Twins Minor League Report (6/15): Rock Cats Rogers Rocks

I certainly hope all of the fathers out there had a wonderful Father’s Day! I hope that is the case even if you did watch the Twins/Tigers finale on Sunday afternoon. The Twins put on a very poor defensive display and fell to the Tigers by a score of 4-3.

The Florida State League All-Star game was on Saturday night, and the Midwest League All-Star game will be played on Tuesday. That means we may see some promotions soon. One important thing to watch on Monday is the start of Trevor May in Rochester. If he is pitching fairly well and only throws 50 pitches or so, consider it a sign.

On Sunday morning, Trevor Plouffe was put on the disabled list with a strained oblique muscle. Pedro Florimon was in Detroit in case that needed to happen.

Below you’ll find what happened in the Twins farm system on Sunday:

RED WINGS REPORT

Rochester 4, Lehigh Valley 5

Box Score

Doug Bernier led the Red Wings offense on Sunday. He went 3-4 with his 10^th double and three RBI. Josmil Pinto went 2-4 with his first AAA double of the year.

Kris Johnson went just 5.2 innings. He gave up three runs on five hits and three walks. He struck out three. Ryan Pressly then gave up two unearned runs on two hits in 2.1 innings. He struck out four without a walk. Michael Tonkin struck out two in a perfect ninth.

ROCK CATS REVIEW

New Britain 6, Trenton 2

Box Score

Taylor Rogers was my choice for Twins minor league starting pitcher of the year in 2013. After three poor starts at the beginning of the season, he has been quite good. On Sunday, the lefty threw a nine-inning, complete game for the win. He gave up two runs on six hits. He walked none and struck out two.

Reynaldo Rodriguez went 3-4. Brandon Waring went 1-2 with two walks and his 15^th double. Kennys Vargas went 1-3 with a walk and his 12^th home run.

MIRACLE MATTERS

Florida State League All-Star Break

KERNELS NUGGETS

Cedar Rapids 3, Burlington 13

Box Score

Coming into the season, the thought was that the Kernels offense would struggle, at least relative to the dominant 2013 lineup. However, the other belief was that the Kernels pitching would be able to help carry the team. What people forgot was that most of the hitters were older minor leaguers while the pitchers were generally very young. It should have been expected that there might be days like this.

Ethan Mildren started and gave up four runs on nine hits over 3.1 innings. Jared Wilson replaced him and was charged with three runs, one earned, on two hits in 1.2 innings. Alex Muren was next up, and he gave up four runs on five hits in 2.1 innings. Todd Van Steensel got the final five outs. He gave up two runs on three hits and a walk. He struck out four.

Chad Christensen went 2-4. Tanner Vavra went 1-2 with two walks and his fourth stolen base. Ryan Walker hit a two-run double.

TWINS DAILY PLAYERS OF THE DAY

Twins Daily Minor League Pitcher of the Day – Taylor Rogers, New Britain Rock Cats

Twins Daily Minor League Hitter of the Day – Doug Bernier, Rochester Red Wings

MONDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS

Pawtucket @ Rochester (6:05 CST) – Trevor May (Listen)

New Britain – No Game Scheduled (Listen)

Bradenton @ Ft. Myers (6:05) – Jason Wheeler (Listen)

Cedar Rapids – All Star Break (Listen)

Please feel free to ask any questions and discuss the Sunday games.

CEDAR RAPIDS / TWINS WEEKEND

Consider a trip to Cedar Rapids for the series against Clinton June 27-30. It is their Twins Weekend, and they have several fun events. Check out www.kernels.com for more information or to order tickets.

Friday, June 27

• Friday Mug Club Drink Special
  
• Autism Action Jersey Night - fans can bid on jerseys and take players' jerseys home that night.
  
• Halfway to Christmas - (Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer will be there)
  
• Post game fireworks
  
• Stadium Snow Globe giveaway
  

Saturday, June 28

• Twins Night - Rod Carew, Twins organist Sue Nelson and TC Bear will be there.
  
• Post game fireworks
  

Sunday, June 29

• Post game run the bases
  
• Autographs from Kernels on field after the game
  
• Play bingo for a chance to win Twins tickets
  

Interested in learning more about the Minnesota Twins' top prospects? Check out our comprehensive top prospects list that includes up-to-date stats, articles and videos about every prospect, scouting reports, and more!