Twins Minor League Report (6/26): Austin Martin Returns with a Leadoff Blast for St. Paul

[Matthew Taylor]

Image courtesy of Ed Bailey, Wichita Wind Surge (Photo of C.J. Culpepper)

TRANSACTIONS
C Diego Cartaya transferred to development list (St. Paul)
CF Austin Martin activated from injured list (St. Paul)
RHP Angel Macuare released (Wichita)

SAINTS SENTINEL
Louisville 4, St. Paul 2
Box Score
Trent Baker: 5 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 3 K
HR: Martin (1)
Multi-hit games: Austin Martin (2-for-3, HR, 1 RBI), Aaron Sabato (3-for-4, 2 2B, 1 RBI), Carson McCusker (2-for-4)
After getting rained out yesterday, the Saints were back in action today against the Louisville Bats and former Twins prospect Chase Petty. The headline coming into the game was the return of Austin Martin, who had been out since May 6. He wasted no time making an impact, launching the first pitch he saw over the left-field wall for a leadoff home run. He later added a single in the fifth inning.

Aaron Sabato continued his hot streak with the Saints, going 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and an RBI. He extended his hitting streak to nine games and boosted his OPS in St. Paul to 1.044.

St. Paul had nine hits but went just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position, plating only two runs on the day, one each from Martin and Sabato.

On the mound, the Saints went with a piggyback approach between Trent Baker and Travis Adams. Baker allowed two earned runs across five innings, walking two and striking out three. Adams allowed two more runs over the final four frames, walking three and striking out five.

WIND SURGE WISDOM
Wichita 5, Springfield 0
Box Score
C.J. Culpepper: 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
HR: Kyler Fedko (14)
Multi-hit games: Kyler Fedko (2-for-4, HR, RBI)
Wichita shut out Springfield for the second time in three games to win their third straight and improve to 40-32 overall and 3-0 to start the second half. Twins Daily's No. 14 prospect C.J. Culpepper delivered four strong innings in the start, allowing three hits and no runs. His one strikeout was a season-low, but he induced weak contact throughout his outing.

Kyler Fedko led the way at the plate, launching his 14th home run of the year, tops on the Wind Surge, and adding another hit to finish 2-for-4 with an RBI.

Yesterday’s hero Kala’i Rosario kept his momentum going with a bases-clearing double in the third inning, giving him 43 RBI on the year, most on the team. He later came around to score on a Ricardo Olivar RBI single.

Kaelen Culpepper was held hitless, but flashed the leather with a highlight-reel play at shortstop, showing why the organization believes in his long-term defensive upside. Top prospect Walker Jenkins had the day off as the team monitors his workload in his return from injury. The Wind Surge have won seven straight games at home, tying the most consecutive home victories in franchise history (2021).

KERNELS NUGGETS
Game vs. South Bend – Suspended
Box Score
The Kernels' game was postponed due to inclement weather after just three innings of play. They trailed 5-0 when play was halted, with Tanner Hall allowing six hits, four walks, and five earned runs over those three innings. The game will be resumed Friday at 5:35 PM, followed by a scheduled seven-inning game afterward.

MUSSEL MATTERS
Fort Myers 12, Tampa 7
Box Score
Adrian Bohorquez: 4 1/3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 2 BB, 4 K
HR: None
Multi-hit games: Bryan Acuña (2-for-4, 2 RBI), Caleb McNeely (2-for-3, 2 RBI)
The Mighty Mussels erupted for 12 runs in a blowout win over Tampa. Leading the charge was Bryan Acuña, who tallied two hits, two RBI, and an eye-popping four stolen bases. The team as a whole swiped 10 bags, overwhelming Tampa’s battery all night. Caleb McNeely added a 2-for-3 night with a pair of RBI, and the offense took full advantage of wild Tampa pitching to extend their winning streak to two.

Adrian Bohorquez started strong on the mound, but lost command in the fifth and exited after allowing three earned runs over 4 1/3 innings.

COMPLEX CHRONICLES
FCL Braves 7, FCL Twins 6 (10 innings)
Box Score
The FCL Twins let a late lead slip away, falling in extra innings after entering the ninth with a 6-3 advantage. Anderson Ramos struggled to shut the door, allowing three runs via walks, wild pitches, and defensive miscues, including a passed ball.

The Braves pushed across the go-ahead run in the top of the 10th with a sacrifice fly, and the Twins couldn’t answer in their half of the inning. Daiber De Los Santos had a strong day at the plate with two doubles in a multi-hit effort, while catcher Carlos Silva contributed two RBI.

DOMINICAN DAILIES
DSL Cardinals 7, DSL Twins 4
Box Score
The DSL Twins dropped another one to the Cardinals despite a promising start from Eli Urena, who tossed three shutout innings. The game unraveled in the middle innings when Marlon Mirabal surrendered seven hits and four runs across three rough frames, pushing his ERA to 9.53.

The defense didn’t help matters, committing five errors. At the plate, the DSL Twins were quiet aside from Aaron Salazar, who went 2-for-3 and collected the only hits of the day for the team.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY
Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – C.J. Culpepper, Wichita (4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K)
Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Austin Martin, St. Paul (2-for-3, HR, 1 RBI)

PROSPECT SUMMARY
Check out the Prospect Tracker for much more on our Twins Top 20 prospects, which was recently updated!

#4 – Kaelen Culpepper (Wichita) - 0-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K
#9 – Brandon Winokur (Cedar Rapids) - 0-1
#10 – Kyle DeBarge (Cedar Rapids) - 0-1
#12 – Billy Amick (Cedar Rapids) - 0-1
#14 – C.J. Culpepper (Wichita) - 4 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K
#18 – Ricardo Olivar (Wichita) - 1-4, 1 RBI
#19 – Danny De Andrade (Cedar Rapids) - 0-1
#20 – Payton Eeles (St. Paul) - 0-4, 2 K

FRIDAY'S PROBABLE STARTERS
Louisville @ St. Paul (7:07 PM) - RHP Cory Lewis
Springfield @ Wichita (7:05 PM) - RHP Connor Prielipp
South Bend @ Cedar Rapids (5:35 PM for resumed game, 7-inning game to follow) - RHP Jose Olivares (for 7-inning game)
Fort Myers @ Tampa (5:30 PM) - RHP Dylan Questad
FCL Braves @ FCL Twins (11:00 AM) - TBD
DSL Twins @ DSL Tigers (10:00 AM) - TBD

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

 

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[FlyingFinn]

K. Culpepper playing great D is the best thing I read today though the other Culpepper pitching great was 2nd.

[Doctor Wu]

1 hour ago, FlyingFinn said:

K. Culpepper playing great D is the best thing I read today though the other Culpepper pitching great was 2nd.

The double Culpepper highlights were fun stuff indeed, but I also loved seeing Austin Martin smack the homer. A great way to come back!

[jmlease1]

Nice to see Martin back and doing well out the gate. He was playing really well before getting hurt and would have almost certainly gotten a call-up if he'd hadn't gone on the injury list. Bummer for him to miss that window, but hopefully he can pick up where he left off. Looking forward to seeing where he's at in a month or so after he gets some ABs back under him.

Sabato has been a pleasant surprise this season and he's continued his hot hitting in AAA. Good for him! Nice to see him make people pay attention to him again. The next leap is a big one, but he's gone from being seen as a bust to a possibility again.

Bohorquez has the stuff to be an interesting pitcher, but he's got to improve his command, because the walks are unsustainable. But he's still pretty young, and it's usually the last thing that comes together. Would like to see him get to a point where he earns the promotion to Cedar Rapids, rather than get there on scholarship.

[Five minute major]

Aaron Sabato is as hot as anybody in MILB.  What do the Twins have to lose.   No need to hold onto Jonah Bride.

 

[FlyingFinn]

39 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Sabato has been a pleasant surprise this season and he's continued his hot hitting in AAA.

The Twins tanking probably would really help Sabato get a legitimate chance. They would probably call him up for the last month or two if he continued hitting like this, to see what he can do. Otherwise, if the Twins are in the race for the wild card, other than an injury to France, I don't see any way Sabato gets more than a McCusker like chance. And then, do the Twins really not sign anyone in the offseason and trust Sabato at 1B next year. I don't think so.

[Jeff K]

50 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Nice to see Martin back and doing well out the gate. He was playing really well before getting hurt and would have almost certainly gotten a call-up if he'd hadn't gone on the injury list. Bummer for him to miss that window, but hopefully he can pick up where he left off. Looking forward to seeing where he's at in a month or so after he gets some ABs back under him.

Sabato has been a pleasant surprise this season and he's continued his hot hitting in AAA. Good for him! Nice to see him make people pay attention to him again. The next leap is a big one, but he's gone from being seen as a bust to a possibility again.

Bohorquez has the stuff to be an interesting pitcher, but he's got to improve his command, because the walks are unsustainable. But he's still pretty young, and it's usually the last thing that comes together. Would like to see him get to a point where he earns the promotion to Cedar Rapids, rather than get there on scholarship.

I am hopeful that Martin is called back up in the next week to 10 days.

[DJL44]

1 hour ago, jmlease1 said:

Nice to see Martin back and doing well out the gate. He was playing really well before getting hurt and would have almost certainly gotten a call-up if he'd hadn't gone on the injury list. Bummer for him to miss that window, but hopefully he can pick up where he left off. Looking forward to seeing where he's at in a month or so after he gets some ABs back under him.

That window is WIDE open. They should swap Martin for Keirsey ASAP. They certainly don't need to wait a month.

[DJL44]

51 minutes ago, Five minute major said:

Aaron Sabato is as hot as anybody in MILB.  What do the Twins have to lose.   No need to hold onto Jonah Bride.

So you want Sabato to sit on the bench, rarely play and occasionally pitch in blowouts?

[jmlease1]

1 minute ago, DJL44 said:

So you want Sabato to sit on the bench, rarely play and occasionally pitch in blowouts?

lol. It is the issue, isn't it? But Sabato has had a good start at AAA, following promotion from AA where he finally put together a good half season. He's still got a lot more failure on his record than success, and I'd think the Twins will want to see more to show this isn't just a small sample size success in AAA.

That said, I tend to agree that if Martin can keep hitting for another few weeks he should get some real consideration to come up and replace Kiersey (since he can pinch run, play OF, and might actually be able to get a hit). Much as I don't think Bride deserves a spot on the roster, I think he hangs on until Lewis is back. I think it's a mistake, but Twins management would prefer to keep a crappy player on the end of the bench than lose the depth.

[Tibs]

Sabato late bloomer?

[DJL44]

4 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Sabato has had a good start at AAA, following promotion from AA where he finally put together a good half season. He's still got a lot more failure on his record than success, and I'd think the Twins will want to see more to show this isn't just a small sample size success in AAA.

That said, I tend to agree that if Martin can keep hitting for another few weeks he should get some real consideration to come up and replace Kiersey (since he can pinch run, play OF, and might actually be able to get a hit). 

Agree on Sabato. Give him the rest of the year at AAA.

Martin has already shown more at the MLB level than Keirsey. They don't need to wait a few weeks. They can make that move like an injury rehab - 5 games and he's up.

[rdehring]

Great seeing what Martin and Sabato are doing of late.  Is Martin's role on this team replacing Castro, if/when he is traded at the deadline?  Very similar abilities. 

As for Sabato, expect like many of you I had forgotten about him.  Somewhat amazing that he moves up to AAA and keeps hitting as he had been.  Could he be someone who took time, but still could become a good major league player?

Always concerned when I don't see Jenkins in the lineup.  Thanks for the mention why.  And tonight is the night that Prielipp is back on the hill.  Here's hoping for a great outing.

[LambchoP]

If Martin proves he is healthy he should immediately replace the automatic out that is Keirsey. Next we just have to replace Bride with someone who can hit....

[DJL44]

5 minutes ago, rdehring said:

Is Martin's role on this team replacing Castro, if/when he is traded at the deadline?

No, that's Keaschall's role.

[rdehring]

4 minutes ago, DJL44 said:

No, that's Keaschall's role.

Hear you DJL and haven't even thought about that.  On the other hand, I am hopeful that Keaschall is a starter with a fixed position.  Say second base.

[terrydactyls]

Fort Meyers stole 10 bases?  Hope some of that speed makes to the Twins.

[Major League Ready]

Good to see Martin back.  He was good out of the gates this year and picked up where he left off.

Sabato?  It's only been 11 games at AAA but he has been better than AA.  His wRC+ is 1.044 now.  I don't know what to think but I am loving it.  I was so down on him it seems like a gift.  If they don't make a run soon, and he keeps this up through July, do we see France traded and Sabato getting a shot after the deadline?  He would have a total of 150-175 PAs in AAA around the deadline.

[jmlease1]

7 minutes ago, Major League Ready said:

Good to see Martin back.  He was good out of the gates this year and picked up where he left off.

Sabato?  It's only been 11 games at AAA but he has been better than AA.  His wRC+ is 1.044 now.  I don't know what to think but I am loving it.  I was so down on him it seems like a gift.  If they don't make a run soon, and he keeps this up through July, do we see France traded and Sabato getting a shot after the deadline?  He would have a total of 150-175 PAs in AAA around the deadline.

While I don't think that would be a crazy decision...I doubt France gets dealt to open up a spot for Sabato, and the team seems to really like France. (I'm less enthusiastic; he's been fine for what we paid, but he's a below average regular. But this organization is so snakebit from late season injuries that they simply won't shed a veteran player, and they've been uninterested in clearing space for a rookie to take a shot in the past) But I would love Sabato to keep hitting and force the issue. 

It's a great story right now: high draft pick who struggled early, got labeled a bust, was written off by almost everyone, now on the cusp of realizing the dream of being an MLB player? Let's hope he realizes it by playing so well in AAA that they have to promote him. 

(things have been so negative around here lately, it almost feels like some people would prefer that Sabato collapse, because then they wouldn't be able to point to Sabato as a failed pick by the front office...)

[AKTwinsFan]

I can't wait till he gets a shot again. With his bat to ball skills he can be a good addition to the lineup. 

[Major League Ready]

18 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

While I don't think that would be a crazy decision...I doubt France gets dealt to open up a spot for Sabato, and the team seems to really like France. (I'm less enthusiastic; he's been fine for what we paid, but he's a below average regular. But this organization is so snakebit from late season injuries that they simply won't shed a veteran player, and they've been uninterested in clearing space for a rookie to take a shot in the past) But I would love Sabato to keep hitting and force the issue. 

It's a great story right now: high draft pick who struggled early, got labeled a bust, was written off by almost everyone, now on the cusp of realizing the dream of being an MLB player? Let's hope he realizes it by playing so well in AAA that they have to promote him. 

(things have been so negative around here lately, it almost feels like some people would prefer that Sabato collapse, because then they wouldn't be able to point to Sabato as a failed pick by the front office...)

I agree on replacing France.  That's why I qualified with "if they don't make a run soon".  It makes perfect sense to move an expiring contract and give a prospect a chance if we are out of the race.

[Ghost of Kirby Puckett]

1 hour ago, rdehring said:

Great seeing what Martin and Sabato are doing of late.  Is Martin's role on this team replacing Castro, if/when he is traded at the deadline?  Very similar abilities. 

As for Sabato, expect like many of you I had forgotten about him.  Somewhat amazing that he moves up to AAA and keeps hitting as he had been.  Could he be someone who took time, but still could become a good major league player?

Always concerned when I don't see Jenkins in the lineup.  Thanks for the mention why.  And tonight is the night that Prielipp is back on the hill.  Here's hoping for a great outing.

Sabato is the classic case of a guy who was listening to way too much noise and information between the ears, internally and externally. Simplify. Everything. Presto. 

[Doctor Gast]

Martin was really needed at 2B to begin the season with his getting on base, being a terror, & the fire that this team really needs. If he was placed there he might not have gotten hurt in CF. Martin is still needed there at this capacity, but he needs some time at AAA to be 100%, I wouldn't rush him especially not sending him to steal home shortly after his return like they did last time.

Keirsey hasn't gotten any regular ABs all year except for his short stint at AAA. Send him down to AAA & keep him there until he's primed to face MLB pitchers. Twins have really screwed his hitting development.

[DocBauer]

Granted the IL is considered an offense geared division, but it's still AAA and a step above AA. Sabato has been a massive disappointment as a prospect and might be lucky to have even been brought back this year. But he is such a completely different player this season that it's hard to ignore.

If he keeps mashing at AAA, when do we accept the fact he may simply be a late bloomer who's figured it out? 

Asking for a friend who's team has a perpetual hole at 1B.

[AceWrigley]

3 hours ago, Tibs said:

Sabato late bloomer?

Yes. He worked very hard on his swing and approach to hitting last winter and looks more athletic this year with really good swing choices and it's showing up in the results. This is the type of work and success that gets you promoted so we'll see what happens.

[NYCTK]

2 hours ago, Doctor Gast said:

keep him there until he's primed to face MLB pitchers. Twins have really screwed his hitting development.

So...forever. 

I think the Twins development sucks, but Twins haven't screwed up his development at all. He's taken over 2000 plate appearances in the minors, including over 600 in AAA. Put simply, his development was screwed up by way of not having enough talent.

Fun Fact: DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is currently the worst hitter in Minnesota Twins franchise history, including only players with a minimum 80 plate appearances and excluding pitchers.

[AceWrigley]

1 hour ago, NYCTK said:

Fun Fact: DaShawn Keirsey Jr. is currently the worst hitter in Minnesota Twins franchise history, including only players with a minimum 80 plate appearances and excluding pitchers.

Ouch.