Twins Minor League Report (4/26): Close Losses in the Afternoon, High-Ceiling Lefties Dominate the Night Games

[Seth Stohs]

Like the Twins, Cedar Rapids and St. Paul played matinees. Unlike the Twins, the Kernels and Saints lost close games. See how they did. In the evening games, top left-handed pitching prospects Connor Prielipp (Wind Surge) and Dasan Hill (Mighty Mussels) took the mound for their team and were really impressive. 

Image courtesy of Rob Thompson (Patrick Winkel, with Jair Camargo happy for him)

I want to encourage you all to vote for your Top 20 Twins prospects. Your vote is important! It will help determine the updated Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects. 

CURRENT W-L Records
Minnesota Twins: 11-16
St. Paul Saints: 10-13
Wichita Wind Surge: 12-8
Cedar Rapids Kernels: 11-8
Fort Myers Mighty Mussels: 11-9

TRANSACTIONS
On Saturday morning, the Twins made official the transitions that we heard about on Friday night. First, Luke Keaschall is headed to the 10-Day Injured List with a non-displaced fracture in his wrist. He was hit by a running Kyle Hendricks’ pitch in Friday night’s win against the Angels. 

Needing a body on the roster, the Twins were able to complete a trade with the Phillies for recently-DFAd utility player Kody Clemens. The Twins will send a bit of cash to the Phillies. 

The Saints placed Yunior Severino on their 7-Day IL with a strained hamstring. Dalton Shuffield came off of the Injured List. 

SAINTS SENTINEL
St. Paul 5, Indianapolis 6
Box Score
When talking about Hall of Famer Greg Maddux, analysts will often use the phrase, “you better get him in his first inning, or you aren’t going to get him.” Likely several of you, Twins fans, remember hearing the same thing about Brad Radke. 

In St. Paul today, the Saints were hurt twice by this logic. Lefty Aaron Rozek was on the mound to start. In total, he gave up three runs on six hits over the first four innings. However, all three runs scored in the first inning. Next, Travis Adams came in as the piggyback. In all, he was charged with three runs on two hits over his three innings. All three of his allowed runs came in his first inning, the fifth inning. 

Fortunately, relievers Brady Feigl and Richard Lovelady both threw scoreless, one-inning stints to close the game. 

In the bottom of the second inning, the Saints responded to their 0-3 deficit by scoring three runs of their own. With two outs, Jair Camargo started things with a single. Patrick Winkel hit his second home run of the season. Anthony Prato followed with his first home run of the season. Back-to-Back Husky Homers!     

In the fourth inning, the Saints took a short lead when a little roller by Camargo was hit in just the right spot to allow Carson McCusker to score from third base. 

Down 6-4 going to the bottom of the fifth, the Saints scored their fifth run on a infield single by Jeferson Morales that drove in Dalton Shuffield.

St. Paul continued to have opportunities to tie the game again including the bottom of the ninth when Prato led off with a double, but they came up short. On the day, they were 1-for-13 with runners in scoring position and left six on base.   

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 7, Springfield 0 
Box Score
Connor Prielipp was fantastic on Saturday night. The Twins have a pretty strict plan on how he is used. It appears to be three innings or 50 pitches, whichever is first. On this night, Prielipp tossed three no-hit, scoreless innings. He had one walk and four strikeouts. He had his three ups-and-downs and only needed 34 pitches to complete them. 

Mike Paredes came on and matched Prielipp's three scoreless innings, though he gave up two hits and a walk. Michael Martinez tossed two scoreless innings with two strikeouts. He gave up one hit and walked two batters. The final three outs were recorded by Angel Macuare with a perfect ninth frame. 

It was a very nice performance for the Wind Surge pitchers. It was also a strong showing for the Wind Surge offense as they scored a touchdown and added the extra point. 

Wichita got things going right away in the  bottom of the first inning. Tanner Schobel led off with a triple. With one out, Rubel Cespedes singled to center to score was would become the the game-winning RBI eight innings later. Following a Ben Ross walk, Kala'i Rosario doubled to drive in Cespedes and make it 2-0.   

 

Ricardo Olivar led off the bottom of the third frame with his second home run of the season. Ross and Rosario walked and advanced to second and third base. Noah Cardenas followed with his first home run of the season, a three-run blast to make it 6-0. 

 

The extra point came in the seventh inning. With two outs, Cardenas singled and moved to second on a passed ball. He scored on a Jake Rucker single to left. 

Cardenas led the offense going 2-for-4 with the big three-run homer. Cespedes went 2-for-4. Tyler Dearden had a single and walked twice. Ross walked twice and stole a base.   

 

KERNELS NUGGETS
Cedar Rapids 2, Wisconsin 4 
Box Score
The Kernels got a really nice start from 2023 fourth-round pick Tanner Hall. The right-hander tossed five innings and was charged with only an unearned run. He gave up five hits, walked two and struck out three batters. In fact, the only run he gave up was on an errant pickoff throw in the top of the second inning. 

 

His offense got his back right away in the bottom of the inning. With two outs, Kyle Hess singled to advance Nate Baez to third base. Kaelen Culpepper drove in Baez with a single up the middle. Kyle DeBarge followed with a line-drive single to right field to score Hess and give the Kernels the lead.   

The score remained the same through five innings. Manager Brian Meyer turned to his bullpen ace Spencer Bengard. Unfortunately he allowed a run in the sixth inning to tie it up. He was still on the mound through the eighth inning when he gave up a long, solo home run to Hedbert Perez that gave the Timber Rattlers the 3-2 lead. Logan Whitaker pitched the ninth inning and gave up an unearned run as well. 

The Kernels had some opportunities. In the seventh inning, Wisconsin reliever Patricio Aquino hit three batters (Billy Amick, Khadim Diaw, Kevin Maitan) but were unable to score. They were 2-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 12 runners on base. In addition, the defense committed four errors. 

Kyle Hess led the offense for the Kernels. The outfielder went 4-for-4 with his second and third doubles of the season. Brandon Winokur was 2-for-4 with a walk. He hit his fifth and sixth doubles. 

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 5 , Clearwater 3 
Box Score
Dasan Hill just continues to dominate in his pro debut. Saturday night was no different. The lanky southpaw worked 3 1/3 scoreless innings. He gave up one hit, two walks and eight (8!) strikeouts. 

Jakob Hall came on and worked the next 3 2/3 innings. He gave up three runs (2 earned) on six hits and a walk. He had one strikeout. Kade Bragg worked a perfect eighth inning, and Ivran Romero recorded his second save with a perfect ninth including a strikeout.   

 

 

The Mussels, specifically Yohander Martinez, got on the board in the top of the third inning when he hit his first home run of the year. In the fourth inning, the first two Mussels' batters got out. Angel Del Rosario walked and then stole second and third base. Maddux Houghton walked and stole second base. Peyton Carr struck out, but both runners scored when the catcher threw errantly to first base. 

The Threshers scored one in the fifth inning. But the Mussels batters went back to work immediately in the sixth inning. With two outs, Del Rosario tripled and scored on a Houghton single. Carr then doubled to drive in Houghton with the fifth run. 

The Mussels had five hits and four walks. Yasser Mercedes, Angel Del Rosario, and Maddux Houghton all went 1-for-3 with a walk. Mercedes stole his 10th base. Del Rosario stole his eighth and ninth bases of the year. 

Dasan Hill threw 58 pitches and 35 were strikeouts. 31 of the pitches were sinkers. They averaged 96 mph with a max of 98.4 mph. He threw 14 sliders at an average of 82.4 mph. His seven changeups averaged 83.7 mph. He threw six slow curves that averaged 79.1 mph. He got nine Whiffs among his 58 pitches. However, three of the whiffs came on his seven changeups.   

 

Jakob Hall threw 50 pitches, and they fell into six different pitch types. His max velocity was a 93.8 mph. Kade Bragg only needed nine pitches to complete the eighth. His max velocity was 92.6 mph. Ivran Romero maxed out at 93.5 mph. 

PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Hitter of the Day (??)  
Kyle Hess (Cedar Rapids): 4-for-4, R, 2-2B(3)
Noah Cardenas (Wichita): 2-for-4, HR(1), 2 R, 3 RBI,
Pitcher of the Day (??)
Tanner Hall (Cedar Rapids): 5 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 3 K, 83 pitches, 53 strikes (63.9%)
Dasan Hill (Fort Myers): 3 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 8 K, 58 pitches, 35 strikes (60.3%)
Connor Prielipp (Wichita): 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K, 34 pitches, 23 strikes (67.6%) 

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.
#7 - Kaelen Culpepper (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-4, BB, RBI, K  (played SS)
#8 - Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids) - 2-for-4, BB, 2-2B(6), K, 2 E (played 3B)
#10 - Connor Prielipp (Wichita) - 3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 4 K, 34 pitches, 23 strikes (67.6%)
#11 - Dasan Hill (Fort Myers) - 3 1/3 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 8 K, 58 pitches, 35 strikes (60.3%)
#13 - Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids) - 1-for-5, RBI, 2 K, SB(10) (played 2B)
#15 - Yasser Mercedes (Fort Myers) - 1-for-3, BB, 2 K, SB(10). 
#17 - Billy Amick (Cedar Rapids) - 0-for-3, BB, 2 K (played 1B)
#18 - Kala’i Rosario (Wichita) - 1-for-3, BB, 2B(2), R, RBI 
#20 - Ricardo Olivar (Wichita) - 1-for-5, HR(2), R, RBI, 2 K     

SUNDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS
Angels @ Minnesota (12:40 PM CST) - RHP Joe Ryan (1-2, 4.00 ERA)
Indianapolis @ St. Paul (2:07 PM CST) - RHP Zebby Matthews (2-1, 1.80).
Springfield @ Wichita (1:05 PM CST) - RHP Ricky Castro (0-1, 5.56 ERA)
Wisconsin @ Cedar Rapids (1:05 PM CST) - RHP Jose Olivares (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Fort Myers @ Clearwater (11:00 AM CST) - LHP Michael Carpenter (0-0, 3.00 ERA)

Please feel free to ask questions about the teams, the roster, and discuss Saturday’s games, or anything else Twins minor-league related!

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[Mike Sixel]

Is there even a hitting prospect good and healthy in AAA right now?

[High heat]

1 hour ago, Mike Sixel said:

Is there even a hitting prospect good and healthy in AAA right now?

No there is not, the closes thing is probably Jair Camargo.   Carson McCusker is there best hitter but is 28 and an Indy ball signing.  He should be playing first base though.  

[FlyingFinn]

Wow, Prielipp and Hill's #'s in the box score sure are impressive. Stay healthy and keep this up.

[Dman]

Man Hill is a beast out of the gates.  His pitching lines have been ridicules.  He clearly looks ready for High A but I assume they like having him at Fort Meyers for development.  I don't think I have seen a Twins first year teenager come close to what he is doing since I have been watching prospects.  Maybe Blyleven for a comp? Gotta say I thought he would slowly but surely be good, but not this good this early.  Looks like a "special" arm right now.

[Old Crow]

Any word on Peyton Eeles coming back any time soon?

 

[Seth Stohs]

5 hours ago, High heat said:

No there is not, the closes thing is probably Jair Camargo.   Carson McCusker is there best hitter but is 28 and an Indy ball signing.  He should be playing first base though.  

why should he play first base. Twins don't need a first baseman. They could use a right-handed bat though. 

[Doctor Wu]

I just saw that the Twins now have Richard Lovelady in the system, pitching in AAA. Not a bad pickup. He pitched fairly well for both Oakland and Tampa Bay in recent years. If nothing else, he might be good insurance for our bullpen. 

[Blyleven2011]

Thanks Seth....

Sad to see runners left on base , I guess just one of those days of squandering opportunities  ...

[High heat]

7 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

why should he play first base. Twins don't need a first baseman. They could use a right-handed bat though. 

Position versatility.  Doesnt play a good COF, the Twins have no 1B of the future ( immediate of long term) if Ty France goes down right now your looking at a lot of Mickey Gasper.  
 

Just believe if McCusker figured something out and the bat is real 1B is his best option to be a solid contributor short and long term. 

[LambchoP]

Dasan Hill and Connor Prelipp. Man, these guys got the stuff that's obvious. The question i think is, will they be able to remain starters. Right now they are dominating in short three inning appearances. I hope as they keep producing their innings limits rise and they both can remain starters, because is so, can you imagine both these guys in the rotation? It would be a new age Santana Liriano 1-2 lefty punch :). Just have to keep them healthy now 

[miracleb]

Which wrist for Keaschall....left or right?  (It would be nice if he could still built up his throwing arm strength.)

 

[rdehring]

Loved the report, Seth.

And what a night from those two lefties, eh?  My vote for pitcher of the day went to Prielipp because he allowed only one baserunner (walk) versus three from Hill.  But those K's from Hill sure looked dominant.  Plus of course, he (Prielipp) is from Tomah!

And Carpenter gets his start tonight.  Will the Twins parlay these three lefties into three exciting starters, say by 2027?

[tony&rodney]

13 hours ago, High heat said:

No there is not, the closes thing is probably Jair Camargo.   Carson McCusker is there best hitter but is 28 and an Indy ball signing.  He should be playing first base though.  

Maybe you should watch McCusker play a dozen or so times. He is a half year younger than Wallner. He is 26 years old. Their AAA numbers are about the same albeit in different sample sizes. McCusker is not exactly smooth in the outfield but is as good or better on the grass than Wallner. If signed out of Indy ball is a problem the Twins should let him go. Kansas City and a couple of other teams would put him in the lineup today.

Note - I'm not suggesting Carson over Matt, merely pointing out the similarities. I think the Twins could use McCusker right now. The problem is Falvey has put together an entire team who fit best at the DH slot: Jeffers, France, Miranda, Julien, Lewis, Keaschall, Larnach, Wallner, Bride, and Gasper. That leaves 2 reserve outfielders in Bader and Keirsey Jr., along with 2 utility players in Castro and Martin. Lee is fine at 3B, and Correa and Buxton are fine too. Vazquez looks pretty depleted at this point of his career. Also Tyler Fitzgerald is a decent shortstop should something happen to Correa. 

[Jeff K]

8 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

why should he play first base. Twins don't need a first baseman. They could use a right-handed bat though. 

Huh?  Who backs up first base in the bigs?  Clemens?

[jmlease1]

Appreciate the notation in the top 20 prospect lists where the guys were playing in Cedar Rapids. With several guys on the list all being infielders there it's nice to have a quick reference of which positions they were playing. (and happy to see Culpepper back after a short trip to the IL)

Cespedes is having a nice start to the season in his first taste of AA. That's nice to see. Olivar's power isn't really showing out that much yet, but he's hitting well and I think we'll start seeing more and more of those.

Happy for Preilipp that's he's healthy. Part of me thinks his destiny is still going to be in the bullpen, but I'd love to be wrong for him to be able to stick as a starter, because the stuff is for real. If he stays on the field, we will see him in AAA for sure this season.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, High heat said:

Position versatility.  Doesnt play a good COF, the Twins have no 1B of the future ( immediate of long term) if Ty France goes down right now your looking at a lot of Mickey Gasper.  
 

Just believe if McCusker figured something out and the bat is real 1B is his best option to be a solid contributor short and long term. 

You seem certain he can field grounders. Most players who struggle fielding flyballs have an even harder time with infield grounders.

[Linus]

3 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

You seem certain he can field grounders. Most players who struggle fielding flyballs have an even harder time with infield grounders.

This. I’m pretty sure the Twins have thought of having him take some grounders. There are posters who think every tall guy and / or every guy that is left handed should just become first baseman. 

[DJL44]

47 minutes ago, Jeff K said:

Huh?  Who backs up first base in the bigs?  Clemens?

Bride or Gasper

[High heat]

14 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

You seem certain he can field grounders. Most players who struggle fielding flyballs have an even harder time with infield grounders.

Nope I’m not sure he would be any good or usable at 1B. But if he was he would be much more usable and a clear path to the majors in the future.   Twins have a lot of corner outfield but nothing at 1B that was my suggestion for moving to 1B

[Jeff K]

18 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

Bride or Gasper

All of whom are end of the bench (at best) players.  

[DJL44]

27 minutes ago, High heat said:

Nope I’m not sure he would be any good or usable at 1B. But if he was he would be much more usable and a clear path to the majors in the future.   Twins have a lot of corner outfield but nothing at 1B that was my suggestion for moving to 1B

So you're telling the front office how to do their job when you don't even know if McCusker can field grounders. Got it.

[DJL44]

22 minutes ago, Jeff K said:

All of whom are end of the bench (at best) players.  

Ty France is a bench player. I'm not sure if there would be any dropoff at all if Bride had to play 1B for a couple weeks. Last season Bride was notably better than France.

[Mike Sixel]

10 hours ago, Seth Stohs said:

why should he play first base. Twins don't need a first baseman. They could use a right-handed bat though. 

? France is not even close to a league average hitting first baseman. They totally need one. 

[Jeff K]

On 4/27/2025 at 11:20 AM, DJL44 said:

Ty France is a bench player. I'm not sure if there would be any dropoff at all if Bride had to play 1B for a couple weeks. Last season Bride was notably better than France.

I like Bride thus far and his track record from 2024 is indicative that he can help and stay on the team.  He makes a good alternative to France so that the Twins are less dependant on him.