Cleveland Sports Forum

Guardians prospects to watch at each Minor League level


By Mandy Bell @MandyBell02

9:45 AM EDT

MINNEAPOLIS -- As fun and exciting of a start as the Guardians have gotten off to this year, let’s not forget the impression that the young prospects left on everyone just a few weeks ago in Spring Training.

Fans came to watch the big leaguers get their practice during Cactus League games, but the up-and-comers were the ones who stole the headlines. Outfielder Chase DeLauter was all anyone (Guardians coaching staff included) could talk about once games got underway, as he launched four homers with 10 RBIs in 13 games and was constantly on base. First baseman Kyle Manzardo would have had an even brighter spotlight on him if DeLauter hadn’t outperformed everyone’s expectations, but Manzardo had as good of a spring campaign as any prospect could ask for.

• Where the Guardians' Top 30 prospects are starting the season

Guardians manager Stephen Vogt needed to get to know his big leaguers, but he was so excited to get to see the future. He couldn’t wait to see righty Jack Leftwich go toe-to-toe with José Ramírez in live batting practice on the backfields. The front office was giddy to watch reliever Andrew Walters dominate in MLB’s inaugural Spring Breakout game.

Cleveland’s farm system has been healthy for a while, but the excitement seems to be on another level this year. Let’s break it down.

Triple-A Columbus Clippers

Player to watch:

1B Kyle Manzardo (Guardians No. 2 prospect, MLB No. 55)
Manzardo can get on base, he can hit for power and his defense at first base has improved. It’s only a matter of time before he’s in the Majors.

Pitcher to watch:

RHP Franco Aleman (Guardians No. 29)
Aleman really impressed Vogt in his limited time in big league camp, tossing three scoreless innings with six strikeouts. It was his control that was the problem, as he hit two batters and walked three others. Once he pounds the strike zone consistently, he could be in the Major League bullpen mix.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster:

INF Juan Brito (No. 7), OF George Valera (No. 8), LHP Joey Cantillo (No. 11), OF Johnathan Rodriguez (No. 17), SS José Tena (No. 23), LHP Will Dion (No. 27), INF/OF Jhonkensy Noel (No. 28)

Double-A Akron RubberDucks

Opening Day: Friday, 7:05 p.m. ET vs. Altoona

Player to watch:

OF Chase DeLauter (Guardians No. 1, MLB No. 30)
There isn’t much left to say here. Just be ready for him to soar through Cleveland’s system.

Pitcher to watch:

RHP Walters (Guardians No. 26)
Speaking of flying through the system … Walters was spectacular in the Spring Breakout game, hitting 100 mph on the radar gun. Even though he was drafted just last year, he could be knocking on the big league door by the end of the season.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster:

OF Kahlil Watson (No. 15), OF Petey Halpin (No. 16), 3B Dayan Frias (No. 30)

High-A Lake County Captains

Opening Day: Friday, 6:35 p.m. ET vs. West Michigan

Player to watch:

INF Jose Devers (No. 20)
Devers probably is not going to be the power bat the Guardians are in search of, but the speed, arm strength and defense he provides should be a treat.

Pitcher to watch:

LHP Parker Messick (No. 22)

The lefty could become an exciting starting option for the Guardians, especially if the pitching development staff works its magic. He might not be the best at spinning the ball, but his above-average changeup helps the rest of his stuff play up.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster:

OF Jake Fox (No. 19), SS Alex Mooney (No. 21)

Single-A Lynchburg Hillcats

Opening Day: Friday, 7 p.m. ET vs. Down East

Player to watch:

C/1B Ralphy Velazquez (No. 5)
Last year’s first-round Draft pick is ready to fully begin his professional career after playing six games in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League in August. Whether he remains a catcher or moves to first base, his bat-to-ball skills and power potential should be on full display.

Pitcher to watch:

LHP Alex Clemmey (No. 9)
Clemmey, too, is beginning his professional career after being selected in the second round of last year’s MLB Draft. His heater tops out at 99 mph, and he recently added a slider that could become an average offering.

Other Top 30 prospects on the roster:

OF Jaison Chourio (No. 6), INF Angel Genao (No. 12), LHP Jackson Humphries (No. 14), SS Rafael Ramirez Jr. (No. 24)


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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/5/24

ARTHUR KINNEY

APR 6


Triple-A - Columbus Clippers 8, Omaha Storm Chasers 5
Double-A - Altoona Curve 4, Akron RubberDucks 3 (10 innings)
High-A - West Michigan Whitecaps at Lake County Captains - POSTPONED - RAIN
Single-A - Down East Wood Ducks 7, Lynchburg Hillcats 6


HIGHLIGHTS

Daniel Schneemann (Columbus, SS): 1-3, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 BB - The Clippers got their offense from an unusual source on Friday night as seven of their eight runs were driven in by 6-7-8 portion of the lineup. Schneemann’s two-run double opened the scoring in Columbus’ six-run fourth-inning comeback.

Micah Pries (Columbus, DH): 1-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 K - Pries followed with a two-run two-bagger of his own.

Dom Nunez (Columbus, C): 2-3, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K - Not only did Nunez complete the comeback with a go-ahead two-run blast that opened his Guardians org home run account, but he also played a role in both sixth-inning insurance runs, driving in the first on a double before being doubled in himself by Myles Straw.

Petey Halpin (Akron, LF): 3-5, 1 2B, 3 RBI, 1 K - While the run production at the Corner of Neil and Nationwide may have come from unexpected sources, up I-271 at State and Main, all the runs were driven in by Halpin, who now has 95 professional RBI in 157 games.

Doug Nikhazy (Akron, SP): ND, 5 IP, 2 BB, 5 K - Yes, it’s one start. Yes, he’s repeating Double-A. That said, an outing like this makes Nikhazy being part of the solution to the lack of rotation depth in Columbus seem like a legitimate possibility.

Christian Knapczyk (Lynchburg, 2B): 3-5, 2 R, 1 H, 2 RBI, 2 K, 1 CS - Knapczyk seemed completely unfazed in his professional debut, putting up one of the best statlines in the org last night. His experience in the pressure cooker of ACC baseball certainly helped him in the lack of nerves department.

Esteban Gonzalez (Lynchburg, RF): 2-5, 1 R, 1 K, 2 SB - After three seasons of complex ball (1 DSL, 2 ACL), Gonzalez was stellar both at the plate and on the basepaths in his first game under the bright lights of non-complex professional baseball. (Yes, there may have only been 1,669 there for Grainger Stadium’s final affiliated Opening Day, but that’s a veritable throng compared to DSL or ACL “crowds”.)

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Myles Straw (Columbus, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K - Straw, for the sixth straight game to start the season, got exactly one hit, but Friday saw him start to build up a slugging percentage with this first extra-base hit of the season.

Kyle Manzardo (Columbus, 1B): 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB,1 K Manzardo reached twice for the second straight game, including on his first official non-homer hit of 2024, to make it four home games out of four with a productive plate appearance after going 0-for-4 on Opening Day in his only St. Paul action.

Nic Enright (Columbus, RP): H (1), 2 IP, perfect, 2 K - Enright continued a dominating start to his first full Triple-A season (10:0 K:BB ratio in four perfect frames over three outings) by pitching two perfect innings, including striking out the last four men he faced in order. While Enright leaned heavily on his four-seamer (18 of 25 pitches), he only got two of his five whiffs from it. Two more came from his cutter, which he only threw four times and the other on one of his three changeups of the evening.

Anthony Gose (Columbus, RP): S (1), 1 IP, 1 H, BB, 3 K - While a double and a walk added some drama, Gose struck out the side to successfully convert his first save opportunity of the season.

Kody Huff (Akron, C): 1-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 K - Huff reached twice and scored in his debut both at the Double-A level and in the Guardians organization.

Kahlil Watson (Akron, 2B): 1-4, 1 BB,1 K, Picked Off 1 time - Watson got his Double-A career off to a solid start by reaching twice in his debut at the level.

Alexfri Planez (Akron, RF): 1-4, 1 BB, 1 K - A similar line for Planez, who might as well have been debuting after playing all of seven games as a RubberDuck in an injury-plagued 2023.

Ralphy Velazquez (Lynchburg, 1B): 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K - Velazquez, who looks to be primarily a first baseman now, got the Hillcats’ 2024 scoring started with a third-inning sac fly.

Jaison Chourio (Lynchburg, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB,1 K - Chourio was impressive in his first taste of competitive April baseball.


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Myles Straw (Columbus, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K - Straw, for the sixth straight game to start the season, got exactly one hit, but Friday saw him start to build up a slugging percentage with this first extra-base hit of the season.

Rusty says if Straw stays in the lead off spot he will be gone by the trade deadline.

I think I agree, Rusty.
Those are bad numbers to start a Triple A season especially after you win a gold glove and then get rewarded by getting waivered on top of it.
Gotta believe he's in a bad place right now. Feelings are hurt, I'm sure.
Now he has to prove himself all over again. Gotta be tough.

By the way, where is Civ?

I'm clearly not as well versed in maintaining this discussion as Civ is.
I just don't have the ability to keep up with all these minor leaguers.

By the way 2, where is everybody?
Still on Easter break

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JOHNATHAN RODRIGUEZ


Cleveland MiLB gets stellar pitching performances from Messick, Mace, Peterson and Wilkinson

Cleveland Guardians minor league recap for Sunday, April 7, 2024

By Brian Hemminger@BrianHemminger Apr 7, 2024, 8:00am EDT

Columbus Clippers 5, Omaha Storm Chasers 11

Clippers fall to 3-4

Columbus managed 13 hits, but the offense couldn’t keep up with Omaha and its 17 hits, which overpowered the Clippers pitching staff.

Offensively, Johnathan Rodriguez led the way for the Clippers, going 3-for-4 with a double, a walk and even an outfield assist. Johnkensy Noel and Kyle Manzardo both went 2-for-5 with a double, Juan Brito went 2-for-5 and Bryan Lavastida went 2-for-3 with a home run, a hit by pitch and a walk.

Myles Straw and Jose Tena both reached base safely twice with a single and walk each while Daniel Schneemann walked twice.

This was the one game in Cleveland’s affiliates where the pitching failed to impress. Starting pitcher Connor Gillispie allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts in four innings. The real killing blow came from John Doxakis, who surrendered five more runs on six hits in two innings out of the bullpen.

The lone pitching standout was Tanner Burns, who tossed two shutout innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts, although even he allowed four baserunners in that timespan.

Myles Straw and Jose Tena both reached base safely twice with a single and walk each while Daniel Schneemann walked twice.

This was the one game in Cleveland’s affiliates where the pitching failed to impress. Starting pitcher Connor Gillispie allowed four runs on six hits with three walks and three strikeouts in four innings. The real killing blow came from John Doxakis, who surrendered five more runs on six hits in two innings out of the bullpen.

The lone pitching standout was Tanner Burns, who tossed two shutout innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts, although even he allowed four baserunners in that timespan.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1776683334283784624


Akron RubberDucks 5, Altoona Curve 2

RubberDucks improve to 1-1

Akron got a stellar pitching performance from starting pitcher Tommy Mace. The former second round competitive balance pick tossed 5.0 shutout innings of three-hit ball with four strikeouts and a walk.

Mace was followed by converted starter Ross Carver, who added two more shutout innings of relief with a whopping five strikeouts. After Tyler Thornton struggled with two runs allowed on three walks in 0.2 innings, top relief prospect Andrew Walters came in for a four-out save and proceeded to strike out all four batters he faced to close out the victory.

Offensively, leadoff hitter Petey Halpin led the way for Akron, going 3-for-5 at the dish with two runs scored. Top prospects Chase DeLauter and Khalil Watson both went 1-for-3 with a walk while former middle infield prospects Christian Cairo and Yordys Valdes both went 2-for-4 with a stolen base, with Cairo also doubling.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1776841901775196606


Lake County Captains 0, West Michigan Whitecaps 2 (F/7, G1)
Lake County Captains 3, West Michigan Whitecaps 1 (F/7, G2)

Captains move to 1-1

In game one, top pitching prospect Parker Messick was a tough-luck loser. He allowed one unearned run in 5.0 innings on four hits with eight strikeouts and one walk, but the Captains were shut out.

Cooper Ingle and Jonah Advincula were the lone Lake County players to have base hits, with Advincula also stealing a base.

Austin Peterson kept the elite pitching train rolling in game two of the doubleheader. Peterson allowed one run on three hits with a whopping nine strikeouts and a walk in 5.0 innings of work to earn his first High-A victory.

osh Wolf and Magnus Ellerts closed out the win with a scoreless inning of relief each and both recording a pair of strikeouts with a walk.

Offensively in game two, Guy Lipscomb had a monster game, going 1-for-2 with two walks and two stolen bases in a picture-perfect leadoff hitter performance. Jorge Burgos also was sensational, going 2-for-3 with a double and accounting for all three runs batted in for the Captains.

Angel Zarate also was perfect at the plate, going 1-for-1 with a walk and a hit by pitch while Jose Devers went 1-for-2 with a pair of walks to also reach base safely three times. Alex Mooney went 1-for-3 with a walk to reach safely twice.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1776724543668687304

https://twitter.com/i/status/1776799042699182241


Lynchburg Hillcats 0, Down East Wood Ducks 1

Hillcats fall to 0-2

In the fourth sensational starting pitching performance of the day, 2023 10th-round pick Matt Wilkinson tossed 5.0 shutout innings of two-hit ball, striking out nine and walking three for the Hillcats.

Wilkinson was followed by 2023 19th-round pick Josh Harlow, who tossed 2.0 perfect innings of relief before Matt Jachec allowed one run in the eighth inning, which was all Down East needed in a 1-0 victory.

Unfortunately, the Lynchburg offense wasn’t up to the task on Saturday, picking up just two hits. Jaison Chourio had one of those hits, also stealing a base. Luis Durango had the other, and also stole a base.


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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/6/24

JUSTIN LADA

APR 7



SCOREBOARD

Triple-A - Omaha Storm Chasers 11, Columbus Clippers 5

Double-A - Akron RubberDucks 5, Altoona Curve 2

High-A - West Michigan WhiteCaps 2, Lake County Captains 0 (Game 1)

High-A - Lake County Captains 3, West Michigan WhiteCaps 1 (Game 2)

Single-A - Down East Wood Ducks 1, Lynchburg Hillcats 0

HIGHLIGHTS

Jonathan Rodriguez (LF, Columbus): 3-4, 2B, RBI, BB, OF asst - Rodriguez had the best day for an otherwise ugly game for the Clippers. He actually recorded the three hardest hit balls in the game (109.2 - GIDP, 107.7 - 2B, 107.4, 1B) and his third hit was 106.4. He also threw a runner out at second base from left field. Rodriguez has always had a great arm. He got off to a slow start for Columbus but he hasn’t been exactly in the best hitting environment temp wise. But the exit velo’s speak for themselves. He’s not a polished defender outside of his arm and he definitely has pitch recognition concerns, but if nobody takes off in RF for Cleveland by June, is there a reason not to see for now?

Ross Carver (P, Akron): 2IP, H, 5K - Carver was my pick for an SP prospect this year. He only threw two innings here behind Tommy Mace. Is he a reliever or a piggyback arm? Right now seems like reliever, but we’ll see. He looked great with this two-seam fastball/slider combo.

Andrew Walters (RP, Akron): 1.1IP, 4K - Perfect first pro outing for Andrew Walters, fanning all four hitters he faced. He entered in the eighth inning with a runner on and two outs. Then fanned the side in order in the ninth for a four out save. He was hitting 95-98 and touched 99. He also showed off a very vert heavy slider and a splitter, none of which anyone came close to doing anything with. You can see why Cleveland was aggressive putting him at Double-A to start.

Tommy Mace (SP, Akron): 5IP, 3H, 4K, BB - Mace avoided the walks and much damage, so a good start to 2024 for him after a rocky 2023.

Petey Halpin (RF, Akron): 3-5 - Three singles but three more hits for Halpin who is the hottest hitting OF in Akron to start the year. Go figure.

Parker Messick (SP, Lake County): 5IP, 4H, ER, 8K, BB - Messick was 93-94 here and missed a lot of bats. Clearly he doesn’t need to be at High-A. Maybe the injury for Shane Bieber will force an arm from Akron up to Columbus and push Messick to Akron, where he belongs.

Guy Lipscomb (CF, Lake County): 1-2, 2 BB, 2 SB - Great start for Lipscomb with a hit, two walks and two steals. He unfortunately left the game late with an injury, as did Jake Fox in game one, so that’s a bit alarming.

Jorge Burgos (RF, Lake County): 2-3, 2B, 3 RBI - Burgos started his 2023 season in Lake County with a grand slam. He didn’t do the same here but he is off to a good start.

Austin Peterson (SP, Lake County): 5IP, 3H, ER, 9K, BB - Nice first start for Peterson at High-A, especially missing bats. He was top 3 in the NCAA in 2022 in strikeouts but didn’t miss many bats last year in Low-A, surprisingly.

Matt Wilkinson (SP, Lynchburg): 5IP, 2H, 9K, 3BB - The Tugboat turned in a brilliant first pro performance, missing plenty of bats in the process. Great first outing for a late round JUCO pick.

NOTABLE PERFORMANCES

Juan Brito (SS, Columbus): 2-5, 2B - His double was 104 off the bat. Also of note, starting at short, which was his first of the year. He’s mostly played third so far. I don’t think he can play short but might as well keep moving him all over to figure it out.

Kyle Manzardo (1B, Columbus): 2-5, 2B - His double only 99 off the bat. He’s off to a slow start so far and Cleveland won’t promote him until he’s in the middle of a hot stretch.

Tanner Burns (RP, Columbus): 2IP, 3H, BB, 2K - Averaged 94 on the fastball, which is actually encouraging for Burns, who had been 91-93 as a starter after being up to 96-97 as a starter in college. He got six whiffs on the heater too. Maybe there is something here as a reliever after all.

Chase DeLauter (CF, Akron): 1-3, BB - Slow start for DeLauter but he reached base twice here.

Kahlil Watson (3B, Akron): 1-3, BB, SB - Watson showed much more plate discipline and patience in this game than I’ve typically seen from him. He looked good at third too. He’s off to a good start in Akron and has looked good defensively. I won’t be surprised if he starts to show signs of putting all of his pools of talent together this year. I am a believer.

Christian Cairo (2B, Akron): 2-4, 2B - Cairo hit the ball hard to his pull side a few times, which was nice to see.

Yordys Valdes (SS, Akron): 2-4, SB - Two opposite field singles and a steal for Valdes, who is also off to a nice start.

Jonah Advincula (LF, Lake County): 1-2, SB - Got his first pro hit and a steal in the game one loss for Lake County.

Zane Moorehouse (RP, Lake County): IP - Perfect 2024 debut for Moorehouse, who is another reliever who can hopefully move fast.

Josh Harlow (RP, Lynchburg): 2IP, 2K - Great to see a good first pro debut for Harlow too after his 2023 amateur season was cut short due to being hit with a line drive.

Jaison Chourio (CF, Lynchburg): 1-4, SB - For having an exciting lineup, the Hillcats offense has been disappointing to start. Chourio had one of the team’s two hits in this one and stole a base.


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rusty2 wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2024 7:42 pm Myles Straw (Columbus, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K - Straw, for the sixth straight game to start the season, got exactly one hit, but Friday saw him start to build up a slugging percentage with this first extra-base hit of the season.

Rusty says if Straw stays in the lead off spot he will be gone by the trade deadline

I need to clarify my post. I think teams will come calling for Straw if he can keep an on base % around .350 and leadoff.

Shit WE will come calling if he does that!

rusty2 wrote: Sun Apr 07, 2024 8:24 pm

rusty2 wrote: Sat Apr 06, 2024 7:42 pm Myles Straw (Columbus, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 2 K - Straw, for the sixth straight game to start the season, got exactly one hit, but Friday saw him start to build up a slugging percentage with this first extra-base hit of the season.

Rusty says if Straw stays in the lead off spot he will be gone by the trade deadline

I need to clarify my post. I think teams will come calling for Straw if he can keep an on base % around .350 and leadoff.

For the Clippers.

CATCHING UP ON THIS WEEK'S MINOR LEAGUE ACTION



Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/7/24

ARTHUR KINNEY

APR 08, 2024

Triple-A - Omaha Storm Chasers 2, Columbus Clippers 0
Double-A - Akron RubberDucks 1, Altoona Curve 0
High-A - Lake County Captains 3, West Michigan Whitecaps 2
Single-A - Down East Wood Ducks 7, Lynchburg Hillcats 6 (11 innings)

Highlights

Petey Halpin (Akron, CF): 1-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 BB - So far this season, in RubberDucks games I have covered in the Prospect Report, the RubberDucks have scored four runs. Halpin has driven in them all. This is hardly surprising as Petey dominated the Altoona pitching staff over the Opening Weekend, picking up at least three total bases in each game en route to a .538/.571/.846 slash line. While this pace is likely unsustainable (unless he’s truly playing at a level below where he should be), this weekend is definitely notice to the rest of baseball that Halpin is legit and is en route to the Corner of Carnegie and Ontario sooner than many expect.

Cooper Ingle (Lake County, C): 2-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI - Ingle was the epicenter of the Captains’ offense on Sunday, driving in the game’s opening run and the go-ahead/eventual winning tally. In between, he nearly drove in another run on a fourth-inning leadoff blast that was denied home run status by a spectacular leaping catch by West Michigan RFCarlos Mendoza.

Carter Spivey (Lake County, SP): ND, 3.1 IP, 3 H, 2 R (both earned), 2 BB, 1 HBP, 3 K - While this statline doesn’t look like the stuff of the Highlights section, nearly all of the bad stuff is from that “.1” in the IP column, Through three frames Spivey’s line was 2 H, 2 K . extremely impressive stuff for a pro debut.

Luis Durango (Lynchburg, LF): 3-4, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 1 HBP, 1 K, 1 SB - Durango’s impressive day at the plate and on the basepaths would’ve been enough to singlehandedly or near-singlehandedly win any of the higher-level games in the org yesterday, but it came in the slugfest in Kinston, so it wasn’t even enough when combined with the rest of the Hillcats. While expectations are rightly higher for a guy in his third year at a level, this statline would be impressive regardless of who posted it.

Notable Performances

Johnathan Rodriguez (Columbus, RF): 1-3, 1 BB, 1 K - While not as impressive as his three-hit Saturday, J-Rod reached twice yesterday to conclude an impressive weekend (5-for-11 with two runs scored and one driven in over the last three days).

Daniel Schneemann (Columbus, DH): 1-4, 1 K - While Schneemann’s season-opening six-game walk streak came to an end on Sunday, he made it seven straight reaching safely with a sixth-inning leadoff single.

Micah Pries (Columbus, LF): 1-3, 1 2B, 1 HBP, 1 K - Pries made it three games in a row with an extra-base hit by hitting one of the Clippers’ two doubles of the day.

Jose Tena (Columbus, 3B): 1-3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K - Tena had the other double and walked for the second straight day to make it two games in a row reaching base twice.

Zak Kent (Columbus, RP): 2 IP, 1 H, 5 K - Kent repeated his two-inning, one-hit statline from his organizational debut in the Home Opener while striking out three more than he did on Wednesday night.

Jaime Barria (Columbus, RP): 1 IP, perfect - Barria also followed up a two-frame, one-hit season debut with a spectacular second outing.

Christian Cairo (Akron, 3B): 1-2, 1 BB, 2 SB - Cairo reached twice for the second time in as many official 2024 games and stole both second and third in the seventh to bring his season total to three.

Rodney Boone (Akron, PB): W (1-0), 4.2 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, 3 K - Boone picked up a well-deserved individual victory in his Double-A debut as he shouldered more than his share of the piggyback load after starter Ethan Hankins (also making his ‘Ducks debut) was pulled two-thirds of the way through a rough second frame.

Lenny Torres Jr. (Akron, RP): S (1), 1 IP, perfect, 1 K - After a pair of often-frustrating seasons in High-A, Torres wasted no time in making his mark at the Double-A level, hurling a perfect frame in his debut to earn the save.

Johnny Tincher (Lake County, DH): 1-3, R, 1 HR, 1 RBI - Tincher drove in the middle run on a fifth-inning homer to left that was his first hot as a Captain, first professional extra-base hit as a pro, and second pro hit overall (He went 1-or-5 in two games as a Hillcat last season.).

Jonah Advincula (Lake County, CF): 0-2, 1 R, 2 BB, 1 K - Advincula, who scored the game;s first run, had a statistically improbable start to the game, waking and later advancing on a wild pitch in each of his first two plate appearances.

Adam Tulloch (Lake County, RP): 3 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 2 K - While Tulloch wasn’t officially making a piggyback appearance on Sunday, his outing was more than a reasonable facsimile of one. While it didn’t earn him any type of individual decision, his three scoreless frames were crucial in keeping the Caps in the game until the offense could mount a comeback.

Zach Jacobs (Lake County, RP): W (1-0), 2 IP, perfect, 2 K - In another dispatch from the “not fazed by a new level” department, Jacobs was perfect when the leverage was the highest and richly deserved the individual victory in his High-A debut.

Juan Benjamin (Lynchburg, 1B): 2-6, 1 RBI, 2 K - Surprisingly, Benjamin was the only Hillcat other than Durango to get multiple hits in a game in which Lynchburg batted through five times with the top four getting six plate appearances.

Esteban Gonzalez (Lynchburg, RF): 1-4, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 HBP, 2 K - Gonzalez is also off to a solid start to his non-complex career, going 3-for-9 with a walk and HBP in his first two games combined.

Tommy Hawke (Lynchburg, CF): 1-4, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K - While Hawke was stranded following his ninth-inning double that put himself in scoring position as the potential go-ahead run, his fly ball to right was nonetheless notable as his first non-complex pro hit.

Steven Perez (Lynchburg, RP): 2 IP, 1 H, 3 K - Perez’s non-complex debut consisted of a stellar pair of frames - including striking out the side in order looking in the ninth - and provided both a pathway to extras for the Hillcats and a bright spot on a lousy day for the Lynchburg hurling staff.


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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/9/24

ARTHUR KINNEY

APR 10, 2024

Triple-A - Columbus Clippers 13, Louisville Bats 4
Double-A - Akron RubberDucks 2, Richmond Flying Squirrels 1
High-A - Lake County Captains 7, Fort Wayne TinCaps 2
Single-A - Fredericksburg Nationals 15, Lynchburg Hillcats 4

REHAB

Angel Martinez (Columbus, starting 2B): 0-3, 1 K - Martinez was the only Clipper starter to not reach base on Tuesday, but the real story was that he was able to play four innings in the field and make three plate appearances. It;s far from a full game, but it’s a start.

Ben Lively (Columbus, SP): W (1-0), 5.1 IP, 4 H, 3 r (all earned), 1 K, 1 HR allowed - Speaking of progress towards a normal workload, the fact that Lively pitched deep enough into the game to be eligible for the individual victory is a positive sign in that regard, even if it was due to extreme efficiency (55 pitches).

Highlights

Johnkensy Noel (Columbus, LF): 2-5, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 K - Noel’s third two-hit game in the last seven days was his best of the season so far, highlighted by his fourth-inning grand slam that got the Clip Show to double digits and netted Jhonkensy his first four RBI of the season.

Juan Brito (Columbus, 3B): 2-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 BB - While Brito “only” drove in two runs when he opened the clippers’ scoring for the night with a blast to right in the top of the second, his overall performance was probably the best of the night given his consistency and mix of power and plate discipline.

Johnathan Rodriguez (Columbus, RF): 1-3, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 2 BB, 1 K - While his numbers weren’t nearly as eye-popping as Brito’s, he was similarly consistent at the plate.

Bryan Lavastida (Columbus, C): 3-5, 2 R, 1 K - Speaking of consistency, Lavastida leading the team in hits in last night’s slugfest for his second big game in a row (combined 5-for-8 with three runs, a walk, a HBP, and a solo shot over his last two games played) cannot be overlooked,

Lorenzo Cedrola (Columbus, DH): 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI, 1 BB - On the other end of the spectrum is Cedrola, who earned his Highlight status on one swing of the bat, namely his three-run homer in the top of the second.

Aaron Bracho (Akron, 2B): 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 1 K - Other than also being a Guardians affiliate victory, the RubberDucks’ Tuesday ballgame was everything the Clipper contest was not. In short, a pitchers’ duel. The Mallards of Main Street came out victorious in the opener of their first full-week road series despite only getting three hits and six total baserunners. The plate appearance that really mattered, though, was Bracho;s two-out, two-run blast to right, which put the Akron wim probability at a whopping 66.5% IN THE FIRST INNING!!!

Aaron Davenport (Akron, SP): W (1-0), 5 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 6 K - To have a pitchers’ duel, you need, well, good pitching. This is where another Aaron came in, Davenport grounded the Flying Squirrels for five frames, allowing Bracho’s early round-tripper to stand up despite the subsequent offensive mediocrity. High-A to Double-A is supposed to be the biggest jump within the minor leagues, but he made it look easy in his debut.

Jonah Advincula (Lake County, CF): 2-5, 1 R, 1 HR, 3 RBI - Advincula’s first professional home run highlighted a spectacular performance that spearheaded a big night for the Captain offense.

Maick Collado (Lake County,1B): 2-2, 1 R, 1 2B, 2 BB - Collado broke out of an 0-for-6 start (albeit with a pair of walks) to his High-A career with this perfect evening at the plate. Hopefully, this is a preview of coming attractions at the Corner of SOM Center and Vine - and eventually Carnegie and Ontario.

Jaison Chourio (Lynchburg, CF): 2-4, 2 R, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 SB - While not the best individual performance of Tuesday's Home Opener, Chourio’s two-hit performance continued a blazing hot start to his first full non-complex season (4-for-12 with a pair each of doubles, runs, RBI, and walks).

Angel Genao (Lynchburg, SS): 3-5, 1 2B, 2 RBI, 2 K - Genao’s three-hit, two-RBI effort highlighted a rough Home Opener for the Hillcats. (This was the “best individual performance” referred to above.)

Ralphy Velazquez (Lynchburg, 1B): 2-5, 1 R, 1 2B, 3 K - Last season’s first-rounder rounded out (pun not intended) the Hillcats’ home-opening “multiple hits including a double” trio.

Notable Performances

Kyle Manzardo (Columbus, 1B): 1-4, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 BB, 1 K, 1 SF - While his first-inning single didn’t produce a run, Manzardo still joined the RBI parade four frames later with a sac fly for…can you even call it an insurance run when you’re already up 11-0?

Jose Tena (Columbus, PH-backup 2B): 0-1, 2 RBI, 2 BB,1 K - Even Tena, who didn;t start the game, still got in on the action driving in his first two runs of the season on a pair of bases-loaded walks.

Daniel Schneemann (Columbus, SS): 1-4, 3 R, 1 BB, 1 K - With all of these runs being driven in, someone had to score them, and that someone was Daniel Schneemann. His trio of runs represented a new season high for Daniel, as well as his third multi-run game of the 2024 campaign. For those who are looking at the statline and wondering how he scored thrice, he scored the final run of the game in the ninth after reaching on a fielder’s choice.

Myles Straw (Columbus, CF): 0-5, 1 R, 1 BB, 3 K - Despite continuing to struggle at the plate, Straw still had a notable evening by means of stealing his third base of the season.

Mason Hickman (Columbus, RP): 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R (earned), 1 K, 1 HR allowed - Hickman, who replaced Lively once his pitch count had been reached, came within one bad pitch of setting down five in a row. Unfortunately, that pitch landed on the other side of the outfield fence,

Randy Labaut (Columbus, RP): 2 IP, perfect , 3 K - While the leverage was as low as it could possibly get, Labaut’s pair of perfect frames, including striking out the side swinging in order in the eighth, were nonetheless extremely impressive.

Kahlil Watson (Akron, DH): 1-4, 1 R, 1 K - Watson, who scored the other run on Bracho;s homer, has started his Double-A career with a three-game hitting streak.

Chase DeLauter (Akron, CF): 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K - DeLauter, who finished the 2023 season with a six-game hitting streak to start his tenure at the Corner of State and Main, has only one hit so far in his first full professional season. He has, however, walked once in each of his first four games to extend his Double-A career-opening on-base streak to ten contests.

Alexfri Planez (Akron, LF): 0-3, 1 HBP, 2 K - Planez didn’t make it a three-game hitting streak to start the season, but did extend his on-base streak by getting plunked.

Jack Leftwich (Akron, RP): H (1), 2 IP, 2 H, 4 K - Leftwich, who picked up his first four strikeouts of the campaign last night, has started his second season as a RubberDuck by allowing only one earned run in four frames.

Andrew Walters (Akron, RP): S (2), 2 IP, 3 H, 1 R (earned), 3 K - Starting one’s pro career with a pair of multi-inning saves is impressive enough. To do so at Double-A is incredible.

Tyresse Turner (Lake County, 3B): 2-4, 2 R, 1 HR, 1 RBI, 1 K, 1 SB - This would be an impressive statline from any spot in the batting order, but even moreso from the nine hole.

Alex Mooney (Lake County, DH): 1-4, 1 R, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 2 K - Mooney’s pair of RBI (in his third game of the season) have him well ahead of his draft year pace of four in 17 games.

Jorge Burgos (Lake County, RF): 1-5, 1 R, 1 hR, 1 RBI, 1 K - Burgos kept his RBI pace above one per game (four in three contests) with a seventh-inning solo shot that wrapped up the night’s scoring.

Trenton Denholm (Lake County, SP): 5 IP, 2 H, 1 R (earned), 4 K, 1 HR allowed - Denholm came within the dreaded one bad pitch of starting his sophomore season of High-A with five innings of one-hit shutout baseball.

Allan Hernandez (Lake County, RP): H (1), 1 IP, 1 H - Hernandez was stellar in a High-A debut that opened his first full season of non-complex ball.

Jay Driver (Lake County, RP): 1.1 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 2 K - All I can say about the season debut of last year’s ninth-round selection is see : Hernandez, Allan.

Christian Knapczyk (Lynchburg, 2B): 1-5, 1 R, 3 K, 1 E - while Knapczyk has cooled down from his three-hit pro debut, his career-opening three-game on-base and run scoring streaks remain intact.

Wuilfredo Antunez (Lynchburg, RF): 0-2, 2 J, 1 E - Despite going 0-for-7 in his official at-bats so far this season, Antunez has a .364 on-base percentage thanks to a quartet of walks.

Reny Artiles (Lynchburg, RP): 1 IP, 2 H, 4 R (all unearned), 1 BB, 1 K - Yes, Artiles allowed all three inherited runner to score and gave up four of his own, but not much can be expected when a tea commits four errors in one inning - including two on one play! - a fact borne out by Reny’s still-unscathed ERA.

Jack Jasiak (Lynchburg, RP): 3 IP, 1 H, 7 K - Hillcat fans who stuck around through six innings of (gestures wildly at the surrounding flaming dumpsters) got to see an elite pitching performance courtesy of Mr. Jasiak.


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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/10/24

MATTHEW KENNELL

APR 11, 2024

Triple-A: Louisville Bats 3, Columbus Clippers 2 (F/10)
Double-A: Akron RubberDucks 6, Richmond Flying Squirrels 3
High-A: Lake County Captains vs Fort Wayne TinCaps (PPD to 4/13)
Single-A: Fredericksburg Nationals 14, Lynchburg Hillcats 8

Rehab:

SP Xzavion Curry (Columbus): 4.1 IP, 5 H, R, 3 BBs, K, 1-3 PO - Curry threw 59 pitches, 38 for strikes in his second rehab appearance for the Clippers in 2024. Fastball velocity was down slightly at an average of 90.6 mph but his slider had increased spin and vertical break according to statcast. He did not get many swings and misses, but allowed just one run on a solo homerun in his outing.

Highlights

LF Micah Pries (Columbus): 2-for-4, 2 2Bs, RBI - Pries had both extra-base hits for the Clippers in the game with a pair of doubles. He turned on an inside pitch in the seventh for an RBI double to tie the game at 1-1. He also led off the fifth inning with a double, but a base running mistake prevented the squad from plating a run trying to stretch it to a triple.

RF Johnathan Rodriguez (Columbus): 2-for-4, R - Rodriguez had multiple hits for Columbus and leads the squad with a .300 batting average to begin 2024. The two hardest hit balls in the game came off the bat of Rodriguez at 109.8 mph and 109.7 mph, both singles. His flyout in the fourth inning was also considered hard hit at nearly 100 mph.

3B Dayan Frias (Akron): 1-for-4, R, HR, 4 RBIs - Frias played hero for the RubberDucks with a go-ahead grand slam that led the team to victory. Akron was scoreless prior to the top of the eighth, but one swing of the bat by Frias changed the dynamic of the game. The longball is his first of the season.

SS Yordys Valdes (Akron): 3-for-4, R, 2B - Valdes had three hits for the team, including a double. From the nine-hole, Valdes made his presence known in the batter’s box to continue his red-hot start to 2024.

2B Khalil Watson (Akron): 1-for-5, 2 RBIs, 2 E4F - Watson was involved in two run-scoring plays after a groundout in the eighth plated Akron’s first run and he added an insurance run in the ninth via an RBI single. Two errors put a bit of a wet blanket on his night, but it didn’t come back to bite the team on this night.

1B Ralphy Velazquez (Lynchburg): 2-for-3, 2 R, 2 HR, 4 RBIs, 2 BBs - The teenager left the yard twice in Wednesday’s loss, including his first and second professional homeruns of his career. Nights like tonight show that there might be some juice coming for the Guardians in the coming years. On top of his two homeruns, he also showed great plate discipline with two walks.

C Manuel Mejias (Lynchburg): 1-for-3, R, HR, RBI, 2 BBs - After being a late addition to the Lynchburg roster one season ago, Mejias hit his first Single-A homerun on Wednesday as well, a solo shot in the fourth inning of play. He displayed he had similar vision by drawing a pair of base on balls as well.

Notable Performances:

CF Lorenzo Cedrola (Columbus): 1-for-4, RBI - Cedrola had just one hit in the contest, but it came in a clutch moment after he drove in the go-ahead run in the seventh inning. He utilized his speed to beat out an infield hit to put the team in front.

RP Anthony Gose (Columbus): H (3), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 2 Ks - The reliever Gose was efficient and effective in keeping the Clippers in front in the eighth inning with a pair of strikeouts in a 1-2-3 frame. Of his four sliders, three induced swings and misses (all to the leadoff man).

C Dom Nunez (Columbus): 2-for-4 - The left-handed swinging backstop had two hits for the team. He led off the third with a single and had the same result in the ninth with two outs and the bases empty.

RF Chase DeLauter (Akron): 1-for-4, R, 2B, BB - DeLauter would reach base twice in the game with a double and a walk. He was on base for the go-ahead homerun by Frias.

CF Petey Halpin (Akron): 1-for-4, R, BB, E8T - A similar day for Halpin for reaching base twice and being on for the grand slam, but his hit was a leadoff single in the first and add in an error.

C Kody Huff (Akron): 1-for-3, R, BB - Add the catcher for Akron into the list of men to reach base twice via hit and walk. He just did it in one less at-bat.

RP Bradley Hanner (Akron): 1.1 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 3 Ks - Hanner fanned three of the four outs he made for the RubberDucks, all three coming in the fifth after he left two stranded the inning before.

RP Lenny Torres Jr. (Akron): S (2), 1.0 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - The 23-year-old locked down his second save of the year after commanding the ninth. He could have let a leadoff single deter him, but rebounded for three consecutive outs to seal the deal.

SS Angel Genao (Lynchburg): 2-for-5, R, 2B - Genao had a pair of hits for the Hillcats on Wednesday, highlighted by a double to lead off the fifth where he came around to score.

RF Luis Durango (Lynchburg): 2-for-4, 2 R, 2B, SB - Durango continued to showcase his speed with his third stolen base of 2024 along with a double being one of his two hits.

DH Tommy Hawke (Lynchburg): 2-for-5, R - The designated hitter Hawke recorded a pair of hits from the left side of the plate.

3B Juan Benjamin (Lynchburg): 1-for-4, R, RBI, BB - Benjamin reached base twice and drove in a run on an infield single.


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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/11/24

JUSTIN LADA

APR 12, 2024

Triple-A: Columbus Clippers at Louisville Bats (PPD to 4/12)
Double-A: Richmond Flying Squirrels 2, Akron RubberDucks 1
High-A: Lake County Captains at Fort Wayne TinCaps (PPD)
Single-A: Fredericksburg Nationals at Lynchburg Hillcats (PPD to 4/13)

Highlights

Doug Nikhazy (SP, Akron): 5 IP, H, 8 K, 2 BB - Nearly 65% strike rate for Nikhazy on Thursday night. He’s changed his arm slot to more of a wide 3/4 release. Now, he’s still walked 4 in 10 innings. But he walked 3+ batters in 15 of his 26 outings a year ago. So perhaps this is an improvement so far. He’s still not having an issue missing bats, which never was a problem. We’ll see if he can improve his control further , but it seems like a good start so far. I’ll also note he is much more slider heavy than his above average 12-6 curve in that high release. The slider was always a decent pitch but may be a 55 itself thanks to his arm angle now. At least a positive development through two starts to one of my favorite prospects from the 2021 draft.

Notable Performances

Petey Halpin (CF, Akron): 1-3, 2B, BB - Two more times on base for Halpin including an extra base hit. He’s off to an impressive start as well.

Kahlil Watson (3B, Akron): 1-4, 2B, RBI, K - His first extra base hit of 2024 and only his third strikeout in five games played so far. We know that making contact just for the sake of making contact doesn’t mean much, but Watson has the bat speed to be effective if he can keep his strikeout rate in this area.

Joe Lampe (DH, Akron): 1-4, 2B - Lampe’s double was his first hit of 2024 and in Double-A.

Christian Cairo (LF, Akron): 0-2, 2BB - Cairo notably worked two walks and also played left as he looks to establish himself in more of a utility role now.

Ross Carver (RP, Akron): 2IP, ER, 3K - Carver allowed a solo homer but fanned three in two innings of work and now has 8 K’s in four innings. Is he a reliever now? He’s thrown two innings in each appearance, this one coming five days apart. A traditional reliever probably doesn’t go five days between innings. So maybe this is a plan for Carver to build up slowly after only pitching 71 innings a year ago due to an injury? No idea how much he pitched in spring training and what his pitch count was built to. If he stays on a five day break, I’ll assume he’s still going to be a starter for now and see if his pitch count builds. But so far the results are what I expected from him this year.


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Cleveland Guardians 2024 Prospect Scouting Report: #14 LHP Parker Messick

Is Messick ready to move faster into a back of the rotation role?

JUSTIN LADA

APR 11











Parker Messick Bio

Age (2024 season): 23
Acquired: 2022 Draft (Round 2)
2023 Level: Single-A/High-A
Height: 6’0
Weight: 220
Throws: Left

Parker Messick 2023 Stats

G/GS: 24/24
IP: 121.2
ERA/FIP: 3.77/3.87
K/BB: 136/15
K%/BB%: 26.2%/7.5%
WHIP: 1.22

Parker Messick 2024 Scouting Grades

Fastball: 50
Curveball: 50
Slider: 50
Changeup: 55
Command: 45
Overall: 45
Risk: Moderate
ETA: 2025

Build & Background

Shorter, stockier build that should be good for solid durability. Strong lower half. Has conditioned better since being drafted. Was the ACC pitcher of the year in 2021. Very simple step back and ride the slide type delivery. Drops into a hunch into delivery quickly. Funky and deceptive. Flat approach angle from a 3/4 arm slot. Very solid mechanically. Good arm timing. Solid extension.Signed for $1.3M in 2022.

What Messick Does Well

Deception and control drive Messick’s profile. His fastball is typically 91-93, which is a bit of a step up from 89-92 that he was hitting in 2023. His fastball plays up a bit thanks to its flat approach angle to the plate, his extension and 3/4 arm slot that is hard to pick up and gets on hitters. Works well up in the zone too. He pairs that well with a good changeup with plenty of tumble and run. Gets hitters to chase out of the zone with it at Low-A and High-A. Not afraid to throw it to lefties or righties. Slider has become his best breaking offering, dropping in around the high 70s or so. It has good, tighter tilt now and can get chases from lefties. He’s not afraid to front door it to lefties either. The curve can drop in for strikes and is a solid vertical offering.

Where Messick Needs to Improve

His two breaking pitches could use further refinement. His slider has improved, but curveball is really more of a get-me-over type right now. A little more fastball velo, and added velo to his breaking stuff could help too. He’s a bit more control over command right now.

Key Stats

Messick’s 10 homers allowed in 65 innings in High-A last year and a 40% fly ball rate will raise some questions about home run issues. Cleveland typically doesn’t care about fy ball types but he’ll have to limit the walks if he continues as a fly ball friendly pitcher.

Intangibles

Messick was a passionate pitcher in college and can play with a fun, competitive fire. His improved conditioning in pro ball is also a testament to his work ethic. Very well spoken and knowledgeable about pitching, wants to continue to improve and knows what he does well. Very self aware.

Future

Messick is at the level of a pitcher who is better off being challenged at Double-A but is stuck in High-A right now. It’s a bit confusing Cleveland isn’t pushing him with a bit more of a challenge. I suppose no pitchers are ever safe anymore but Messick has a safer 4/5 pitcher type profile. He could use a little more giddyup on the fastball and more refined command to avoid walks so that his home run problem doesn’t bite him more. But he continues to track like a backend starter that should be ready for a 2025 debut at this point who should be able to turn over a lineup thanks to his changeup. Fastball command will be key for him.

Role

45 - back of the rotation arm/solid depth


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Guardian No. 4 prospect muscles way to first career 2-HR game

April 10th, 2024

https://www.mlb.com/video/ralphy-velazq ... EETEXT&p=0

For 26 minutes, Single-A Lynchburg first baseman Ralphy Velazquez watched Fredericksburg put up 10 runs in the first inning of Wednesday night’s game.

It may have lasted less than a half-hour, but it felt much longer for the Guardians' No. 4 prospect. Eight consecutive batters reached base to start the game, four walks were issued and two home runs left the yard. And while it wasn't particularly pleasant, it fueled Velazquez into having one of the best performances in his young career.

“You got to flush it,” he said after the 14-8 loss at Bank of James Stadium. “It lit a fire under us just go out there and put up some runs. I tried to be the best leader by getting behind my teammates in this situation.”

Velazquez made a statement in the bottom of the first frame, capitalizing on the second pitch he saw from right-handed Nationals prospect Bryan Sanchez -- a challenging inside offering -- to slug his first full-season affiliate home run, rocketing it over the right-field wall.

And that was just a preview of what was to come.

Down in the eighth inning, 14-5, the Guardians’ 2023 first-round pick (23rd overall) stepped into the batter’s box with runners on second and third. After taking two balls from righty Merrick Baldo, Velazquez slugged the third pitch for his second long ball of the night. At 18 years of age and only 10 games into his pro career, he'd already achieved a multihomer feat.

“I go up to every at-bat with the same confidence,” said Velazquez, who also drew two walks. “It doesn't matter if you're down 10-0, or if it’s 0-0. You have the play the game 100 percent all the time and give it your all.”

Known as a hitter with all of the tools and skills to hit for both average and power, Velazquez emerged on the scene last year, showcasing his talent at the National High School Invitational.

His performance -- 6-for-13 with six RBIs, three walks and just one strikeout -- was pivotal in Huntington Beach High School’s triumph in the prestigious prep tournament. It seemed only fitting that he recorded his first two homers of the campaign nearly a year after that breakout performance.

A lot has changed for Velazquez since then. He accomplished his lifelong dream of being drafted, got a taste of playing pro ball in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League and participated in his first camp with the Guardians last year.

Velazquez was stoked to participate in affiliate ball for the first time. Although he admits he isn’t an emotional person, it was difficult for him to fight back tears as he experienced the pageantry of Opening Day last week during the season opener at Down East's Grainger Stadium.

He compared it to a scene from the videogame MLB The Show.

"It just felt like I was in Road to the Show,” Velazquez said. “[I’ve been] playing that game since I was little and seeing all these players make it up. It was just a bunch of emotions just like, 'Wow like, this is everything I've worked for.'

“It's been everything I've dreamed of. Obviously, I'm not to the point where I want to be yet. But still, this is an amazing feeling and an awesome organization to play for.”


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CLEVELAND GUARDIANS MINOR LEAGUE RECAPS

Ralphy Velasquez bashes two home runs, Dayan Frias hits grand slam

Cleveland Guardians minor league recap for Thursday, April 11, 2024

By Brian Hemminger@BrianHemminger

Columbus Clippers 2, Louisville Bats 3 (F/10)

Clippers fall to 4-6

Columbus didn’t have great offense, but the Clippers still had a chance to win the game, holding a 2-1 lead in the ninth inning.

Unfortunately, Franco Aleman picked up his second blown save of the young season, allowing the tying run to score in the bottom of the ninth, then giving up a walk-off single on the first batter he faced in the bottom of the 10th inning.

Before that, the Clippers got 4 1⁄3 innings from rehabbing starter Xzavion Curry, who allowed one run while dancing around five hits and three walks with one strikeout.

Barria, Nic Enright and Anthony Gose were all terrific out of the bullpen, combining to toss 3 2⁄3 scoreless frames with four strikeouts and no walks.

Offensively, three Columbus players stood out. Micah Pries was their best hitter by a landslide, going 2-for-4 with two doubles. Johnathan Rodriguez and veteran catcher Dom Nunez both also went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles each. Raynel Delgado had a pair of walks to reach base safely twice.

Akron RubberDucks 6, Richmond Flying Squirrels 3

RubberDucks improve to 4-1

Akron was led by its No. 9 hitter in the lineup, former second round pick Yordys Valdez, who went 3-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Valdez has impressed to start the season, currently batting .500 with a 1.145 OPS.

Chase DeLauter hit his first extra-base hit of the season, going 1-for-4 with a walk. Petey Halpin continued his hot streak, also going 1-for-4 with a walk.

The big blow of the game came off the bat of Dayan Frias, who bashed a grand slam in the eighth inning to put the RubberDucks in the lead.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1778232512977781076

Catcher Cody Huff also reached base safely twice, going 1-for-3 with a walk.

Starting pitcher Ryan Webb allowed two runs on five hits with six strikeouts and a walk in 3 2⁄3 innings. Bradley Hanner did a great job of putting out the fire, stranding a pair of runners and striking out three batters in 1 1⁄3 innings out of the bullpen.

Tyler Thornton and Lenny Torres both tossed a scoreless inning of relief in the eighth and ninth innings to earn a hold and save, respectively.

Lynchburg Hillcats 8, Fredericksburg Nationals 14

Hillcats fall to 0-5

This one got ugly in a hurry as Lynchburg fell behind 10-0 before the Hillcats ever got a chance to bat.

Starting pitcher Jackson Humphries failed to get anyone out in the first inning, allowing six earned runs on two hits and four walks before he was yanked after throwing 32 pitches. Jake Berry didn’t fare much better, allowing all three inherited runners to score, plus an additional four runs before the first inning was over.

Rorik Maltrud proceeded to make his pro debut out of the bullpen and he was respectable, allowing two runs (one earned) over four innings with five strikeouts. Josh Harlow pitched the final two innings of the game, both scoreless, to help save the rest of the bullpen.

While the pitching situation wasn’t pretty, Lynchburg actually didn’t give up, slowly battling back into the game, but the early 10-run deficit was too much to overcome.

The offensive standout of the game was Cleveland’s first round pick last year, Ralphy Velasquez, who bashed not one, but two home runs while also walking twice. Lynchburg may be struggling, but the still-18-years-old Valasquez is thriving, currently sporting a 1.118 OPS on the young season.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1778237153975435555

Manuel Mejias, a 19-year-old Venezuelan catching prospect, also homered, going 1-for-3 with a pair of walks while Luis Durango went 2-for-4 with a double and a stolen base.

Angel Genao went 2-for-5 with a double, Juan Benjamin went 1-for-4 with a walk and Tommy Hawk went 2-for-5 in a strong offensive showing.

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Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 4/12/24

JUSTIN LADA

APR 13

Scoreboard

Triple-A: Columbus Clippers 5, Louisville Bats 4 (Game 1); Louisville Bats 2, Columbus Clippers 0 (Game 2)
Double-A: Richmond Flying Squirrels 3, Akron RubberDucks 2
High-A: Lake County Captains 7, Fort Wayne TinCaps 6
Single-A: Lynchburg Hillcats 12, Fredericksburg Nationals 7

“Rehab”

Angel Martinez (2B, Columbus): 0-3 - It’s funny we’re calling this a “rehab” assignment when it’s really not. The only reason it’s a “rehab” assignment is because Martinez got hurt in spring training (foot contusion due to a foul ball) before being optioned down. So technically Martinez is earning ML service time on the ML injured list while “rehabbing” but he will be “optioned” to Columbus officially when he’s healthy. Just a strange circumstance.

Highlights

Bryan Lavastida (C, Columbus): 2-4, 3B, RBI - Lavastida is hitting the ball well in the early going. He was really a bat first catcher so he definitely needs that.

Connor Gillispie (SP, Columbus); 5IP, H, BB, 9 K - Gillipsie was 90-92 with his fastball but his slider got eight whiffs in this impressive start. The Clippers needed it. Not sure if he’s a major league option, but see if he keeps it up.

Petey Halpin (DH, Akron): 1-3, 2B, 2 BB, K - Halpin continues his good start with an extra base hit and draws two walks here.

Kody Huff (C, Akron): 2-3, HR, RBI, BB - Huff is off to a good start too as the Akron primary catcher. interesting bat wise to see that skipping High-A and not being a “bat first” type. We’ll see if it continues.

Alex Mooney (3B, Lake County): 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI - Mooney has had some extra base juice to start the year.

Jaison Chourio (DH, Lynchburg): 3-3, 2BB - Chourio was on base all five times in Lynchburg’s big offensive day. He only had three singles and walks are easier to come by at this level, but if Chourio is going to have an offensive breakout this year, these are the types of games you want to see from him.

Angel Genao (SS, Lynchburg): 3-5, 2B, RBI - Genao has had a good start to the year offensively. He had flashes offensively a year ago and it would be good to see him be more consistent in his third stint in Single-A (and of 2022 was his first).

Juan Benjamin (1B, Lynchburg): 2-5, 2B, 3 RBI - Benjamin is playing 1B when Ralphy Velazquez doesn’t play and doesn’t really have the bat to play there or the size, but a nice day nonetheless.

Alex Clemmey (SP, Lynchburg): 3IP, 2H, ER, 2BB, 6 K - Clemmey had a much better outing in his second start of his pro career. He K’d the side in order to end his final inning. However, Clemmey reportedly was only throwing about 93, which is a little eyebrow raising as he was 95-98 in high school at times.

Notable Performances

Will Dion (SP, Columbus): 4.1IP, 4H, 4ER, 3BB, 5K - Dion continues to get off to a slow start at Columbus. This is normally a level where pitches get their biggest adjustment period. Logan Allen had a hiccup here too. I’m not saying Dion is Allen but I still think Dion is better than this and he needs time to adjust. Still hoping to see some added velo after a bit of work with Driveline this winter, though some of that was mechanical in terms of dropping his straight-Kershaw impersonation. He also hurt his own cause with a pickoff error.

Myles Straw (CF, Columbus): 3-7, 2B, 3B, RBI - Not a prospect obviously but worth noting a day.

Johnathan Rodriguez (DH, Columbus): 1-6, RBI, 2 BB, K - Rodriguez hasn’t been that special yet so far, but is hitting the ball hard. A lot of it is on the ground though. That’s not going to help him tap into his power, which is his only carrying tool besides his throwing arm.

Jhonkensy Noel (LF, Columbus): 1-4, 2 RBI - A ground ball single gave Noel two RBI in game one.

Anthony Gose (RP, Columbus): 2IP, K - Gose went two innings given it was a double header for Columbus and struck out one, throwing 96. He could be a pen option this year still.

Kyle Manzardo (1B, Columbus): 2-3 - Manzardo is off to a slow start so far and the two singles are fine, but hopefully the start to more.

Chase DeLauter (CF, Akron): 1-4, BB - Two times on base is a nice day for DeLauter as he is looking to get things going early in the year.

Tommy Mace (SP, Akron): 5IP, 2H, 2ER, 2 BB, 4K - Nothing special but solid day at the yard for Mace, who has been pitching well so far.

Jack Leftwich (RP, Akron): IP, H, ER, 2 K, HR - Leftwich allowed a homer and fanned two. He’s “notable” today because it looks like he is going to be a reliever this year. He has made two appearances in four days and short outings.

Davis Sharpe (RP, Akron): 2IP, 3BB, 4K - Three walks is unusual for Sharpe but the four K’s are good.

Guy Lipscomb (RF, Lake County): 1-3, 3B, 2 RBI, BB - Lipscomb has had some interesting moments so far early in the year and showed off his speed in this one with a triple.

Cooper Ingle (C, Lake County): 1-5, 2B, 2 RBI - A two run double for Ingle, who has also been solid with the bat so far in 24.

Steven Hajjar (SP, Lake County): 1.1IP 2H, 2 ER, 5BB, 2K - Looking like Hajjar has not had any luck trying to locate the ball better and continues to have troubling control.

Tommy Hawke (LF, Lynchburg): 2-4, BB, K- Hawke probably faced better pitching in college a year ago in the ACC, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him really look good at this level.

Kyle Scott (tandem-SP, Lynchburg): 3IP, 2H, R, 3BB, 5K - Scott was solid piggybacking with Clemmey not allowing an earned run.

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