Steve Lein

There were big time prospects on the mound at each of the upper levels of the Minnesota Twins system on Tuesday night, and another in the lowest level who may be giving them a run for their money so far in the 2021 season. It did not go remotely well for one of those top prospects however, while the other added to their legend. To find out all about those pitching performances and how the rest of your favorite Twins prospects fared in their games on Tuesday night, keep reading! TRANSACTIONS RHP Yennier Cano was promoted to the St. Paul Saints along with RHP Shaun Anderson being sent on a rehab assignment IF Will Holland was activated from the injured list for the Fort Myers Mighty Mussels. SAINTS SENTINEL Iowa 3, St. Paul 1 Box Score Those in attendance in St. Paul on Tuesday night were surely excited to watch top Twins pitching prospect Jhoan Duran take the mound. But they did not get to see much of him. That is because Duran was not able to find his control and was lifted from the game before escaping even the first inning. He threw 35 pitches in the inning, with just 15 of them going for strikes. In 2/3 of an inning, Duran was charged with two runs on two hits and three walks. Left-hander Bryan Sammons came on as sort of a piggy-backer, and flipped it around a bit for the Saints for the next 5 1/3, allowing just one run on a solo-homer while working around four walks. He struck out two. Shaun Anderson and Robinson Leyer combined to keep the Cubs off the board over the final three innings. The Saints offense was not able to muster much offense until the eighth inning, when they were able to string together two of their four hits and two of their three walks on the game to score one. The Saints actually outhit the cubs 4-3 on the game but weren’t able to overcome the initial struggles of Duran in the first inning. WIND SURGE WISDOM Springfield 4, Wichita 13 Box Score The Wind Surge used an endless barrage of hits, both the big and small variety, to pummel the Cardinals on Tuesday. Six hitters in their lineup had multiple hits on the day, four collected multiple RBI, and they got home runs from Jose Miranda, Caleb Hamilton, Andrew Bechtold, and Ernie De La Trinidad on the game. They put up crooked numbers in each of the first, third, fifth, sixth, and seventh innings on their way to the 13-4 win. Miranda's home run led off the game for home team, then Hamilton and Bechtold followed with theirs for the first three runs of the game, and omen for how the rest of it would unfold. In addition to the bats bludgeoning Springfield pitchers, Wichita starter Jordan Balazovic did the same to their lineup. As it was just his third start so far on the season, Balazovic is still very much on a pitch count, but did complete 4 1/3 innings, his longest outing so far. He struck out two in the first, the side in the third, two more in the fourth, and the lone batter he faced in the fifth to account for his 8 K's on the night. Of his 74 pitches, 47 went for strikes (64%) with nine of the swing and miss variety. He held the Cardinals to just two hits and a walk in the outing. Calvin Faucher was the first reliever summoned and he went the next 1 1/3 innings. He completed the snapper mow-em-down inning with two K's of his own in the fifth, but then ran into some trouble in the sixth. In all he allowed three runs on three hits (including two home runs) and a walk, while striking out three. Jhonleider Salinas came one with two outs in the sixth and walked a pair of batters to load the bases, but got a fly out to end any further threat. Hector Lujan then went the next two innings, allowing a solo home run, but struck out three. Alex Phillips finished the game for the Wind Surge with a scoreless ninth, allowing one hit and striking out two. KERNELS NUGGETS South Bend 9, Cedar Rapids 4 Box Score Kernel’s starter Kody Funderburk retired the first six hitters he faced in this one, including three via strikeout, but it went a much different way in the third inning. When it was all said and done Funderburk would be charged with eight earned runs in 2 1/3 innings pitched. He allowed those runs six hits and two walks and Cedar Rapids would be unable to recover. The offense did manage to score single runs in four different innings, but never got a big hit or inning together to close the gap. Seth Gray was 2-for-5 with two RBI. Max Smith hit a solo blast and finished 2-for-4 with two runs scored. Gabriel Maciel was 2-for-4 with a run scored. Reliever Melvi Acosta picked up the pieces in the third and finished 1 2/3 innings, allowing one run on two hits while striking out two. Zach Featherstone and Tyler Watson combined for four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and one walk between them, while striking out seven. Shortstop Daniel Ozoria then got in on the action to finish the game for the Kernels, striking out one in a one-two-three ninth. MUSSEL MATTERS Lakeland 2, Fort Myers 1 Box Score It was a good old fashioned pitcher’s duel at Hammond Stadium Tuesday night with both starters and bullpens trading zeroes for the first nine innings. For the Mighty Mussels it was Louie Varland on the bump to start and he was once again great, lowering his ERA on the season to 1.99. He went the first 5 2/3 innings, scattering three hits and two walks along with striking out seven. Matthew Swain got the home team through the eighth inning with 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He allowed one hit, walked one, and struck out three. Osiris German pitched a scoreless ninth, striking out two, and was back out for the tenth with a runner starting on second base. A sac bunt put the go-ahead run 90 feet away, but German buckled down and struck out the next two hitters to give his home team a chance in the bottom half. After a sacrifice bunt and two intentional walks to load the bases, Aaron Sabato stepped into the batter’s box, and swung at the first pitch he saw, grounding into an inning-ending double play. Juan Pichardo was summoned for the 11th inning but had some trouble locating the strike zone. After a fielder’s choice got the runner out at third, a hit batter and two consecutive walks scored the first run of the game. The Flying Tigers added a sac fly and headed to the bottom of the inning up 2-0. Fort Myers was able to score one a Misael Urbina RBI single, but that would be all. The teams combined to go just 2-for-21 with runners in scoring position and left 17 men on base for the game. Yunior Severino (2-for-5) and Urbina (3-for-5, RBI, K) had the bulk of Fort Myers’ seven hits on the game, Will Holland added a double. Edouard Julien drew three walks out of the leadoff spot (one intentional in the 10th) and his on-base percentage for the season is still near .500. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Jordan Balazovic, Wichita Wind Surge (4 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K) Hitter of the Day – Jose Miranda, Wichita Wind Surge (3-for-6, R, HR, 3 RBI, K) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – 2-for-3 #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 0-for-3, 2 K #4 - Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota) – Did not play #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 2 H, 3 BB #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – 4 1/3 IP, 2 H, BB, 8 K #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Fort Myers) – Injured List (concussion) #8 - Aaron Sabato (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, R, BB, 3 K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Out for Season (Tommy John surgery) #11 - Gilberto Celestino (Minnesota) – Did not play #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – 0-for-3, RBI, BB, K #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – Injured List (wrist sprain) #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 3-for-5, RBI, K #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – Did not pitch #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (Minnesota) – 0-for-3, K #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 3-for-6, R, HR, 3 RBI, K #20 - Bailey Ober (Minnesota) – Did not pitch WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Iowa @ St. Paul (7:05PM CST) – RHP Chandler Shepherd (1-2, 8.10 ERA) Springfield @ Wichita (7:05PM CST) – RHP Austin Schulfer (1-3, 5.28 ERA) South Bend @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) – RHP Jon Olsen (0-3, 4.91 ERA) Lakeland @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) – RHP Sean Mooney (0-1, 0.57 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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Change-up has definitely been known as his best pitch, but I wouldn't classify him as a "soft-tosser," especially for a lefty. He was 92-94 in this one when I was paying attention. 55 of his 93 pitches in the game went for strikes (59%), which isn't a great percentage, but he's kept his walk rate in decent territory so far this year. It's hard to find plus command in the minors anywhere. The one Twins prospect who has it is Bailey Ober.

As Seth mentions, the 40-man plays a big role here. If his chance is going to come, it's likely a situation where the others aren't available and the Twins need a body. But that can easily change as the season goes on and he keeps this up as well.

I have been a huge fan of Hackimer, so much so I'm actually surprised they didn't have more of a leash for him to work through anything. That said, he had been...not good...since his promotion to the Saints. Release also odd in that he was just promoted not that long ago. Moran and Cano have been awesome! Said weeks ago after watching Cano that he needs to be in triple-A. They both should be pushed, and soon!

Well, this is depressing ? Same way the Twins lost Burdi, no? He'd still be a definite add for me.

In minor league action on Tuesday night, Minnesota Twins affiliates had a couple of their best performing starting pitchers taking the mound, a season debut for another, and the major league team’s MVP beginning a rehab assignment. To find out how all your favorite Minnesota Twins prospects performed in Tuesday night’s series opening games, keep reading! TRANSACTIONS The Minnesota Twins optioned CF Gilberto Celestino and outrighted RHP Juan Minaya to the Saints. Byron Buxton was activated for his rehab assignment, and RHP Tom Hackimer was released. RHP Cody Laweryson was activated for the Cedar Rapids Kernels. SAINTS SENTINEL Omaha 1, St. Paul 4 Box Score The story on the east side of the Twin Cities on Tuesday was the start of a rehab assignment for Byron Buxton. He did not disappoint, finishing the night 2-for-3 with a walk and a triple that tells me he’s feeling pretty good: The other notable performance, and a continuation of his season thus far, was that of starting pitcher Charlie Barnes. He went six innings and allowed just one run on three hits and two walks, while striking out seven. He has yet to allow more than three runs in an outing this season and it was his third straight going six-plus innings. His ERA on the year so far is a fantastic 2.20. This one was a slow-burn until the later innings when the Saints finally got on the board in the seventh thanks to Daniel Descalso’s first home run of the year. Then in the eighth the home team tacked on three more thanks to a two-RBI single from Sherman Johnson, and an RBI…groundout I guess, but the play was a lot cooler than that sounds: Barnes was relieved by Ian Hamilton who went two scoreless innings. He walked one and struck out four. Danny Coulombe came on for the save opportunity and delivered a one-two-three inning, striking out two. Buxton and Drew Maggi (2-for-4, RBI, K, SB) had multiple hits for the offense. Brent Rooker was 1-for-2 with a run scored and two walks. The Saints moved to above .500 with the win. WIND SURGE WISDOM Wichita 3, Tulsa 8 Box Score The Wind Surge scored single runs in each of the first three innings, but unfortunately that would be it for the game and their bullpen would fall apart late. Those three runs came courtesy of an Ernie De La Trinidad RBI single in the first, Caleb Hamilton’s third home run of the season in the second, and an RBI double from Trinidad in the third. Wichita Starter Josh Winder kept his team in front for the first five inning, ending his outing in line for the win. He allowed two earned runs on six hits and a walk and tying a career high with nine strikeouts. He threw 88 pitches, with 58 going for strikes (66%) including 18 swinging. The only negative was he allowed two home runs. Alex Phillips delivered a scoreless sixth inning in relief but surrendered a three-run home run in the seventh. In his two innings he gave up two hits, walked one, and struck out two. Ryan Mason pitched the eighth inning but allowed three runs of his own, though his defense failed him. A double-play grounder was misplayed by Jermaine Palacios at short which was followed by a two-run double and RBI groundout to account for the final score. Mason walked two and struck out one. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 4, Beloit 5 Box Score The Kernels scored four runs in the third inning as Spencer Steer and Wander Javier popped home runs that made the score 4-1. Steer’s fifth of the season was a three-run shot, and Javier’s second of the year a solo blast. Starting pitcher Cody Laweryson, making his first appearance of the season, was solid for the first four innings. He allowed just one run on two hits and two walks, and struck out four. Tyler Watson went the next two innings and at least kept his team in front. He allowed two runs on two hits and two walks. He struck out two. Owen Griffith came on for the seventh inning and delivered a one-two-three frame, striking out two. Back out for the eighth he ran into a bunch of trouble and before it was done the Snappers had taken the lead 5-4. He struck out three in his two innings but also allowed two runs on two hits and a walk. Cedar Rapids was unable to muster any other offense outside the third inning and collected just six hits as a team. They had only three at-bats with runners in scoring position and left only five men on base for the game. Michael Helman and Trey Cabbage added doubles to the effort. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers 7, Jupiter 4 Box Score Righthander Sawyer Gipson-Long got the start for Fort Myers looking to continue trending in the right direction so far on the season. It was a bit of rubber band outing for him, however. The Hammerheads got to him for a pair of runs in the first inning as a one-out walk was followed by consecutive run-scoring doubles for an early Jupiter lead. He settled down after that and retired eight in a row, including six on strikeouts to get to the fifth inning. That is when Jupiter was able to string together two singles and a double to plate two more and take the lead back 4-3. In all, Gipson-Long finished five innings, allowing those four runs on six hits and two walks, while striking out nine. The Mighty Mussels tied the game at two in the top of the second as cashed in on an error when Justin Washington delivered a two-out two-RBI double. They would take the lead 3-2 in the fifth on a bases-loaded walk with Misael Urbina at the plate but could not get a big hit to extend that further. They got another opportunity with bases loaded in the seventh, and Fort Myers took advantage this time thanks to another error and five walks to plate four runs. Ruben Santana delivered an RBI single to cap off that scoring as the Mussels took a 7-4 lead. Lefthander Denny Bentley was the first reliever summoned and in his two innings was electric. He struck out the side in the sixth and the first two in the seventh before a double and a walk started a threat for Jupiter. He quickly shut it down with another K to end the frame and his appearance. Next up was Osiris German and he kept the trend going, delivering a one-two-three eighth inning, striking out two. Back out for the ninth he made it interesting with a couple two-out walks, but picked up his second K of the inning to end the game and pick up the save. In all, Saints pitchers struck out 19 hitters on the game. Keoni Cavaco (2-for-5, R, 2 K) was the only batter with multiple hits. Jeferson Morales and Misael Urbina each drew two walks and scored a run. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Charlie Barnes, St. Paul Saints (6 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 7 K) Hitter of the Day – Ernie De La Trinidad, Wichita Wind Surge (3-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – 1-for-1 (PR for Rob Refsnyder) #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 2-for-4, 2 R, K #4 - Ryan Jeffers (Minnesota) – 2-for-4, 2 RBI, K #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – Did not pitch #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – Did not pitch #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Fort Myers) – 2-for-5, R, 2 K #8 - Aaron Sabato (Fort Myers) – 1-for-5, R, K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Injured List (right elbow strain - to have Tommy John surgery) #11 - Gilberto Celestino (St. Paul) – Did not play #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – 1-for-2, R, 2 BB #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – Injured List (wrist sprain) #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 0-for-3, R, 2 BB, K #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – Did not pitch #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (Minnesota) – Did not play #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 0-for-4 #20 - Bailey Ober (Minnesota) – Did not pitch WEDNESDAY'S PROBABLE STARTERS Omaha @ St. Paul (7:05PM CST) – RHP Kenta Maeda (rehab), Jhoan Duran (0-1, 3.27 ERA) to follow Wichita @ Tulsa (12:05PM CST) – RHP Cole Sands (0-0, 3.42 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Beloit (6:35PM CST) – LHP Kody Funderburk (0-1, 1.57 ERA) Fort Myers @ Jupiter (11:00AM CST) – RHP Louie Varland (3-1, 3.15 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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I'm a little disappointed, with all the BBQ you ate, that Jack Stack's wasn't one of the spots! ?

You're not the only one ? While I know most of the names, with the no 2020 minor league season we're seeing/hearing about a lot of them for the first time this year. A lot of the Fort Myers players were 18/19 rookie league guys in 2019, or didn't even play that year for whatever reason. It'll be a lot of fun getting to know them better as this year goes along though!

In minor league action on Tuesday night the St. Paul Saints were rained out in Louisville, but each of the other three affiliates came away with a win. Two of those games were nail-biters with pitchers finding ways to limit runs for each team, and the third was not decided until late with a clutch home run. To find out how all your favorite Minnesota Twins prospects fared in Tuesday’s action, keep reading! TRANSACTIONS • In triple-A the Saints were assigned 2B Sherman Johnson from Wichita, and in a corresponding move OF Mark Contreras was sent back to the Wind Surge. • The Wichita Wind Surge also were assigned IF Yeltsin Encarnacion from Cedar Rapids. SAINTS SENTINEL St. Paul @ Louisville, PPD The Saints series opening matchup with the Louisville Bats was postponed due to rain on Tuesday. WIND SURGE WISDOM Arkansas 1, Wichita 2 Box Score Chris Vallimont got the start for the Wind Surge on Tuesday and he would go the first four innings. While he limited the damage on the scoreboard, he ran up a high pitch count with 75 pitches in those four innings, with just 39 going for strikes (52%). Vallimont allowed only one run by scattering five hits and three walks. He struck out three. The Wind Surge got the first run of the game in the second inning on a Caleb Hamilton double that scored Andrew Bechtold, who had led off the frame with a double of his own. They scratched their second run across in the third after a one-out walk, single to move the runner to third, and a grounder off the bat of Mark Contreras where he beat out the double-play throw to first to allow the run to score. Contreras was a standout in the game for other reasons, as he also stole his first three bases of the 2021 season. Jose Miranda hit his sixth double of the season, and newcomer B.J. Boyd also had two hits, a walk, and scored a run. In relief of Vallimont the Wind Surge got five innings of scoreless relief from the trio of Hector Lujan (W, 2.2 IP, 3 H, 3 K), Alex Phillips (H, 1.1 IP, BB, 2 K, and a trip over himself on the mound he hopes not many people were watching ?), and Brandon Koch (1.0 IP, K) who picked up his first save. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 7, Fort Wayne 4 Box Score The Kernels offense struck first in this one courtesy of catcher Jair Camargo. He launched his fourth home run of the season in the second inning, a two-run shot for the early lead. Fort Wayne got those runs back in the bottom of the third against Cedar Rapids starter Tyler Beck, who had worked around some baserunners in his first two innings. The TinCaps finally broke through after a hit batter to lead off the inning was followed by an RBI double and later a run-scoring single. Beck would finish just three innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks, while striking out two. He threw 62 pitches, with 35 going for strikes. He was relieved by righthander Ryan Shreve who went the next 2 1/3 innings, delivering a “Snapper Mow-em Down” inning in the fourth with three K’s. A leadoff walk in the fifth was followed by a throwing error on a steal attempt that allowed the runner to advance to third. Shreve buckled in and struck out the next two hitters, but a double would bring in the run for a 3-2 TinCaps lead before he finished the inning. Shreve would strike out another batter to start the sixth, but another walk would end his day. In all Shreve allowed one run on one hit, two walks, and struck out six. The Kernels lineup came up with some scoring threats in the middle innings, but it took until the sixth before they got back on the scoreboard. A pair of walks put ducks on the pond, and a two-out two-run single from Max Smith put Cedar Rapids back out front 4-3. With one out in the bottom half of the sixth, Jordan Gore was summoned from the bullpen and would go the next 2 1/3. Though he walked four batters, he was able to work out of some jams and limited Fort Wayne to just one run. He struck out three. In the top of the ninth with the score tied at four the Kernels, and specifically Trey Cabbage, took advantage of a hit-by-pitch and walk when Cabbage clubbed his fourth home run of the season to put them out front 7-4. It was a big blast in a big spot with two outs: Righthander Jonathan Cheshire would close it out for Cedar Rapids, getting a one-two-three inning in the bottom of the ninth. In 1 1/3 Cheshire struck out two and picked up his first win of the year. The box score for this one reads a little weird, with the teams combining for eleven runs on just eleven hits. Walks played a large part as Kernels hitters drew ten free passes and the TinCaps drew eight. Cabbage (2-for-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K) and Max Smith (2-for-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K) had multiple hits for Cedar Rapids. MUSSEL MATTERS St. Lucie 0, Fort Myers 1 Box Score In Fort Myers fans were treated to a good old fashioned pitching duel, with both staff’s limiting their opponents to just two hits through six innings. Righthander Regi Grace made the start for the Mighty Mussels and would go the first 4 1/3. He allowed just one hit but surrendered four free passes, including two in the fifth, that would lead to the end of his day. He struck out three and threw 66 pitches on the night, with 42 going for strikes. He was relieved by Matthew Swain who went the next 2 2/3, keeping the Mets scoreless by allowing just one hit, one walk, and striking out six of the 11 hitters he faced. Fort Myers would finally breakthrough in the bottom of the seventh, but it took an odd play to do so. With the bases loaded and one out, Willie Joe Garry Jr. hit a grounder to second that got the run in, but thinking better of trying to turn two on the speedster, the shortstop caught Yunior Severino rounding third a bit too far instead. His throw to third got Severino trapped in a rundown that ended the inning. It was enough for the Mighty Mussels. Juan Pichardo was summoned from the bullpen for the eighth inning and would finish the game for Fort Myers, picking up his first save on the year in the process. He walked one and struck out three in his two innings. Though the final score was 1-0 in the Mussels favor, it could have easily gone the other way. They had three errors on the game and gave the Mets plenty of baserunners in comparison, but the pitchers found a way. St. Lucie was 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and left 11 men on base for the game, compared to Fort Myers going only 0-for-3 and leaving four men on. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Matthew Swain, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (2.2 IP, H, BB, 6 K) Hitter of the Day – Trey Cabbage, Cedar Rapids Kernels (2-for-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – 2-for-5, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 1-for-2, K #4 - Ryan Jeffers (St. Paul) – No game, PPD #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – No game, PPD #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – Injured List (back) #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Fort Myers) – 0-for-3, BB, K #8 - Aaron Sabato (Fort Myers) – 1-for-3, BB, K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Injured List (right elbow strain) #11 - Gilberto Celestino (St. Paul) – No game, PPD #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – No game, PPD #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – Injured List (wrist sprain) #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4 #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – Did not pitch #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (Minnesota) – 0-for-2, 2 K #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 1-for-4, 2B #20 - Bailey Ober (St. Paul) – No game, PPD WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS St. Paul @ Louisville (6:00PM CST) – LHP Charlie Barnes (2-0, 3.05 ERA) Arkansas @ Wichita (7:05PM CST) – RHP Austin Schulfer (1-2, 5.31 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Fort Wayne (6:05PM CST) – LHP Kody Funderburk (0-0, 0.98 ERA) St. Lucie @ Fort Myers (6:00PM CST) – RHP Sawyer Gipson-Long (1-2, 9.64 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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Agree, it's almost like he's turned into a completely different player. He was a slugger at Auburn, broke Frank Thomas' RBI record I believe. No homers yet this year, but a big OPS driven by that on-base percentage. He's not a huge guy by any means, but also not what you think of for a burner type player either.

Minnesota Twins Affiliates took out some frustration on their opponents on Tuesday night to the combined score of 39-8 in their three wins on the evening. Much of that damage was thanks to eight home runs from some big sluggers, and men on base all night as they also drew 32 walks to go along with 42 total hits on the night. A top pitching prospect also made his return to the minors after his MLB debut. So keep reading to find out just how crazy the night was for your favorite Twins prospects! TRANSACTIONS Minor League Gold Glove OF Mark Contreras was promoted to St. Paul from Wichita In Fort Myers recent free agent signing OF Justin Washington was assigned from the GCL Twins, 3B Wander Valdez was sent back to the GCL Twins roster, and SS Ruben Santana was activated from the disabled list. SAINTS SENTINEL St. Paul 17, Iowa 6 Box Score The Saints took advantage of some wildness from double-A’s 2019 strikeout king, Corey Abbott to jump out to an early lead. They got to the Cubs prospect for six runs in the first two innings, with a three-run Tomas Telis homer doing the bulk of that damage. They would tack on four more in the fourth after an RBI double from Ben Rortvedt was followed by another three-run blast, this one off the bat of JT Riddle, his first with the Saints. In all St. Paul hitters mashed seven hits (five for extra bases) and drew five walks against Abbott, taking full advantage of the extra baserunners and opportunities they were given. As far as the Saints starting pitcher went, it was Bailey Ober’s first appearance since making his MLB debut, and he dazzled. In five innings he allowed just one earned run on four hits, striking out five. It was good for his first win of the 2021 season. While watching the game the opposing broadcast’s announcer was excited to see Abbott on the mound, but Ober was the one who left a mark on him. “I’m very impressed so far with Bailey Ober. You understand why he posts zeroes so often [and] can see why he is tough to pick up. Six-foot-nine, long reach, and hides the ball very well.” With the big lead Ober’s day was done after just seventy pitches, with Ian Hamilton coming on for the sixth. Hamilton was hitting high 90’s with his fastball in his inning and struck out two. Robinson Leyer delivered two scoreless frames, allowing one hit and striking out one. Another RBI double from Ben Rortvedt and RBI single from Jimmy Kerrigan added a few more runs in the sixth, then Ryan Jeffers and Brent Rooker added insult to injury with home runs in the seventh and ninth innings, respectively. Jeffers was a three-run no-doubter, and Rooker’s a two-run blast to dead center that made the score 17-1. They were the fourth home run of the season for each player. Tom Hackimer would come on for the ninth but made the game last quite a bit longer than it should have. The bases were loaded before he recorded an out, then he was not able to finish it off. In all, Hackimer allowed 5 runs on three hits, four walks, and a hit batter. St. Paul was forced to go to Andrew Vasquez for the final out, and he made sure it went as quick as possible, getting a strikeout to end the game. WIND SURGE WISDOM Springfield 7, Wichita 2 Box Score Unlike the rest of their affiliate brethren, the Wind Surge were unable to pile on the runs on Tuesday, falling to the Cardinals in Wichita. Starter Bryan Sammons went the first four innings and surrendered all the damage Springfield would need as their pitchers allowed just six hits and three walks to Wichita’s lineup. In total he allowed four earned runs on five hits and a pair of walks in his time. While he struck out six, three of his hits allowed were home runs. Dakota Chalmers came on for the fifth and went two innings. He allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits (including a homer of his own) while striking out two. Jonathan Cheshire was the only Wind Surge pitcher without a blemish, pitching a scoreless seventh, though he did walk two. Hector Lujan finished the final two frames, allowing a solo home run and striking out one. Jermaine Palacios led the way hitting for Wichita with a 2-for-4 night. Andrew Bechtold hit his first home run of the season, a solo shot in the fourth. Jose Miranda contributed an RBI single in the third. As a team the Wind Surge had just three at-bats with runners in scoring position and left only five men on base. KERNELS NUGGETS Wisconsin 2, Cedar Rapids 9 Box Score Cedar Rapids slugger Seth Gray put the Kernels on the board early with a two-run blast in the first. He and Michael Helman would add to that lead in the third with a pair of RBI doubles, Helman’s of the 2-run variety for a 5-0 lead after three. Starter Tyler Beck ran into some trouble in the top of the fourth, allowing a run to score after three singles and a walk, and exiting with the bases loaded. In all he went 3 1/3, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks. He struck out four. Jordan Gore came on and allowed one inherited runner to score on a groundout but would stop the bleeding there by picking up a strikeout. He would add a scoreless fifth inning and add another K to his ledger. Lefty Tyler Watson would keep Cedar Rapids out front three scoreless innings. He scattered one hit and two walks while striking out three. The Kernels bats went pretty silent for the middle innings, but in the seventh Spencer Steer woke them up again with a leadoff double. Wander Javier drove him in with a single that was misplayed by the center fielder and allowed another runner to score that made it 7-2. Leobaldo Cabrera’s first home as a Twins prospect would make it 9-2 after eight. Lefty Zach Featherstone would finish the game for Cedar Rapids with three strikeouts in the ninth around a walk. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers 13, Lakeland 0 Box Score After losing four in a row to the Tampa Tarpons by a combined score of 53-13, the Mighty Mussels have unleashed some frustration the past two games. In the final game of their series with the Tarpons they won 9-3 and were even more impressive in the opening tilt with the Flying Tigers. Fort Myers also got the scoring started early in this one courtesy of a slugger, in their case Aaron Sabato. His first inning home run was his second of the season and gave them the early 2-0 lead. They added another run in the second after loading the bases on a Misael Urbina sac fly but were just getting started. Starter Brent Headrick went the first five innings and was dominant. He threw just 67 pitches (43 for strikes), allowing only two singles and one walk while striking out five to pick up his second win of the season. Juan Pichardo went the next two scoreless innings, walking one and striking out two. Matthew Swain would finish the shutout for the Saints going the final two innings. He allowed one hit, a walk, and struck out two. The Mighty Mussels broke the game open in the top of the sixth with quite a bit of help from Lakeland pitchers. Consecutive singles were followed by two four-pitch walks to score the first run of the inning. After a strikeout of Sabato another four-pitch walk scored another run before the bullpen was summoned for the Flying Tigers. It was greeted by a Kyle Schmidt double on their first pitch, scoring two more. Then two more walks, an RBI single from Anthony Prato, and a 2-run double from Edouard Julien would push Fort Myers’ lead to 11-0 before the inning was over. They would add a few more in the top of the ninth on a Yunior Severino two-run single for the final of 13-0. In all the Mighty Mussels racked up fourteen (!) walks and twelve hits against Flying Tigers pitching. Julien (2-for-3, 3 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, 2 BB, 2 K), Schmidt (3-for-4, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI), and Prato (2-for-4, 2 R, RBI) had multiple hits. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Brent Headrick, Fort Myers Mighty Mussels (W, 5.0 IP, 2 H, BB, 5 K) Hitter of the Day – Tomas Telis, St. Paul Saints (4-for-6, 3 R, 2B, HR, 3 RBI) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – 2-for-4, 2 2B, RBI, K #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 0-for-3, 2 K #4 - Ryan Jeffers (St. Paul) – 2-for-5, 3 R, HR, BB, 2 K #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – Did not pitch #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – Injured List (back) #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Fort Myers) – Did not play #8 - Aaron Sabato (Fort Myers) – 1-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBI, 3 BB, 2 K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #11 - Gilberto Celestino (Wichita) – 0-for-3, BB #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – 2-for-6, R, HR, 3 RBI, K #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – Did not play #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, R, 2 RBI, BB, 2 K #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – Did not pitch #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (St. Paul) – 2-for-5, 2 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 1-for-3, RBI #20 - Bailey Ober (St. Paul) – W, 5.0 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 5 K WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS St. Paul @ Iowa (12:08PM CST) – LHP Charlie Barnes (1-0, 3.95 ERA) Springfield @ Wichita (7:05PM CST) – RHP Cole Sands (0-0, 3.00 ERA) Wisconsin @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) – LHP Kody Funderburk (0-0, 1.32 ERA) Fort Myers @ Tampa (5:30PM CST) – RHP Regi Grace (1-0, 4.50 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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Minnesota Twins affiliates all scored first in their respective games on Tuesday night, but only two of them were able to hold onto those leads thanks to standout performances from a few players. A top pitching prospect set a career high in strikeouts and a hitter had his first multi-home run game in Cedar Rapids, and multiple hitters in Fort Myers stood out in an all-around team effort. To find out how all of your favorite Twins prospects and teams performed on Tuesday night, keep reading! TRANSACTIONS The Minnesota Twins recalled pitchers Cody Stashak and Bailey Ober, with the latter making his MLB debut filling in for Michael Pineda. Pitcher Jhoan Duran was activated from the disabled list with the St. Paul Saints. Reliever Glenn Sparkman was released. In double-A RHP Chris Vallimont was activated from the disabled list and RHP Brandon Koch was assigned to Wichita from Cedar Rapids. Catcher Nick Garland was assigned to the Mighty Mussels from the Wind Surge, and LHP Zarion Sharpe was assigned from the GCL Twins and made his 2021 debut in their game. SAINTS SENTINEL Indianapolis 7, St. Paul 3 Box Score The Saints would strike first in opening frame, as Nick Gordon led off the bottom of the first with a single and would score on a Brent Rooker groundout for a 1-0 lead. The Indians were quick to get those back, and more however, in the second and third innings against starter Griffin Jax. They got four in the second and three in the third to take a 7-1 lead. Despite that, Jax did settle in and finish five innings. In all he allowed seven earned runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out five. Ian Hamilton and Danny Coulombe each pitched two scoreless innings to finish the game. Coulombe struck out five of the eight hitters he faced. While St. Paul was only outhit 11-10, they only managed one extra-base-hit and were 1-for-6 with runners in scoring position. Indianapolis on the other hand got three doubles and were 4-for-4 in run-scoring situations. Gordon (2-for-2, R), Tomas Telis (2-for-3, BB), and Keon Broxton (2-for-4, R, 2B, K, SB) had multiple hit nights. Gordon was removed from the game in the fourth inning though no reason was given at the time of this writing. WIND SURGE WISDOM Wichita 3, Tulsa 12 Box Score While the Wind Surge jumped out to a 2-0 lead after the top of the first thanks to RBI doubles from Jose Miranda and Mark Contreras, the Drillers were quick to punch a hole into their hopes in this one. They got to starter Austin Schulfer for eight runs in the bottom of the third and never looked back, adding two more runs in each of the fourth and sixth innings for final score of 12-3. Schulfer finished 2 2/3, allowing those eight runs (7 earned) on seven hits and two walks. He struck out two. The worst part about that big inning, was all eight runs scored after there were two outs and only a runner on first base. Dakota Chalmers went the next 2 1/3, allowing a two-run homer in the fourth. He walked two and struck out two. Calvin Faucher pitched the sixth and seventh innings and allowed the final two runs on two hits and a walk while striking out two. Hector Lujan finished the game for Wichita with a scoreless inning. Coming into the game the Wind Surge lineup was leading the league in batting average but managed just six hits in this one. They were just 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left nine men on base. Second baseman Peter Mooney went 2-for-5 in the losing effort and Jermaine Palacios’ eleven game hitting streak to open the season came to an end. KERNELS NUGGETS Beloit 2, Cedar Rapids 4 Box Score Starting pitcher Blayne Enlow was a standout in this one, as he delivered perhaps one of the best starts of his career for the Kernels to pick up his first win of the season. While it was only 5 2/3 innings, he set a new career high for strikeouts in a game with 10. He allowed just one earned run on three hits and three walks. In the outing he threw 83 pitches (52 for strikes) and got 15 swings and misses. Catcher Jair Camargo would give Enlow and the rest of the Cedar Rapids pitchers all the run support they would need on his own, as he delivered the first multi-home-run game of his career, both solo shots. The first came in the bottom of the second to give the Kernels a 1-0 lead, and the second came in the sixth to make it 4-1. In between his blasts Matt Wallner and Michael Helman also delivered solo home runs, accounting for all the home team’s scoring. Wallner’s was his third of the season, Helman’s his second. Camargo would finish the game 3-for-4, and Spencer Steer (2-for-4, 2B, K) and Gabe Snyder (2-for-4, K) would also collect multiple hits. Jordan Gore came on in relief of Enlow in the sixth and would go the next 2 1/3. The former infielder allowed one run on three hits while striking out four and displaying mid-90’s velocity on the mound. Owen Griffith came on for the ninth and made it a little interesting with a pair of walks to start the inning, but Camargo helped him out by picking off one of those runners at first base for the first out (his second pickoff of the game). He would settle down and get a strikeout and easy ground ball to record his first save of the year. MUSSEL MATTERS Fort Myers 8, Tampa 2 Box Score Fort Myers scored almost immediately as consecutive singles from Misael Urbina and Edouard Julien led off the game. Urbina would score on a double-play grounder from Keoni Cavaco for a 1-0 lead after three hitters. It would remain that way until the top of the fifth when the Mighty Mussels took advantage of three walks and three RBI singles from Anthony Prato, Urbina, and Julien to make it 4-0. Charles Mack would add another tally in the sixth with his first home run of season. Righthander Regi Grace made the start for Fort Myers and held the Tampa lineup scoreless in his five innings. He allowed one hit, walked three, and struck out five. He threw 74 pitches with 44 of them going for strikes (59.5%), including 11 swinging. Two of those free passes came in his final inning as he neared his pitch limit. The Tarpons finally got on the board when the Mighty Mussels bullpen was summoned for the sixth. Zarion Sharpe was the pitcher, and he actually got three outs before a run was scored, but because the third out came on a wild-pitch strikeout the inning was extended. What followed was an RBI double and RBI single before Ryan Shreve was summoned to get the fourth out and end the threat. Shreve would go the next two innings in addition, allowing one hit, walking two, and striking out two. Osiris German would finish the game with a scoreless ninth, striking out one. Fort Myers would tack on more runs in the final two innings, with Willie Joe Garry Jr delivering a run scoring single in the eighth, and Kyle Schmidt a two-RBI double in the ninth. There were multi-hit efforts from Urbina (2-for-5, R, RBI, 2 K), Julien (4-for-4, R RBI, BB, 3 SB), and Prato (2-for-5, R, RBI, K). All hitters in the lineup except Cavaco scored a run in this one and they drew nine walks in addition to their 11 hits. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Blayne Enlow, Cedar Rapids Kernels (W, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K) Hitter of the Day – Jair Camargo, Cedar Rapids Kernels (3-for-4, 2 HR (2), K) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – Injured List (wrist) #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 1-for-3, K #4 - Ryan Jeffers (St. Paul) – 0-for-4, K #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – Did not pitch #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – Injured List (back) #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, BB, 2 K #8 - Aaron Sabato (Fort Myers) – 0-for-4, R, 3 K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – W, 5.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 10 K #11 - Gilberto Celestino (Wichita) – 0-for-4, R, BB #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – 0-for-4, SF, 2 RBI, 2 K #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-4, HR (3), K #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 2-for-5, R, RBI, 2 K #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – Did not pitch #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (Minnesota) – 1-for-3 #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 1-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, K #20 - Bailey Ober (Minnesota) – 4.0 IP, 5 H, 4 ER, BB, 4 K (MLB debut) WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Indianapolis @ St. Paul (7:05PM CST) – RHP Chandler Shepherd (0-1, 9.82 ERA) Wichita @ Tulsa (12:05PM CST) – RHP Josh Winder (1-0, 1.17 ERA) Beloit @ Cedar Rapids (6:35PM CST) – RHP Tyler Beck (1-0, 1.17 ERA) Fort Myers @ Tampa (5:30PM CST) – LHP Brent Headrick (1-0, 1.13 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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Watched him pitch that game. He actually struck out the last guy before that immaculate inning on three pitches as well, so got 4 hitters in a row on 12 pitches. Then he struck out the first two hitters to start the next inning on 4 pitches each... Since I'm counting, that was 6 consecutive K's needing only 20 pitches. It was unquestionable dominance.

Some good info on your questions at these links as well: https://blogs.fangraphs.com/top-39-prospects-minnesota-twins/ http://m.mlb.com/prospects/2018/?list=int

This is an ongoing criticism of mine for Baldelli. Absolutely has a "rule book" that he sticks too, even though it keeps failing him over and over. Playoffs last year were the prime example. The starters never should have been pulled when they were, no matter what this stupid book says. Throw it in the burning dumpster with everything else.

I mentioned this in my long paragraph about his outing. The RBI single he gave up on his first pitch was routine groundball, if the shortstop was in his normal position. Second ball in play was a dribbler to short that Palacios misplayed about 10 feet into the grass, I don't think he would have got an out if fielded cleanly. The third was a swinging bunt in no-mans land in front of Cano and Hamilton that neither could get to in time. Then the 4th BIP was a lazy fly ball to center for his last out. So no, there was not any form of good contact against him. Yes, signed out of Cuba in 2019, was highly ranked for international signees at the time, but had some form of issue that pushed his signing out of the normal period.

I can't emphasize enough how dominant he looked last night. The Broadcast team mentioned him hitting 96 MPH on a fastball, the highest reading they had seen in the game. He was also throwing something with good arm-side run and sink in addition to a sweeping slider. 6 straight K's, needing only 20 pitches. You can't really get any better than that and his swinging strike rate was 44%... (for some context, Josh Hader leads the majors in SwStr% from a reliever at 23.3% right now).

Completely agree with everything said here from what I saw. Cano is also on my list of players I think could debut this season: Moran was pretty good as well. He got quite a few swings and misses too and was the second time I've watched him pitch this year. Has gone 1+ innings each of his outings, at least 3 K's in all. In 6 IP he has 10 K's, and more importantly, only 1 BB thus far.

Three of the Minnesota Twins affiliates had their home openers on Tuesday night, and there were varying levels of significance for each. The St. Paul Saints were having their first as a major league affiliate, the Wichita Wind Surge their first ever as a team and in a brand-new stadium, and Fort Myers their first at Hammond Stadium as the Mighty Mussels. Unfortunately, any positive vibes from those circumstances were not on anyone’s side in the system this night. Keep reading to find out how all your favorite prospects fared on a night you would hope there would be more reasons to celebrate, but I at least think there’s a bullpen arm in double-A the Twins should check out. TRANSACTIONS There was a flurry of transactions in the system before Tuesday’s games with the Saints needing reinforcements. The Minnesota Twins optioned infielder Nick Gordon to St. Paul with the activation of Luis Arraez from the IL. Zander Wiel (quad strain), Tzu-Wei Lin (oblique strain), and Drew Maggi all were placed on the IL in triple-A. To take their places, infielders Damek Tomscha from double-A, Yeltsin Encarnacion from high-A, and Daniel Ozaria from low-A were assigned to the Saints. In Fort Myers OF Misael Urbina was assigned to the Mighty Mussels. SAINTS SENTINEL Iowa 11, St. Paul 1 Box Score The St. Paul Saints and CHS Field christened their first home opener as a Twins affiliate…with a dud when it came to the game. The lineup was no-hit for 7 2/3 innings before Tomas Telis came through with a solo home run to put their first hit and run as an affiliate on the board at their beautiful stadium. JT Riddle added a single in the ninth, but that was it for the offense. They had just one plate appearance with a runner in scoring position and left only three men on base for the game. On the other hand, the Iowa Cubs also lit up Saint’s pitchers, including Randy Dobnak, for 11 runs on 12 hits and eight walks, though they did manage to collect nine strikeouts. Dobnak especially had some trouble, walking five compared to just one strikeout on the game. He went 4 1/3 innings, allowing five earned runs on four hits and the free passes. Ian Hamilton allowed two runs on two hits and two walks in his inning of work, striking out three. Juan Minaya surrendered four runs on five hits in 1 2/3, striking out four. Danny Coulombe was the only one who came out unscathed, allowing one hit and one walk in two innings. He struck out one. Tomorrow’s starter against the cubs is RHP Griffin Jax, and Twins Daily’s David Youngs got to talk some baseball and business shop with him earlier this week. Youngs also spent opening night at CHS Field, reporting on the positives that were present outside the game's result. WIND SURGE WISDOM Amarillo 3, Wichita 2 Box Score The starting pitchers for both the Sod Poodles and Wind Surge traded zeroes for the first three innings, but the visitors got to Cole Sands of Wichita first in their inaugural home opener with 2-run single in the top of the fourth. Sands’ night was done after finishing that inning, allowing those two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out five. He threw 85 pitches, with 51 of them going for strikes (60.7%). Caleb Hamilton and Ray Morales answered with back-to-back RBI singles in the bottom of the fourth to tie it at two and the bullpens would take over after that. Left-hander Jovani Moran was the first up for the Wind Surge, and he went the next 2 2/3 innings, striking out three along the way. He was removed for Yennier Cano with a runner on second in the seventh and would be charged a run as Cano’s first pitch was weakly grounded through a big hole on the left side with a shift on. But after that Cano was the story as I watched this one on MiLB.tv. He struck out the next batter on three pitches, all swinging, and that trend would continue in the eighth as he tacked on an “immaculate inning” with three more strikeouts on nine pitches. Back out for the ninth, Cano got two more strikeouts on four pitches each, so if you are counting that was six punchouts on just 20 pitches, including a stretch of four straight on the minimum number of pitches possible. While I simultaneously watched the Minnesota Twins bullpen implode yet again, Cano was beyond impressive. He looked intimidating on the mound, had big life on his mid-90’s fastball, a slider with bite, and got swings and misses on nearly everything. The only contact he gave up was that weak RBI groundball through the vacated shortstop spot on his first pitch, a dribbling chopper ruled an error on the shortstop (don’t think he could have got the out anyway), and a swinging bunt in no-mans land in front of him that the catcher couldn’t get quick enough to get an out. Call him up right now (only slightly kidding): The Wind Surge went on to threaten in the ninth, getting the tying run on second base with two outs, but an incredibly bad strike three call with Jermaine Palacios in the batter’s box ended the game in the loss column for the home team in their inaugural season’s home opener. It was a great crowd given the circumstances, with nearly 8,000 in attendance, and I’ll forgive them for doing “the wave” that the broadcasters opined had been going on for a period of time that I will say is longer than it ever should. KERNELS NUGGETS Cedar Rapids 5, Quad Cities 12 Box Score Cedar Rapids jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the second after Jair Camargo led off the inning with a double, scored on a Wander Javier single, then Gabe Snyder hit a solo home run. Quad Cities answered with three runs in the bottom of the third, and another in the fourth against Kernel’s starter Ben Gross. The righthander would finish five innings on the game, allowing four runs (3 ER) on five hits while striking out five. Down 4-2 in the top of the fifth the Kernels were able to tie it up at four thanks to a two-run home run from Seth Gray, his first of the year. The River Bandits would get those back, and more, against reliever Zach Featherstone in the sixth, however. A pair of walks, a single, 2-RBI double, and 2-RBI triple would make it 8-4 Quad Cities before Tyler Palm was summoned and stopped the bleeding but would be roughed up for four runs himself in the eighth after walking the bases loaded with no outs. Jonathan Cheshire would record the final out of the game for Cedar Rapids with a strikeout. In the top of the ninth Gabe Snyder clubbed his second home run of the game to account for the Kernels fifth run but it was far from enough. Camargo (2-for-4, R, 2B, K) and Snyder (2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K) were the only batters with multiple hits. MUSSEL MATTERS Clearwater 10, Fort Myers 2 Box Score The Mighty Mussels got on the board first in this one when Keoni Cavaco launched his first home run of the 2021 season, a two-run shot for the early lead. It left his bat at 103.9 MPH with a launch angle of 29 degrees and certainly made "that sound": Starter Hunter McMahon allowed just two hits through his first four innings but ran into trouble quickly in the fifth. A double, RBI triple, and RBI single put an end to his night after 63 pitches (45 for strikes). In total he would be charged with three earned runs on five hits. He struck out three. Casey Legumina came on in relief and allowed one inherited runner to score on a double before striking out two in a scoreless sixth. He would allow two runs of his own in the seventh after a pair of walks was followed by a double. He finished 2 2/3 innings and allowed the two runs on three hits and two walks while striking out four. Matthew Swain pitched a scoreless eighth inning but got lit up in the ninth for five runs, including two home runs. Reliever Juan Pichardo would get the final two outs, including a K. The Fort Myers lineup was unable to get anything going after Cavaco’s blast and would finish the game with just five hits, were 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and left 8 men on base. Max Smith, Anthony Prato, and Willie Joe Garry Jr. each had a stolen base in the loss. 2020 first round pick Aaron Sabato continued the strange start to his season with a pair of walks and a pair of strikeouts. TWINS DAILY MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS OF THE DAY Pitcher of the Day – Yennier Cano, Wichita Wind Surge (2.1 IP, 2 H, 6 K’s, 27 pitches, 23 strikes/12 swinging) Hitter of the Day – Gabe Snyder, Cedar Rapids Kernels (2-for-4, 2 R, 2 HR, 2 RBI, K) PROSPECT SUMMARY Here’s a look at how the Twins Daily Top 20 Twins Prospects performed: #1 - Alex Kirilloff (Minnesota) – Injured List (wrist) #2 - Royce Lewis (Rehab) - Out for Season (torn ACL) #3 - Trevor Larnach (Minnesota) – 0-for-2, R, BB #4 - Ryan Jeffers (St. Paul) – 0-for-4, K #5 - Jhoan Duran (St. Paul) – Did not pitch #6 - Jordan Balazovic (Wichita) – Injured List (back) #7 - Keoni Cavaco (Ft. Myers) – 1-for-4, R HR, 2 RBI, K #8 - Aaron Sabato (Ft. Myers) – 0-for-2, 2 BB, 2 K #9 - Matt Canterino (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #10 - Blayne Enlow (Cedar Rapids) – Did not pitch #11 - Gilberto Celestino (Wichita) – 1-for-4, R, BB, 2 K #12 - Brent Rooker (St. Paul) – 0-for-3, BB #13 - Matt Wallner (Cedar Rapids) – 1-for-4, 2B, 3 K #14 - Misael Urbina (Fort Myers) – 0-for-1, K (pinch-hit appearance) #15 - Cole Sands (Wichita) – 4.0 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 5 K #16 - Edwar Colina (Rehab) - 60-Day IL (elbow) #17 - Ben Rortvedt (Minnesota) – 0-for-1, HBP, RBI, K #18 - Alerick Soularie (Complex) – N/A #19 - Jose Miranda (Wichita) – 3-for-5, K #20 - Bailey Ober (St. Paul) – Did not pitch WEDNESDAY’S PROBABLE STARTERS Iowa @ St. Paul (7:05PM CST) – RHP Griffin Jax (0-0, 1.80 ERA) Amarillo @ Wichita (7:05PM CST) – RHP Austin Schulfer (0-0, 36.00 ERA) Cedar Rapids @ Quad Cities (6:30PM CST) – RHP Blayne Enlow (0-1, 2.25 ERA) Clearwater @ Fort Myers (5:05PM CST) – RHP Regi Grace (0-0, 1.93 ERA) Please feel free to ask questions and discuss Tuesday’s games! 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