April 6, 2019 – Under the Radar Hitters of the Day

*Top Hitter of the Day*

Gilbert Lara, 3B – Hagerstown Suns – Washington Nationals – South Atlantic League3-6, HR (2), 2R, 3RBiThe 21-year-old Dominican has a new lease on his professional life after being dealt (along with fellow infielder KJ Harrison) to the Nationals in the August 2018 trade that sent veteran starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez to Milwaukee. Lara was signed by the Brewers at the ripe age of 16 back in 2014. Sadly, his stats never lived up to the hype, as he batted a meager .237 with 49 doubles 11 home runs and 127 RBi in four seasons. As a National, he’s trying to put his past behind him and so far this season he’s doing a pretty good job of it. The 6’4″- 200 lb. righty started off 2019 going 2-5 with his first home run of the season (a 3rd inning 2-run shot off of 2017 – 2nd rounder and Pirates #13 prospect Steven Jennings). Lara went hitless Friday, but came out swigning again yesterday, posting another three hits, along with 2 runs scored and three RBi’s, two of which came off Lara’s second home run this season, this time off eventual losing pitcher Nick Mears. Keep an eye on Lara because there’s always something intriguing about post-hype kids who have something to prove.

California League:

Luis Campusano, C – Lake Elsinore Storm – San Diego Padres2-3, 2B, R, BB It almost doesn’t seem fair for one organization to have the surplus of prospects that the San Diego Padres have. Sure, I may have chosen Brandon Valenzuela as my 2018 UTR OAS, but the 20-year-old Campusano has been our radar since his 2017 pro debut in the Arizona League. The 6′”- 215 lb. righty registered another multi-hit performance last night and overtook 2018 UTR OAS selection Cal Raleigh as the top hitting catcher in the California League thus far.
Nick Allen, SS – Stockton Ports – Oakland A’s2-4, 2B, R, RBi, BB, 2K, SB In the first three games of the season, Allen has methodically ascended up the Cal League leader board. After going hitless on Opening Day, the 2017 – 3rd rounder out of Parker HS (San Diego) is 4-for-7 (.571) with three extra-base hits (two doubles) and his home Friday night off Dodgers #21 prospect Edwin Uceta was only the second homer of his minor league career.

Carolina League:

Luis Robert, CF – Winston-Salem Dash – Chicago White Sox3-5, 2B, R, RBi, K With seven hits in his first 13 at-bats (.571) so far this season, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the White Sox dispatch the 21-year-old Havana, Cuba star to Double-A Birmingham sooner rather than later. He’s a stud and if you have early-season room on the minor league portion of your roster and Robert is available, add him pronto.
Steven Kwan, CF – Lynchburg Hillcats – Cleveland Indians2-5, K
Joantgel Segovia, LF – Carolina Mudcats – Milwaukee Brewers1-3, 2B, R, BB, KSegovia started off the season with six hits in his first 10 at-bats and sits on a .538 batting average after three games so far.

Florida State League:

Calvin Mitchell, RF – Bradenton Marauders – Pittsburgh Pirates1-4, HR (2), R, RBi, KThe Pirates #7 prospect (MLB Pipeline) is working his way up the Florida State League leaderboard. The Rancho Bernardo HS (San Diego) product hit his second home run in as many days last night off Mets #18 prospect Tony DiBrell and after three games, Mitchell now leads the FSL in total bases (11).
Justin Toerner, RF – Palm Beach Cardinals – St. Louis Cardinals2-3, 2B, R, 2RBi, BB
Alejo Lopez, 3B – Daytona Tortugas – Cincinnati Reds3-5, R, RBi, 2 SB (2) Despite collecting zero extra-base hits thus far, the 22-year old switch-hitter out of Greenway HS (Phoenix; 2017- 27th round) is batting a warm .545 on the season.

Midwest League:

Nolan Gorman, 3B – Peoria Chiefs – St. Louis Cardinals2-4, 2B, 2R, BB, 2K Much like Luis Robert above, if Gorman continues his assault on Midwest League pitching, he might see the Florida State League rather soon. The Cardinals #1 draft pick in 2018 collected another two hits last night (six for his last eight; .750), and leads the MWL in total bases with 12.
Lester Madden, CF – Beloit Snappers – Oakland A’s2-4, R, 2 RBi, BB, K
Lars Nootbaar, LF – Peoria Chiefs – St. Louis Cardinals1-4, HR (2), R, 2RBi, SB Even though he had a great day at the plate yesterday, and has a homer on consecutive days, I placed the Cardinals 2018 – 8th rounder out of Southern Cal on the list mostly because his name is pretty damn cool.
Brendan Donovan, DH – Peoria Chiefs – St. Louis Cardinals2-2, HR (1), 3R, 2RBi, 3BB

South Atlantic League:

Lenyn Sosa, SS – Kannapolis Intimidators – Chicago White Sox4-5, 2B, 2R, RBi, SB
Curtis Terry, 1B – Hickory Crawdads – Texas Rangers 2-4, 2B, 2RBi, BB, K