Minor League round up, July 25

No Arizona Complex League or Dominican Summer League games on Sunday, bet the San Francisco Giants four affiliates still played five games, thanks to a AAA doubleheader.

Let’s break down all the action.

Link to the 2021 McCovey Chronicles Community Prospect List

AAA Sacramento (30-40)

Sacramento River Cats split a doubleheader against the Tacoma Rainers (Mariners), losing Game 1 4-0 and winning Game 2 3-2
Game 1 box score
Game 2 box score

A split for Sacramento and, truthfully, a rather uninteresting one. There were same late game dramatics, however, with the River Cats taking after the Giants. Sacramento trailed the second game 2-0 heading into the sixth inning of a seven-inning game, and scored a run in the sixth and two in the seventh to eke out a win. Even so, 2 of those 3 runs came by way of an out, so it wasn’t the most exciting game in the world.

The River Cats only had 2 hits in the first game, though one of them was a double by shortstop Mauricio Dubón, who raised his OPS to .944. Center fielder Heliot Ramos (No. 3 CPL) drew 3 walks in the game, though he didn’t get on base in the second game. A bloop single remains Ramos’ only hit since getting promoted to AAA, but he’s drawn 6 walks to 5 strikeouts in 19 plate appearances. To put that in perspective, catcher Joey Bart (No. 2 CPL) has drawn 13 walks in 183 AAA plate appearances.

The offense was better in game 2, with 6 hits, including a pair each from right fielder Braden Bishop and second baseman Will Toffey. Bishop also had a triple, to raise his OPS to .879, while Toffey’s OPS grew to .882 with Sacramento, after having just a .709 OPS for the Mets’ AA team before the trade.

LHP Sam Selman and LHP Caleb Baragar both kept the Rainers off the board in their relief appearances to help Sacramento steal the win.

There were a few rehab assignments going on as Tommy La Stella and Jaylin Davis (No. 20 CPL) both started the first game. So did RHP Reyes Moronta, who allowed a walk but no runs in an inning of work.

AA Richmond (38-34)

Richmond Flying Squirrels lost to the Akron RubberDucks (Cleveland) 3-2
Box score

The Flying Squirrels mounted a late rally, scoring a run in the ninth inning, but it wasn’t quite enough, as they lost in a contest of uniquely named animals.

Richmond had 8 hits, but only a pair of extra-base hits: doubles from left fielder Vince Fernandez and right fielder Diego Rincones. Fernandez, second baseman Simon Whiteman, and third baseman Bryan Torres all had multi-hit games.

Third baseman Will Wilson (No. 10 CPL) went 0-4 with a strikeout hat trick. He has struggled since being promoted to AA but that happens. Center fielder Luis Alexander Basabe (No. 33 CPL) also went 0-4, and hasn’t been great since returning from injury. Doesn’t look like he’ll be joining the MLB outfield this year the way he did a year ago.

LHP Michael Plassmeyer gave up all 3 runs, but it was still a very nice start for him: he went 6.2 innings and allowed just 4 hits and 0 walks, while striking out 5. He threw 63 of 89 pitches for strikes.

High-A Eugene (41-30)

Eugene Emeralds beat the Hillsboro Hops (Diamondbacks) 6-5
Box score

It was an exciting game for Eugene, as they won on a walk-off 2-run double by first baseman Sean Roby (No. 32 CPL). Roby has had a slow season (.661 OPS) after earning a lot of praise at fall instructionals, but he’s had his fair share of big moments.

It was a balanced offensive game for Eugene, with 4 of their 7 hits going for extra bases, and 6 walks drawn. Third baseman Carter Aldrete reached base 3 times (2 singles and a walk) to raise his OPS to .736 and continue his hot July.

Designated hitter Tyler Flores drew a walk and hit a home run, as he tries to bring his OPS (.607) up.

It was a great day for the bullpen, following a rough start by RHP Conner Nurse (5.1 innings, 7 hits, 3 walks, 5 runs, 4 earned runs, 2 strikeouts. RHP Travis Perry, RHP Taylor Rashi, and LHP Chris Wright combined for 3.2 scoreless innings, with 1 hit and 0 walks allowed. Wright struck out 2 in a perfect inning, bringing his K total to 51 in 28 innings across two levels this year.

Low-A San Jose (46-26)

San Jose Giants beat the Stockton Ports (A’s) 11-6
Box score

A very strong offensive day for the Baby Giants, who had 11 hits (though just 1 home run, courtesy of right fielder Carter Williams), and 6 walks to just 6 strikeouts. And a lot of the team’s top prospects put in strong performances.

Center fielder Luis Matos (No. 5 CPL) and designated hitter Jairo Pomares (No. 14 CPL) both had 3-hit games, with the former adding a walk to raise his OPS to .808, and the latter having a pair of doubles to raise his OPS to 1.087.

Catcher Patrick Bailey (No. 8 CPL) came off the bench to draw a walk and hit a double, raising his OPS to .696. That’s not a nice number yet, but Bailey is starting to find his form after injuries and a few rough games.

RHP Carson Ragsdale had a strong performance, pitching 6 innings and allowing 6 hits, 0 walks, and 3 earned runs, while striking out 6. He now has 108 strikeouts to 29 walks in 66 innings, and I think the Giants are plenty fine with how that trade (he was acquired in exchange for Sam Coonrod) is turning out.

LHP Sammy Long began his rehab assignment and struck out 2 batters in 1 inning, while allowing 1 hit. Between his quick ascension through the ranks, and this rehab start for the team that’s closest to San Francisco, Long has now pitched for four different teams in the Giants organization this season. That’s impressive.

Marco Luciano (No. 1 CPL) missed another game due to shoulder soreness.

Home runs

High-A Tyler Flores (2)
High-A Nolan Dempsey (1)
Low-A Carter Williams (5)

News

A little bit of movement.

Monday schedule

Sacramento: @ Tacoma Rainers, 7:05 p.m. PT
Richmond: Off
Eugene: Off
San Jose: Off
ACL Orange: vs. Cubs
ACL Black: vs. Rockies
DSL Orange: vs. Mariners
DSL Black: vs. Brewers1