and be excellent prospects by this time next year.

[chpettit19]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

Because he's 27, didn't hit in the minors all that much until last season, and isn't on the 40-man. 

He's got talent and might be a good fit as a 4th OF because of his skill defensively, but we've had enough OF this season that are on the 40-man that there hasn't been room to add him. If Buxton goes down with a serious injury (god forbid!), I think you might see him get his chance, and there might be a window for him next season as guys like Kepler and Margot likely move on.

But he's a late bloomer dealing with a roster squeeze.

Do you know if he's a minor league FA after the year? I'd guess he is, but I'm not sure. If I'm him I'm not re-signing here too quickly. I'd be taking a hard look at every team's AAA and MLB OF situations and seeing if there's a different team I think I could break through on. There has to be a few out there who he'd have a better shot at seeing the majors. If I'm his agent I'm telling the Twins he needs a 40-man spot or he's going somewhere else. Even with Kepler leaving. If they non-tender Kirilloff maybe it changes the equation, though.

[Dman]

1 hour ago, chpettit19 said:

Do you know if he's a minor league FA after the year? I'd guess he is, but I'm not sure. If I'm him I'm not re-signing here too quickly. I'd be taking a hard look at every team's AAA and MLB OF situations and seeing if there's a different team I think I could break through on. There has to be a few out there who he'd have a better shot at seeing the majors. If I'm his agent I'm telling the Twins he needs a 40-man spot or he's going somewhere else. Even with Kepler leaving. If they non-tender Kirilloff maybe it changes the equation, though.

If they let Kepler go since they have already added Lee and Festa to the 40 man, Raya is really the only player I can see that they "need" to protect in Rule V.  Might be able to argue Olivar depending on how he does at AA.  I think there is room for Keirsey next year unless they want a vet there.

FWIW most of the names with Rule V implications are below. I don't think anyone would want to roster Rosario since he hasn't even tackled AA pitching.  Nowlin and MaCleod are lefties with potential, but I don't see the Twins adding them (neither are considered top 30 prospect's currently).  The rest haven't done enough to be considered IMO. So to your point if they don't add him this year they likely never will.

DeShawn Kiersey

Kala'I Rosario

Jaylen Nowlin

Christian MacLeod

Noah Cardenas

Anthony Prato

Pearson Ohl

Reggie Grace

Patrick Winkel

Alejandro Hidalgo

Cody Lawyeryson

Sean Mooney

Chris Williams

Austin Shulffer

Jose Salas

Misael Urbina

[chpettit19]

1 minute ago, Dman said:

If they let Kepler go since they have already added Lee and Festa to the 40 man, Raya is really the only player I can see that they "need" to protect in Rule V.  Might be able to argue Olivar depending on how he does at AA.  I think there is room for Keirsey next year unless they want a vet there.

FWIW most of the names with Rule V implications are below. I don't think anyone would want to roster Rosario since he hasn't even tackled AA pitching.  Nowlin and MaCleod are lefties with potential, but I don't see the Twins adding them.  The rest haven't done enough to be considered IMO.

DeShawn Kiersey

Kala'I Rosario

Jaylen Nowlin

Christian MacLeod

Noah Cardenas

Anthony Prato

Pearson Ohl

Reggie Grace

Patrick Winkel

Alejandro Hidalgo

Cody Lawyeryson

Sean Mooney

Chris Williams

Austin Shulffer

Jose Salas

Misael Urbina

Yeah, I don't see anyone on that list I'd say have to be protected. I'd like them to give Kiersey or Severino a September callup. I don't see them having Kiersey, Severino, and Emma all on the 40-man with no MLB experience. It's just not their style. Maybe the 40-man him and DFA him or Severino at some point later in the offseason when they find a veteran they like? 

If I'm him, though, I'm doing my due diligence on every team. Well, having my agent do it.

[mark sills]

9 hours ago, Dman said:

Just to add context.  Morris's line was great with only one run given up through 5 innings.  He came out for the 6th and things just got out of control.  Some hard hit balls and weakly hit balls fell in.  Not sure if he was out of gas or just unlucky but he left with the bases loaded and of course those excellent AA relievers made sure all of the guys he left on base made it home.  I don't know how the Twins can't develop relief arms, but those AA arms have lost so many games this year I have lost count.  At any rate if Morris didn't come out for the 6th his line would have been the same as it always is.  Probably good he had some tough luck late as it gives him something to work on.

I was surprised they let him pitch 98 pitches with as hot and humid it was

[DocBauer]

Hall has been one of my biggest disappointments this year. He has control and secondary stuff. I thought he'd make a big jump this season and maybe hit AA.

Still not sure what to make of Severino. His numbers are down from last year. But his BB% is up, and he's been really good past his first 30-50 days to begin the year, meaning his "down" numbers are skewed with improvement. 

Let me state for the umpteenth time how much I dislike the ONLY TWO September additions. I really miss the "reward" days of the past, as well as prospects getting their feet wet at the ML level. I'd love to see Camargo get a chance to start here and there and see if he's got a viable future with the Twins. And I'd love to see Keirsey get a shot.

Depending on how the offseason goes, I think Keirsey has a small chance of being protected. If you look at 2025, before anything happens in the offseason, you can pretty easily write 11 position players in ink. IF Julien gets it figured out, MAYBE 12. 

So there's at least 1, if not 2 spots open. While Keirsey hasn't gotten his shot yet, it's kinda hard for me to not protect him as a 4th or 5th OF option who I'd like to keep around. 

NOT saying Keirsey is any sort of priority, I'm just saying I see a chance he gets a shot at being protected.

[ryan189]

13 hours ago, Dman said:

Just to add context.  Morris's line was great with only one run given up through 5 innings.  He came out for the 6th and things just got out of control.  Some hard hit balls and weakly hit balls fell in.  Not sure if he was out of gas or just unlucky but he left with the bases loaded and of course those excellent AA relievers made sure all of the guys he left on base made it home.  I don't know how the Twins can't develop relief arms, but those AA arms have lost so many games this year I have lost count.  At any rate if Morris didn't come out for the 6th his line would have been the same as it always is.  Probably good he had some tough luck late as it gives him something to 

you always have excuses for the guys you like if it was anyone you would say how bad they are 

[Dman]

9 hours ago, ryan189 said:

you always have excuses for the guys you like if it was anyone you would say how bad they are 

There are no excuses as the numbers are what the numbers are. I simply pointed out what often happens to pitchers later in games that they tire out and tend to give up more contact.  He also has a pretty long track record of being really good game in and game out.  Does one bad game suddenly make him a bad pitcher?  Not sure what you are getting at?

[ryan189]

did I say he was a bad pitcher no he has been very good my point is if you are a high enough prospect people make excuses for these guys it was just one inning or bad defense or something .just like a hitter oh he has high exit velo just bad luck.