July 15, 2016

Weekly Wrap

July 15, 2016

by Will Haines

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With the Future’s Game and various All-Star games stealing the spotlight, it’s been a fairly quiet week in the world of minor league transactions. Let’s get to it!

On The Shelf

Yankees outfield prospect Aaron Judge has caught a tough break after suffering a mild PCL sprain and bone bruise on his left knee after attempting a diving catch in right field. He’s expected to miss three to four weeks of playing time, and possibly more if the Yankees decide to take every precaution. In his 83 games at Triple-A, Judge has posted a .261/.357/.469 slashline with a 23.2 percent strikeout rate, his lowest since a stint at Low-A two years ago.

Cody Reed (yes, the Arizona one) has hit the DL with an undisclosed injury. Mysterious ailment aside, Reed’s velocity had taken a steep drop this season, and in his last start before this stint, his fastball was sitting 85-87. Yikes.

Dylan Cease was pulled from a game after suffering an undisclosed injury. The young pitcher has impressed thus far with his high-90s fastball and developing curve.

Movin’ On Up

After a dominant stretch in Low-A Wisconsin, the Brewers promoted Marcos Diplan to High-A Brevard County. Diplan came into this season attempting to prove that he can maintain a starter’s workload despite his slim build and smallish frame, and has certainly made his case, posting a 1.80 ERA with a 11.4 K/9 in 70 innings.

The Cardinals have promoted Carson Kelly to Triple-A Memphis after his bat finally came alive at the Double-A level. Kelly, a former third baseman, has impressed defensively after he switched to catcher in 2014, but struggled to hit at the plate. A dismal campaign at High-A Palm Beach in 2015 sunk his prospect stock, but a resounding .287 average at Double-A has provided a resurgence for the up-and-coming catcher. With Yadier Molina continuing to age, Kelly has the inside track on the catcher position, but he’ll need to continue his progress at Triple-A to earn an extended look at the major league level.

Matt Thaiss, the Angels’ first round selection 2016, has quickly arrived in Low-A Burlington after checking all the boxes in the Pioneer League. The first baseman is expected to move fairly quickly through the lower rungs of the minors, and could reach Double-A as early as May of next year.

The Royals have promoted Raul Mondesi to Triple-A Omaha after the young shortstop continued his decent campaign at Double-A.In his 29 games at that level, he hit five home runs with 17 SBs and only a single CS.

Back In Action

Jesse Winker has completed his rehab program and has officially returned to Triple-A Louisville, where he’ll look to pick up where he left off. A wrist injury sidelined Winker for a full month, interrupting his progress at Triple-A.

Will Haines is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @cubstruction
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