Major League Baseball
Dallas Keuchel’s first start since June 2 was a bit bumpy as he allowed 3 earned runs on 6 hits and 3 walks before reaching his pitch count (79) after just 3 innings. While the performance wasn’t ideal, it is promising that he was able to throw as many pitches as he did. Hopefully his next start will require more innings to reach this number. Although he is currently 35 innings short of qualifying as a league leader, his 1.94 ERA is better than Clayton Kershaw’s MLB best 2.04. If he is able to stay healthy and efficient for the remainder of the season, he has plenty of time to qualify.
Former Hogs currently on Major League rosters:
Andrew Benintendi (Red Sox, drafted 2015), Mike Bolsinger (Blue Jays, 2010), Logan Forsythe (Dodgers, 2008), Craig Gentry (Orioles, 2006), Dallas Keuchel (Astros, 2009), James McCann (Tigers, 2011), Blake Parker (Angels, 2006), Matt Reynolds (Mets, 2012), Drew Smyly (Mariners, 2010)
Minor League Baseball
Brian Anderson now has two weeks of AAA baseball under his belt and he is proving his metal. Through 14 games Anderson has a .314 average with 3 home runs and 8 RBI. His suspect defense in college moved him around the diamond, but he has found a home at third base where he was ranked the best defensive infielder and awarded Minor League Player of the Year in the Marlins organization last season. He is poised for a late season call up when rosters expand in September.
An interesting story has emerged this season as Zack Cox made his way back into professional baseball after spending a year in an independent league. Cox was drafted in the first round in 2010 by the Cardinals and made it to AAA with two different organizations before being released at the start of the 2016 season. After spending last season in the American Association league hitting .290 with 30 doubles, 12 HR, and 64 RBI he was signed by the Tigers and invited to Spring Training to begin the 2017 season. He has been in AA all season and is hitting .281 in 61 games. For Cox, it has not been a lack of production that has kept him from advancing but rather a lack of opportunity. If he continues to hit he should eventually snag a spot on a Major League roster.
Dominic Ficociello’s second week of AAA was much more favorable than his first. He recorded 7 hits including a home run and 4 RBI over his past 6 games.
Over a 4 game span this week, Clark Eagan had 12 hits, 3 HR, and 9 RBI for the Single-A Pirates.
Andy Wilkins is enjoying recent success for the AA Twins. In his past 10 games he has 14 hits including 5 homeruns and 11 RBI.
Cannon Chadwick has yet to allow a run in professional baseball. He has thrown 14 innings over 8 appearances with 19 strikeouts to just 6 walks.
Former Hogs Minor League Breakdown:
AAA: 7
AA: 2
A/Rookie: 14