May 25, 2017
Minor League Update
Games of May 24th
by Steve Givarz
Hitter of the Day:
Austin Hays, OF, Baltimore Orioles (High-A, Frederick): 3-8, 3 R, 3 HR, 3 RBI, K (DH)
The 2016 third-rounder displays average tools across the board and could be a sum of his parts average regular, as he gets the most out of his tools.
Pitcher of the Day:
Justin Maese, RHP, Toronto Blue Jays (Low-A, Lansing): 7 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 12 K
There were a lot of pitchers I could’ve included for this, but I am a sucker for strikeouts so I chose Maese. Armed with a fastball that routinely elicits plus grades in movement and velocity, Maese, he looks to be settling in so far after a few rough outings to start his first full pro season.
Other Notable Performances:
Jake Rogers, C, Houston Astros (High-A, Buies Creek): 3-3, 2 R, 2B, 2 HR, 2 RBI
New city, same results. Welcome to High-A Jake, runners are also faster here so let’s see how good that defense is.
Monte Harrison, OF, Milwaukee Brewers (Low-A, Wisconsin): 2-5, R, 2B, 3 RBI, 2 K
We all love tools, Craig included. Monte is full of them, but injuries have stalled his development. Once on the field, there aren’t many players who can impact a game like Harrison.
Kelvin Gutierrez, 3B, Washington Nationals (High-A, Potomac): 3-7, 2 R, 3B, RBI (DH)
While short on power, Gutierrez is a quality hitter with gap power who could still add some loft and leverage into his swing for more over the fence power. He is a surprising athlete who is an above-average runner that can easily handle 3B.
Sheldon Neuse, 3B, Washington Nationals (Low-A, Hagerstown): 5-7, 2B (DH)
Playing one level below Gutierrez, Neuse has more power than Gutierrez. His plus bat speed allows him to use the whole field, even if he has been fooled by the pitch. Armed with a plus to better arm (he was up to 95 in college) he can make all the throws at third and has enough range to make the plays.
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B, Tampa Bay Rays (Low-A, Bowling Green): 4-4, 3 R, 2 2B, 2 RBI, BB
Why yes, this is Joshua Lowe’s brother. Nate is a prospect in his own right after being drafted in the 13th round out of Mississippi State. He has good raw power, but a long, loopy swing might prevent him from tapping into it more consistently.
Michael Shawaryn, RHP, Boston Red Sox (Low-A, Greeneville): 6 1/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 11 K
The ace of the Maryland pitching staff last season, Shawaryn comes at hitters from a different look from his low-three-quarters slot. His fastball has gained a tick in pro ball, now sitting 92-93, as well as improving the velocity of his off-speed pitches. With Shaun Anderson getting bumped up to High-A, Shawaryn might get a similar assignment soon.
Hunter Wood, RHP, Tampa Bay Rays (Double-A, Montgomery): 7 2/3 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 K
I talked about Wood last year in a ten pack and have heard similar reports from him for this season. While his size indicates he might be more suited towards a bullpen role, Wood keeps chopping away.
Domingo Acevedo, RHP, New York Yankees (Double-A, Trenton): 7 1/3 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 9 K
Maybe I labeled him a bullpen arm too soon.
Paul Blackburn, RHP, Oakland Athletics (Triple-A, Nashville): 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 6 K
Brought over in a minor trade from Seattle last season, Blackburn is a quality pitcher, the kind of guy that Oakland seems to get more value out of than other organizations. He induces a lot of groundballs and can throw strikes with his entire arsenal.
Jordan Humphreys, RHP, New York Mets (Low-A, Columbia): 7 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 10 K
Hey, while the Tebow thing is going on in Columbia, SC, this guy has been crushing it. Jarrett Seidler just talked about him in our Ten Pack this week as well.
Antonio Santillan, RHP, Cincinnati Reds (Low-A, Dayton): 8 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 5 K (Game Susp.)
While his day was done, the game was not, as it was suspended heading into the 14th inning tied at 0-0. When on, few can match the fastball/curveball combination that Santillan brings to the table. Unfortunately, he has not been “on” that much.
Ranger Suarez, LHP, Philadelphia Phillies (Low-A, Lakewood): 7 2/3 IP, 4 H, 0 R, BB, 10 K
While lacking in velocity—his fastball is upper 80s—Suarez is stingy with the walks but can be too stingy, ending up in the zone too much for opposing hitters to hurt him.
Jon Duplantier, RHP, Arizona Diamondbacks (Low-A, Kane County): 6 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K
One of these days I will add (High-A, Visalia) to your description right???
Fight Another Day:
Malquin Canelo, SS, Philadelphia Phillies (Double-A, Reading): 0-4, 4 K
While smooth with the glove, and a plus runner, Canelo hasn’t shown much offensive life at the plate. Because of his strong defensive skills he still has life as a potential utility man, but most teams have this sort of guy already in their system.
The State of Florida: 6 Postponements due to Rain.
The only teams to play today were the Bradenton Marauders and the St. Lucie Mets, who had a 10:30 “kids game”. Otherwise, let’s get after it tomorrow and get pizza afterwards.
Steve Givarz is an author of Baseball Prospectus.
Click here to see Steve's other articles.
You can contact Steve by clicking here
Rubbing Mud: Jake Arri... (05/24)
the archives are now free.
12 comments have been left for this article. 
I guess we've reached the point where we no longer mention Bo Bichette going 3-3 with a pair of doubles and a HBP simply because it's expected. 254 career minor league PA: .391 lifetime average