DSL LHP Angel Zerpa (DSL Royals – Kansas City) 17 years old 6 IP 5 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 10 K, Win 3-2, 2.00 ERA
- The Venezuelan teenager, in his debut season as a pro, has been solid over his last 6 starts, only allowing 2 earned runs over 27 innings. His 10 strikeouts yesterday matched his overall total in his last 21 innings. As a 17 year old, his stats indicate a promising control trend with only 5 walks over the same 27 innings. I know it’s nothing to get excited about, as the pitchers in the DSL can be light-years ahead of the hitters, who lack plate discipline, but the very young Zerpa could be a UTR tracking project, just like Phillies’ unheralded prospect Ranger Suarez was back in 2014.
RHP Sandel De La Cruz (GCL Tigers – Detroit) 20 years old 5.2 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 4 K, 2.08 ERA Arizona League No Pitcher Qualified for Mention Appy League LHP Charlie Barnes (Elizabethton – Minnesota) 21 years old 5 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 4 K, Win 2-1, 1.31 ERA
- Barnes was a 4th round pick in June out of Clemson. The lanky southpaw (6′ 2″-160 lbs) was successful in the ACC last season, going 5-5 with a 3.20 ERA. His stuff isn’t overpowering, with a high 80’s fastball (max at 90 mph), but he does process a plus changeup. Another positive attribute is that he can sustain his fastball velocity deep into games. Once he adds bulk to his frame, expect his velo to increase and make that changeup much more deadly. Last night was his third straight scoreless outing and with his command and pitchability, Barnes is one to keep an eye on for the Twins.
- Von Ruden was a workhorse during his senior year at the University of Hawaii. The California native threw 107.1 innings in 16 starts and posted a 7-3 record with a 3.44 ERA. Prior to arriving with the Rainbows, the 6′ 0″- 195 lb. right-hander spent two years at Cosumnes River College (California). His combined NCAA stats were an impressive 21-14 with a 3.05 ERA over 58 appearances with 47 starts. Despite that, Von Ruden’s name wasn’t called during the 2016 draft, so he took his wares to the Frontier Independent League. In his second season with the Windy City Thunderbolts, Von Ruden began to excel, the White Sox took noticed, signing him to a free agent contact this past June. Von Ruden is another pitcher that lacks velocity, but may play-up with his commanding sinking fastball and ability to change speeds.
- This is Clark’s 2nd POD Mention, but first in the National League since being a piece in the trade that sent Adeiny Hechavarria to the Chicago White Sox. During his time with LoA Bowing Green, the 15th round pick (2015) went 3-2 with a 3.11 ERA and a 50:18 K/BB rate over 55 innings. Last season, he went 7-2 with a 2.91 ERA in 12 appearances (9 starts) at Appy League Princeton, where he also held opposing bats to a .216 average in 58.2 innings with 44 strikeouts.
- 2016 UTR Organizational All-Star and 2016 “One to Watch” sets a career-high with 11 strikeouts last nights against Wilmington (Kansas City).
- 2015 UTR Organizational All-Star
- Herrmann was a 36th round pick back in 2014; and after making 93 appearances, he’s getting the opportunity as a starter. Last night marked his third straight start, and 2nd scoreless outing, and he also struck out a career-high 10 batters. It was his 5th start this season in 28 appearances and has posted a 0-1 record, 2.53 ERA in 21.1 innings along with 20 strikeouts and 3 walks as a starter.
- Armas gets his first win of the season and it came after making his LoA debut. The 6′ 1″ 195 lb right-hander made the 4-hour road trip after receiving the promotion from short-season Williamsport (NYPL). Armas went 0-4 with a 4,09 ERA with the Crosscutters, but displayed a 1.18 WHIP and 22 K’s with only 4 walks in 22 innings. This is his debut season in the U.S. after spending two seasons in the VSL and one with the DSL. Armas is no stranger here at UTRMinors, as he made four mentions in 2015 while in the VSL and couple in 2016, including the Phillies top DSL pitcher in June.
Under The Radar Minors 