Twins Minor League Report (8/7): Andrew Morris, Charlee Soto Toss Gems; Brandon Winokur, Luke Keaschall Provide the Power

[Seth Stohs]

Two of the top Twins pitching prospects were on the mound on Wednesday night and were on their games. The Mussels had a huge first inning to take a big win. Wichita and Saint Paul waited until late in their games to get some really big hits. 

Image courtesy of William Parmeter

CURRENT W-L Records
Minnesota Twins: 63-50
St. Paul Saints: 55-54
Wichita Wind Surge: 45-59
Cedar Rapids Kernels: 55-47
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 53-46
FCL Twins: 27-31 (season complete)
DSL Twins: 23-22 

TRANSACTIONS
     Kyle Farmer and Justin Topa continued their rehab assignments with the Saints. 
     Rayne Doncon was placed on the Kernels’ 7-Day Injured List with a sprained wrist. 

SAINTS SENTINEL
St. Paul 4, Columbus 2
Box Score
Remember Matthew Boyd, the former Tigers lefty start who had a couple of really solid years in Detroit? Well, he is currently pitching for the Guardians Triple-A affiliate. On Wednesday afternoon, he started against the Saints. He started with five straight perfect innings. In the bottom of the sixth, he got the first two batters out, but Payton Eeles singled off the glove of shortstop Gabriel Arias and into center field. Certainly a sigh of relief when, in the top of the seventh, Columbus removed Boyd from the game. 

In the seventh, Rylan Bannon led off with a walk, but the next three batters were out. But then came the eighth inning. With one out, Diego A. Castillo was hit by a pitch. Minnesotan Sam Hentges (who is rehabbing ahead of the big Twins/Guardians series) came in for the Clippers. Patrick Winkel doubled which sent Castillo to third. Dalton Shuffield followed with a single to third base that scored both runs after a throwing error. Eeles followed with a single to left that gave the Saints a 3-2 lead. After another pitching change and a second out, Kyle Farmer doubled down the right field line to drive in Eeles with the team’s fourth run. 

It was another bullpen game for the Saints with Louie Varland set to be the Twins 27th man and make a start at Target Field in one of the games on Friday. Ronny Henriquez started and gave up one run on five hits and a walk over 2 2/3 innings. He had three strikeouts. Caleb Baragar worked the next 2 1/3 innings and gave up one run on one hit. He walked three and had two strikeouts. The rehabbing Justin Topa pitched a scoreless sixth inning. He gave up one hit, but struck out two batters. Jeff Brigham gave up a single, but then struck out three batters in a scoreless seventh frame. Scott Blewett pitched a scoreless eighth inning. After the Saints took the lead in the bottom of the eighth, it was Diego Castillo who came on. He allowed two base runners, but no runs to record his seventh save. 

The Saints had five hits. Payton Eeles went 2-for-3 with a run and an RBI. Farmer and Winkel each had a double in the game. Farmer played in his second rehab game with the Saints. Could he be back for the Guardians’ series? Who would come down to St. Paul? 

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 3, Corpus Christi 0
Box Score
When a team throws a shutout, it’s always wise to start with the pitching. It’ll surprise no one that Andrew Morris was on the mound to start for the Wind Surge. The young right-hander tossed seven shutout innings. He gave up just two hits, walked one and struck out nine batters to improve to 6-3 with Wichita. 

Kyle Bischoff worked a scoreless eighth inning despite walking three batters. Miguel Rodriguez picked up his fourth save of the season with a scoreless ninth inning. 

The Wind Surge didn’t exactly mash their way to a win. They scored three runs on just three hits, but those hits were big hits. 

In the third inning, Ben Ross put the team on the scoreboard with his ninth home run of the season. Ross had two of the three hits for Wichita in this game. He also stole his 15th base of the season. 

The score remained 1-0 until the eighth inning when Luke Keaschall came up with a runner on and two outs. He launched his eighth homer since joining the Wind Surge to give the team their 3-0 lead. 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 1, Peoria 4 
Box Score
The Kernels offense didn’t muster much in this game. In fact, they were scoreless through seven innings. Down 2-0, they scored one in the top of the eighth inning, but Peoria added two in the bottom half of the inning for the game’s final score. The loss was the seventh straight for the Kernels. 

Darren Bowen started for the Kernels. In four innings, he gave up two runs (1 earned) on four hits. He had two walks and struck out four batters. Mike Paredes came on and struck out four batters over three scoreless innings. He gave up three hits but no walks. Jacob Wosinski came in for the eighth and gave up two runs on two hits and a walk. 

In the top of the eighth, Jose Salas led off with his 11th double. After an out, Gabriel Gonzalez singled off of the pitcher toward second base. After a pitching change, Kevin Maitan drove in Salas with a sacrifice fly. Gonzalez went 2-for-3 with a walk. Poncho Ruiz went 1-for-2 with two walks. 

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 10, Jupiter 2
Box Score
If you are playing on the road, this is a good example of how to start out a game. 

And what is also really good for a road team is when the starter takes an 8-0 lead after half an inning, works fast and throws several zeroes on the board. Charlee Soto did just that. I believe we have a new contender for Soto’s best career start. The right-hander tossed five scoreless innings. He gave up just one hit, walked none and struck out three batters. In doing so, he recorded the first professional win of his career. 

Devin Kirby came in and gave up two runs on one hit and two walks over two innings. He had four strikeouts. Cleiber Maldonado tossed the final two innings. He gave up no runs, one hit, walked one and had two strikeouts. 

Six of the nine batters in the Mussels starting lineup were selected in the 2024 draft. However, it was a member of the Twins 2023 draft who had the biggest game. Brandon Winokur went 3-for-5 with his first inning, two-run homer. It was his eighth home run of the season. 

Billy Amick went 2-for-5 and stole his first base. Derek Bender was 2-for-4 with a walk. Caden Kendle walked once and hit his second double in as many games. Jaime Ferrer had a walk and his first professional double. Rixon Wingrove hit his 11th double and also walked. 

DOMINICAN DAILY
DSL Twins 4, DSL Yankees 14
Box Score                                                                                                                                                                                      The DSL Twins took on the Yankees on Wednesdays. The Yankees went ahead early, and then they went ahead by even more, and then some more yet. 

Cristian Hernandez started and was charged with two runs on three hits and two walks over the first two innings. Eudy Garcia came in and gave up five runs on three hits and three walks in just 1 2/3 innings. Manuel Compres recorded two outs and was charged with four runs on two hits and two walks. Sebastian Pulido entered the game with the bases loaded and allowed all three inherited runners to score. He was also charged with three runs of his own on six hits and a walk. At that point, catcher Irvin Nunez came on and got the final four outs. He gave up no runs and no hits. He walked one and had two strikeouts. 

The Twins scored four runs on seven hits and five walks. Alver Medina went 2-for-4 in the game. Victor Leal was 1-for-2 with two walks and a double. Carlos Silva had a walk and a double. Nestor Urbina also added a double. 

TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Pitcher of the Day – Andrew Morris (Wind Surge) - 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K, 79 pitches, 61 strikes (77.2%).
                                  Charlee Soto (Mussels) - 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. 45 pitches, 32 strikes. (71.1%)
Hitter of the Day – Brandon Winokur (Mussels) - 3-for-4, HR(8), R, 2 RBI

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our recently-updated Twins Top 20 prospects after seeing how they did on Saturday. And, be sure to note the new, updated Top 20 rankings.

#1– Walker Jenkins (Cedar Rapids) – 0-for-4 
#2 – Brooks Lee (Minnesota) – 1-for-4, RBI
#4 – Luke Keaschall (Wichita) – 1-for-4, HR(8), R, 2 RBI. 
#7 – Gabriel Gonzalez (Cedar Rapids) – 2-for-3, BB. 
#8 – Charlee Soto (Fort Myers) – 5 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 3 K. 45 pitches, 32 strikes. (71.1%)
#9 - Kaelen Culpepper (FCL Twins) - Not playing games yet. Getting ready in the FCL. 


#11 - Andrew Morris (Wichita) - 7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 9 K, 79 pitches, 61 strikes (77.2%)
#12 – Brandon Winokur (Fort Myers) – 3-for-5, HR(8), R, 2 RBI.
#14 - Yasser Mercedes (Fort Myers) - 0-for-3, 2 BB, R.
#16 - Kyle DeBarge (Fort Myers) - 1-for-5, BB, R, RBI.
#17 - Tanner Schobel (Wichita) – 0-for-4, 2 K

THURSDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
Columbus @ St. Paul (7:07 PM CST) – RHP Zebby Matthews (1-2, 7.07 ERA)
Wichita @ Corpus Christi (6:35 PM CST) – RHP Cory Lewis (1-2, 3.77 ERA)
Cedar Rapids @ Peoria (6:35 PM CST) – RHP Ricky Castro (0-2, 4.00 ERA)
Ft. Myers @ Jupiter (5:30 PM CST) – RHP Tanner Hall (3-0, 5.22 ERA)
DSL Tigers @ DSL Twins (10:00 AM CST) - TBD 

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

 

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[Otwins]

Any chance Morris is called up to take Joe Ryan's spot if he misses some time?

[FlyingFinn]

17 minutes ago, Otwins said:

Any chance Morris is called up to take Joe Ryan's spot if he misses some time?

No.

Zebby is ahead of Morris. I'm thinking Morris moves up to the Saints and sees how it goes there. He seems so similar to Zebby that it may take some time to adjust to the level, as Zebby is getting hit a little more in his start in AAA.

Soto has some really nice numbers/outings in July/August. Exactly what we want, improvement.

[mark sills]

5 minutes ago, FlyingFinn said:

No.

Zebby is ahead of Morris. I'm thinking Morris moves up to the Saints and sees how it goes there. He seems so similar to Zebby that it may take some time to adjust to the level, as Zebby is getting hit a little more in his start in AAA.

Soto has some really nice numbers/outings in July/August. Exactly what we want, improvement.

not sure zebby is ahead of Morris. They seem pretty equal, but I do agree they should move Morris to triple A. Don't think either one will be pitching in the majors till they show good results in triple A

[Old Twins Hat]

Gotta love it when kids playing beyond the LF wall all turn and chase like crazy after the long home run by Keaschall.  What a blast.

[Dman]

Morris looked really good last night.  He must have thrown 70 to 80 percent strikes last night.  He had their guys swinging early and if they didn't swing it was a three pitch punch out.  He wasn't messing around. That caused them to swing early and often and while he made it 7 innings he could have gone 8 if needed, but there was no reason to push it. I will say I was wondering how he would do in the later innings and he gave up a fair number of long fly balls but he kept everything in the park. His ERA and most other numbers are better at AA than HIgh A right now.  So he is getting better as he moves up levels.  I agree with those above that it is time to move him to AAA and see how he handles that level. 

I was also very impressed with Soto.  I think he has a 2.00 ERA his last 4 times out.  Obviously still plenty of room to get even better, but he is rounding into form and with Bengard moved up looking like the best pitcher the Muscles have. Maybe Bohorquez will challenge him? Have to wait and see.  Soto is still just 18 so he is in good shape to take things level by level.

Eeles continues to prove he can play at AAA.  Given all the infield talent they brought in I was surprised they kept him there and Shuffiled to boot, but it has been fun watching both of them play there.  If Eeles can find a bit more power he could be a legit MLB player IMO. We'll see how he does into September, but if he keeps this up with more walks than strikeouts, a pretty normalized BABIP and good batting average he looks like the real deal right now.

Keaschal has been slumping so nice to see him with the HR.  His slugging like most players is down at AA. Hopefully he can find more barrels this week.

Other than A ball with the new draftee's it seems like no one is hitting that well in the other systems. Hopefully the bats wake up a bit more this week.  

 

[Trov]

9 hours ago, Otwins said:

Any chance Morris is called up to take Joe Ryan's spot if he misses some time?

Varland will get Ryan's spot first.  Then they would have to decide between Matthew and Morris if needed.  Dobnak, although was terrible in his last pen outing may be tapped to fill starts too.  Neither Matthews or Morris are on 40 man, and I do not believe either need to be added during offseason as they both are in their 2nd full season of pro ball.  The team hates to add guys to 40 man roster unless they have to in order to avoid rule 5 draft, or they believe the player is going to be at MLB roster for awhile.  Sure, the injuries may force that, but when guys get removed from the 40 man they could lose them so that is always a factor. 

[mark sills]

7 minutes ago, Dman said:

Morris looked really good last night.  He must have thrown 70 to 80 percent strikes last night.  He had their guys swinging early and if they didn't swing it was a three pitch punch out.  He wasn't messing around. That caused them to swing early and often and while he made it 7 innings he could have gone 8 if needed, but there was no reason to push it. I will say I was wondering how he would do in the later innings and he gave up a fair number of long fly balls but he kept everything in the park. His ERA and most other numbers are better at AA than HIgh A right now.  So he is getting better as he moves up levels.  I agree with those above that it is time to move him to AAA and see how he handles that level. 

I was also very impressed with Soto.  I think he has a 2.00 ERA his last 4 times out.  Obviously still plenty of room to get even better, but he is rounding into form and with Bengard moved up looking like the best pitcher the Muscles have. Maybe Bohorquez will challenge him? Have to wait and see.  Soto is still just 18 so he is in good shape to take things level by level.

Keaschal has been slumping so nice to see him with the HR.  His slugging like most players is down at AA. Hopefully he can find more barrels this week.

Other than A ball with the new draftee's it seems like no one is hitting that well in the other systems. Hopefully the bats wake up a bit more this week.  

 

Ben Ross has been on fire this last month. Batting over 300 last month and a half and quietly 2nd on team in homers.

[roger]

Another nice inning by Topa.  With some of the relief appearances of late, gotta believe he will be on the Twins roster by this weekend?

Was that Sota's best start?  Sure looks interesting, but Fort Myers is a long, long way from Target Field.

[jmlease1]

Terrific start by Morris who is having a very good season. It's great to see him get deep into a game like that too. A 0.1 HR/9 rate is unsustainable for anyone, but he's always been good at keeping the ball in the yard, which may serve him well as he rises in the minors. He's only got 10 starts at AA, so let's maybe pump the brakes a little before bumping him up to MLB, but I could see him getting a late call-up to AAA this season. He almost certainly starts there next year, I'd think.

AAA rotation next season should be pretty strong and provide that starting pitching depth effectively with Morris, Matthews, and either SWR or Festa likely starting the season there, not to mention Cory Lewis still coming along and Marco Raya. There's been a lot of jokes about the twins "pitching pipeline"...but it's starting to show out, I'd say.

[Mike Sixel]

How is the stuff from Morris and Matthews? 

[Linus]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

How is the stuff from Morris and Matthews? 

Good question. I’m not complaining because the minor league reports are great but a deeper dive on the higher profile prospects would be great. 

[SaberNerd]

5 hours ago, Mike Sixel said:

How is the stuff from Morris and Matthews? 

In his little bit at AAA, Matthews has shown a solid fastball and a slider that misses bats.  Also has Cutter/Curveball/Changeup which aren't big K pitches, but give him different looks.  Could really use one of them taking a step forward to help against LHH.  12.7K/9 vs RHH, 8.4 vs LHH.

Don't have public Statcast on Morris, but he seems to be fastball-slider for punching guys out.  Also has a curveball/cutter/changeup that sites have been lower on.  Strikes out less and walks more than Zebby, but he is over a year younger.  Similar K/9 and BB/9 for LHH and RHH, which surprises me for a fastball-slider guy