September 9, 2016

Weekly Wrap

September 9, 2016

by Will Haines

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With the minor league clubs battling for post-season glory, there’s been a few final moves to as teams adjust their rosters and players leave it all on the field. Let’s get to it!

On The Shelf

In this week’s biggest news, Ozzie Albies injured his right elbow in a bizarre self-inflicted foul tip. Early reports indicate no ligament damage, but at this point it’s clear he’ll miss the rest of the season. The Gwinnett Braves, in the middle of a post-season run, will certainly miss their star shortstop. With a full off-season of rest, Albies could be ready for the start of the 2017 season, and a likely debut in MLB once the Braves deem him ready.

After a bland season of starts at Triple-A Salt Lake, Angels left-hander Nate Smith has been shut down with tendinitis in his throwing elbow. Smith, who was perhaps looking at a call-up this month, dodged what could have been heavier news, when swirling rumors indicated that the elbow soreness Smith was suffering could require expansive surgery. At Salt Lake, Smith posted reasonable peripherals but exposed a continuous vulnerability to the long ball.

The diagnosis of a rotator cuff strain has been handed down to Ronnie Williams, a second round selection in 2014 in the Cardinals organization. After making the jump to Low-A Peoria, Williams delivered a solid campaign, dinged by homers at times, but overall flashed improved control and impressive strikeout potential. While a future in the pen likely lies ahead, St. Louis will give the youngster time to prove himself in the rotation - and so far, he’s made a positive impression.

Movin’ On Up

Notable in the rustle of smaller promotions set in motion by teams needing reinforcements for playoff runs is Dakota Hudson’s bump to Double-A. Drafted by the Cardinals in the first round of this season’s draft, the collegiate right-hander was always expected to be a fast-mover, but this arrival is still impressive. A brusque 13 innings pitched between Rookie ball and High-A showed Hudson’s impressive arsenal, and hitters were wildly overmatched.

Back In Action

Roman Quinn has rejoined the team at Double-A Reading after fully recovering from a concussion. The oft-injured prospect missed several weeks in the middle of summer with an oblique injury, but has impressed with his switch-hitting ability and lightning speed on the basepaths. Quinn has likely missed his shot at a call-up, but is back in time to aid the Reading Phillies’ playoff run.

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