Tulsa Drillers – 16-8, 1st place Texas League North 3.0 games ahead of the field, 2nd best overall record in Texas League.
I do not believe that anyone has ever opined that the jump from any MiLB level to the next MiLB level is any where close to the magnitude of the jumpr from AAA (or AA) to MLB. However, it has been argued that the jump from A+ to AA is the most difficult and it is where the prospects are divided to those who may become MLB players to those who are organizational depth. It separates the wheat from the chaff. I have personally spoken to many players, players’ parents, and scouts who have agreed with that premise. Most without even thinking about it.
This was the team with all the hoopla with regards to their prospective OF. Two consensus top 50 OF prospects, both 21: Josue De Paula and Zyhir Hope. Both players have played to the hype, but there are a couple of others who have pushed their way to the monitor list: CF Kendall George, RHSP Patrick Copen, and LHSP Luke Fox.
- Josue De Paula (21) – 107 PA, .302/.439/.419/.884, 17 runs, 16 RBI, 26 hits, 4 doubles, 2 HR, 20 BB, 15 K, 9 SB, 2 CS.
- Zyhir Hope (21) – 101 PA, .286/.347/.495/.842, 13 runs, 21 RBI, 26 hits, 4 doubles, 5 HR, 8 BB, 22 K, 4 SB, 2 CS.
- Kendall George (21) – 101 PA, .365/.439/.419/.858, 21 runs, 12 RBI, 31 hits, 5 doubles, 0 HR, 14 BB, 18 K, 15 SB, 1 CS.
Kendall George has been a big surprise. I fully expected him to play good D and run. But to hit at the level he is currently hitting was unexpected. It started late last year at Great Lakes. In the 2nd half, he slashed .345/.454/.409/.863. It was the first signs as a professional that he showed an ability to be a threat with the bat.
He has carried it over in his first chance at AA. He will never hit for power, but is there really any reason he cannot play at the level of Tampa Bay’s Chandler Simpson? Or better? Is it conceivable that George will get a call for AAA? Is Mike Siani really going to block him all year?
The maturation for all three Tulsa OF has been impressive. With Tibbs III, Sirota, Quintero, Davalan, Ko…That is a boat load of talent that cannot all fit into the LAD roster.
One other position player has sparked a real interest in his development: 3B/1B/LF Kyle Nevin. I generally love bloodlines, but I was not all in on Kyle. But he is proving that he belongs in the discussion for future MLB players. As a regular or platoon? The storyline has not yet been written. What he does show is ability to drive in runs. Seems to be the right guy up at the right time.
- Kyle Nevin (24) – 106 PA, .269/.349/.409/.758, 16 runs, 21 RBI, 25 hits, 4 doubles, 3 HR, 10 BB, 20 K, 4 SB, 0 CS.
IMO, he is not quite at the Kyle Karros level, but is he really that far behind? If as expected both Freeland and Kim are dropped down to OKC later this month, Nevin will be blocked. 1B – James Tibbs III and Ryan Ward; INF – Ryan and Tyler Fitzgerald, Austin Gauthier, Noah Miller, and soon Freeland and Kim. I do not consider Nick Senzel an obstacle.
Where do Tulsa hitters rank in Texas League (10 team league):
Batting Average:
- Kendall George – .365 – #2
OBP:
- Kendall George – .460 – #3
- Josue De Paula – .429 – #5
SLG:
- Griffin Lockwood-Powell – .527 – #11
OPS:
- Griffin Lockwood-Powell – .921 – #9
Hits:
- Kendall George – 31 – #2
- Josue De Paula – 26 – #8
- Zyhir Hope – 26 – #8
- Kyle Nevin – 25 – #11
Runs:
- Kendall George – 21 – #2
- Josue De Paula – 17 – #10
HR:
- Jake Gelof – 5 – #6
- Zyhir Hope – 5 – #6
RBI:
- Zyhir Hope – 21 – #2
- Kyle Nevin – 21 – #2
SB:
- Kendall George – 15 – #1
- Josue De Paula – 9 – #5
Team Rankings:
- Hits – 209 -#4
- Runs – 152 – #2
- BA – .265 – #3
- OBP – .371 – #1
- SLG – .420 – #5
- OPS – .791 – #3
- Doubles – 32 – #8
- Triples – 2 – #8
- HR – 29 – #4
- BB – 124 – #2
- K – 224 – #7
The Drillers had two pitchers who are considered qualified starters: RHSP Patrick Copen and LHSP Luke Fox.
- Patrick Copen – 5 starts, 28.0 IP, 0.96 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, .149 BAA, 14 hits, 6 runs, 14 BB, 37 K, 0 HR – Yes too many walks.
- Luke Fox – 4 starts, 19.2 IP, 2.29 ERA, 0.66 WHIP, .125 BAA, 8 hits, 5 runs, 5 BB, 23 K, 1 HR – Currently on 7-day IL.
ERA:
- Patrick Copen – 0.96 – #1
- Luke Fox – 2.29 – #3
Runs:
- Luke Fox – 5 – #1
- Patrick Copen – 6 – #2
Hits:
- Luke Fox – 8 – #1
- Patrick Copen – 14 – #2
WHIP:
- Luke Fox – 0.66 – #1
- Patrick Copen – 1.00 – #2
BAA:
- Luke Fox – .125 – #1
- Patrick Copen – .149 – #2
LHP Adam Serwinowski is not amongst the leaders in any category. He has had one game that would be considered good. He is somewhat of a disappointment, but at 21 (22 on June 7), he has plenty of time to regroup. Most publication pundits have him as a RP way more than a SP. He has late inning high leverage RP as his floor.
Per MLB Pipeline:
“He could be a mid-rotation starter if he polishes his splitter as well as his control and command, and perhaps a high-leverage reliever if he doesn’t.”
As you might surmise, I have not given up on a 22 year old LHP at AA.
I am not sure why RHRP Nick Robertson is at AA. He is dominating in AA. In 8 games, 13.0 IP, 4-0 record, 0.00 ERA, 2 hits, 3 BB, 12 K, 0.38 WHIP, .050 BAA. He has MLB experience, and should be in the discussion for advancement and consideration for MLB time this summer.
26 year old RHRP Lucas Wepf has pitched well in relief thus far. In 9 games, 14.0 IP, 1-0 record, 1 save in 1 SVO, 2.57 ERA, 6 hits, 5 runs, 4 BB, 21 K, 0.71 WHIP, .128 BAA, 2 HR.
23 year old RHRP Cam Day is improving seemingly every outing. In 9 games, 11.2 IP, 0-0, 2 saves in 2 SVO, 2.31 ERA, 9 hits, 3 runs, 6 BB, 9 K, 1.25 WHIP, .220 BAA, 0 HR. Most of the damage was done early. He has been outstanding in his last five appearances (including 1 in May). He is not on anyone’s radar, but he is pitching well enough to merit consideration for advancement.
One recently promoted reliever who is getting some traction is 24 year old LHRP Myles Caba. I will be interested in reporting how he performed in AA in May.
MiLB GAME SUMMARY REPORTS
Salt Lake City Bees (LAA) 9 – OKC Comets 7
Kiké Hernández made his 1st rehab start in this one.. He went 1-3 with a double (1) and a run scored. He started at 3B, Tyler Fitzgerald PH for Kiké in the 5th. He figured to be activated for May 25, and that fits right in with that plan.
LHSP Logan Allen surrendered a leadoff Nick Madrigal double. Madrigal would then score on a 2-out single by Jeimer Candelario.
2B Ryan Fitzgerald tied it up with a leadoff HR in the 1st.
OKC took the lead in the 2nd. SS Noah Miller reached on catcher’s interference. CF Michael Siani drew a BB. The runners were balked to 2nd and 3rd/ Miller scored on a ground out.
After a single and a BB to lead off the 2nd, Allen got a double play and retired the next ten batters through the 5th.
In the home half of the 5th, Ryan Fitzgerald drew a BB and Kiké moved him to 3rd on a ground rule double. 1B Ryan Ward hit a 3-run HR, and a 5-1 lead. With 2 outs, LF Zach Ehrhard drew a BB followed by a Miller single and Siani BB to load the bases. C Chuckie Robinson walked to bring home Ehrhard, and Miller scored on a WP.
In the 6th, Allen gave up a 2-run HR, that was followed by a BB and single. RHRP Paul Gervase was summoned to replace Allen who did not record an out in the inning. Gervase issued a BB to load the bases and a SF brought home the 3rd run of the inning.
RHRP Brusdar Graterol entered in the 7th. He got two quick outs and then gave up a HR and back to back doubles to tighten the score to 7-6. LHRP Antoine Kelly relieved Graterol and got the final out.
With RHRP Wyatt Mills on the mound in the 8th. He gave up a double and then 2-out single to CT3 to tie the score.
Mills gave up 2 more runs in the 9th, giving the Bees the 9-7 win.
OKC got questionable relief pitching and managed all of 5 hits. No OKC batter had a multi-hit game. Not a good recipe for a win.
Kiké on defense
Arkansas Travelers (Seattle) 11 – Tulsa Drillers 7
This was a bullpen game for Tulsa. Recently promoted LHRP Myles Caba was the opener. He retired the side in order in the 1st. In the 2nd, he gave up a single and BB. Struck out the next batter, but the runners executed a double steal Both runners scored on a single before Caba got out of the inning.
LHRP Evan Shaw had a horrendous outing. He hit a batter, RBI double, single, BB, and 2-run single. RHRP Roque Gutierrez relieved Shaw and gave up a RBI single. That single was followed by a 3-run HR, and a 9-0 lead.
Tulsa started to climb back in in the 4th. CF Kendall George led off with a double (6) and scored on 3B Kyle Nevin’s 1-out single. RF Zyhir Hope reached on an E3. The two runners moved up on a balk, and both scored on SS Elijah Hainline’s single.
Tulsa put up 3 more in the 5th. 1B Joe Vetrano led off with a double (2) and scored on a single by C Frank Rodriguez. After George reached on a force out, LF Josue De Paula powered his 4th HR.
In the 7th, Rodriguez tripled (1) and George drew a BB. Rodriguez was thrown out at home on a fielder’s choice. George scored on a throwing error, and that brought the Driller to within 2, 9-7.
After the HR, Gutierrez retired 9 consecutive batters. LHRP Christian Suarez pitched a scoreless 7th. RHRP Carson Hobbs gave up 2 more runs in the 8th on 3 hits and 1 BB, with 2 K.
Tulsa went out meekly in the final 2 innings.
Kyle Nevin and Frank Rodriguez each had a pair of hits. Kendall George was 1-2 with 2 BB.
Great Lakes Loons vs Lake County Captains (Cleveland) Postponed Inclement Weather
Will be made up as part of a DH on May 7.
Ontario Tower Buzzers 3 – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (LAA) 0
The LAD Cal League team was back in their previous home for the first time.
RHSP Jesus Tillero started and pitched very well for 6.1. He threw 84 pitches (62 strikes). He walked the leadoff hitter in the 7th and struck out the next batter before giving way to RHRP Jholbran Herder. Overall Tillero allowed 4 hits, 1 BB, and 7 K, while Herder allowed 1 hit and struck out 2 in his 1.1 IP.
With two outs in the 8th, RHRP Jecsua Liborius finished off the shutout win and Liborius’ 3rd save. He allowed 1 hit and struck out 3 in his 1.1 IP.
In the 4th, Ontario scored a run after C Anson Aroz drew a 2-out BB and scored on 1B Easton Shelton’s double (7).
Ching-Hsien Ko hit his 4th HR in the 8th.
In the 9th, DH Jose D. Hernandez walked and LF AJ Soldra was HBP. Both runners moved up on a WP. Hernandez scored on SS Emil Morales’ sac fly.
- Ching-Hsien Ko – 2-4, 1 run, 1 RBI, Double (5), HR (4)
- Easton Shelton – 2-4, 1 RBI, double (7)
ACL Dodgers 7 – ACL Brewers 3 – 8 innings
The Dodgers broke open a 3-3 tie in the 8th with 4 runs.
In the 2nd inning, Dodgers were issued two walks. The next batter hit into a DP with the lead runner, DH Francisco Espinoza, getting to 3B. Espinoza scored on a WP.
RHP Joel Cruz gave up the tying run in the 3rd. Two singles and a ground out brought the run home.
In the 4th, Espinoza doubled (1) and moved to 3B on an error. He scored on a WP.
In the 7th, the Dodgers got a 3rd run on singles from RF Jose Gonzalez, SS Javier Herrera, and 3B Moises Bolivar.
In the bottom of the 7th, LHRP Peter Bonilla gave up a BB and game tying HR.
The game moved to extra innings.
In the 8th, there was a placed runner at 2nd. 2B Daniel Mielcarek drew a 1-out BB. LF Elias Medina followed with a run scoring single. CF Abel Lorenzo hit a 3-run HR, giving the Dodgers a 7-3 lead.
After blowing a save in the 7th, Bonilla pitched a scoreless 8th for the win.
- Javier Herrera – 2-5, double (2)
- Jose Gonzalez – 2-4, 1 run, double (1)
- Francisco Espinoza – 1-2, 2 BB, 2 run, double (1)
- Abel Lorenzo – 1-4, 1 run, 3 RBI, HR (1)
Dodger offense could not get going against a guy they have owned. Going into the game, LA had a .394 BA with 10 homers, and 27 runs scored off of him in 24.1 innings. He had an 0-3 record. Dodgers have made some very mediocre pitchers look like Paul Skenes lately.
but all is well. really it is.
I am not worried. I think the offense gets better when Mookie returns. I think when Ohtani pitches, move him out of the leadoff spot. They definitely could have used his bat tonight.
Former player and manager, Bob Skinner passed away at the age of 94. Skinner was an outfielder and a member of the 1960 Champion Pirates and the 1964 Champion Cardinals. He took over as manager of the Phillies when Gene Mauch was fired. He also managed the Padres for a short time. He also spent time as a hitting coach. RIP. Angels resigned Joey Lucchesi to a minor league deal. Carlos Correa of the Astros is feared to have suffered a serious ankle injury. Rockies signed Jordan Romano to a minor league deal. Kikuchi will be shut down for 3-4 weeks. Nats signed Max Kranick to a MLB contract and DFAd Jackson Rutledge. White Sox acquired Trevor Richards from the Phillies for cash.
Great that Kendall George is doing so well.
Even though he was a 1st round pick, the lack of power left him overshadowed by his peers. But if he keeps getting on base at high clip, he might break through.
Ko. 6’3” 215. 19 years old. .288 in Low A. Would like to see that average over .300, but with an OPS over 1.000 how long until he’s moved up?
Are the Dodgers developing closers in their system?
I see the package for Skenes being developed.
Why is Kiké still rehabbing? Bring him in and wish Espinal best of luck in his next assignment, wherever that might be.
Once again, good work Jeff.
Why is Rushing batting first? Is it because of his OPS?I realize it’s only guaranteed in the first inning. Another wasted excellent pitching performance by Ohtani. Where has the power from this lineup gone? How can we lose against a shit team like the ASSSStros and a shit pitcher like Lambert? It’s mindboggling!
According to Joe on the broadcast last night, he put Rushing in Ohtani’s leadoff spot because he did not want to shake up the batting order. Everyone was in their normal spot. That was the explanation Andrew.
That sounds lame to me. He already shook up the order.
Personally I didn’t care much for that lineup. I start Kim against the right hander. And I lead him off. Vs RH starters this season his OBP is .397.
I get it, but they like the chance of a big blast in that first AB, that is why Ohtani still leads off. Personally, I don’t like that kind of lineup, but many teams do it now.
A few thoughts this morning.
(1). Will will continue to perform at a high level.
(2). Freddie will eventually get hot. Although I don’t believe he reaches 20 homers this season. The power? Not so sure it ever comes back.
(3). Freeland is starting to hit. Don’t understand Doc pinch hitting for him last night. How did that work out?
(4). Rojas over Kim at shortstop last night with a right hand on the mound. How did that work out?
(5). Max is having a nice season so far.
(6). If Tucker would wake up he could have a very good season!
(7). Pages 3 hits last night. Just a little more plate discipline and he will be an all star.
(8). Teo is a total mess! Probably by far the biggest disappointment on the team so far. Is it possible he could be moved during the season? Tibbs,Sirota?
(9) Ohtani. Lord help the baseballs when he breaks out! AND, he will break out!
(10). It’s almost criminal that the Dodgers offense is robbing the pitching of much deserved wins!
(11). Maybe Alex Call should start more. He at least has some idea of the strike zone.
(12). Wrobleski? There should be an investigation if he’s removed from the rotation!
(13). Sasaki? His last 3 innings of his last start probably keep him in LA.
(14). Dalton? Probably needs to play every day to really reach his potential. Won’t happen in LA.
(15). Braves come to town Friday. Better get their sh*t together or they could get swept at home!!!
Maybe someone should start a bench clearing brawl! Something to light a fire under their dormant arrsses!
(9).
Doc pinch hit for Freeland because he has not hit lefthanders well. There was a lefty on the mound. Freddie definitely in a power slump, but part of that is because he has been out of whack. That ball he hit to center would go out in some places. Rojas was in there to give Kim a blow. Kim is not going to start every game at SS. And Rojas hit in a little bad luck, his first at bat was a hard hit atem ball. I would give Teo a few days off and start Call in left. Solid defense and a nose for getting hits.
How come the lack of love for Miggy??? He has done a great job so far.
Not disrespecting Rojas. Just thought Kim would be a better option against the right handed starter. And Freeland? Couldn’t have done it any worse!!! 3 pitches and a seat! Correa, altuve, and Bregman? They can eat chicken droppings! Springer?Not quite as much hate for him as the other 3. He was actually kinda silent about the whole situation and got out of Houston quickly.
Yeah Teo needs a reboot of sorts. Really thought after his spring he was going to be a beast! He still might.
Kim looked overmatched today until he finally got on track against the pen. Kim is ok as a sub, but when Mookie returns, he is not going to see much playing time.
The fact that Freeland is a much better hitter from the Left side probably had something to do with it. He’s hitting .167 with a .481 OPS against lefties.
2:10 PM ET EARLY GAME
Dodgers (22-14)
Astros (15-22)
SP Tyler Glasnow R
3-0 2.56 ERA
SP Lance McCullers R
2-2 6.32 ERA
Confirmed Lineup
DH S. Ohtani L
1B F. Freeman L
LF T. Hernandez R
RF Kyle Tucker L
3B Max Muncy L
CF Andy Pages R
C D. Rushing L
SS Hyeseong Kim L
2B A. Freeland S
In Domed Stadium
Jeff, outstanding Dodger MiLB info. I’ve said for years how fortunate we are to have someone that has not only an interest, but the knowledge to expose readers here to the possible Dodgers of the future. With your player profiles, if and when a player is called up , we are familiar with them. I think it adds to the excitement of a new call up and the possibility of becoming a fan of that player! No one does it better in the local or national baseball media in covering the Dodger prospects!! Thank you.
As mentioned, another wasted pitching performance by Ohtani. He joins Yamamoto in the “no offense for you” club. Damn, this team has absolutely no energy and no apparent focus on the offensive side of the ball.
Maybe, that will change with the arrival of Kiki.
I’ve been encouraged to see Kim and Freeland making more consistent contact in the past 15 games. Their K rates have been dramatically reduced. Both are playing good defense. Both Rojas and Call have been solid in their roles off the bench. And, of course, Dalton Rushing has been quite a surprise considering his is a rookie and not getting everyday AB’s. Many believed the bench for the Dodgers was going to be a weak area. Not so, so far.
No, it’s been the top of the lineup that’s been so unproductive. The highest paid players – Betts, Freeman, Ohtani,
Teoscar, Tucker, and Smith have a combined OPS of .740. These players have a combined AVV (deferrals not included) of approximately $190M and average age of 32.7 years. Other than Teoscar and Tucker, most of these stars are going to be around for many more years.
Hopefully, they will all turn things around soon and earn their salaries and the expected Championships. If not, then the Dodger front office may have some major decisions to make. And, what about all the OF talent now throughout all levels of their system? What happens to them, and others, with no apparent spots on the Dodgers active roster due to expensive, low producing veterans? It will interesting to see how this all shakes out. It would be great to get 2-3 more productive years from most of these aging players.
Not to be overlooked are the play of Muncy and Pages. Andy had a small slump recently, but appears to be back on track. I’m looking for an All Star spot for him this season. And Max just grinds away and providing the team with some much needed offense.
Carry on.
Correa will have season ending ankle surgery.
I don’t want to see any player lose a season to a serious surgery. But, Carlos Correa….. karma’s a bitch.
Minnesota has to be very happy they were able to unload Correa back to Houston last year. The contract that was originally given by the Twins was huge mistake right out of gate. The Houston GM should lose his job after that trade.
Joe Davis can’t figure out the booing of Kyle Tucker in Houston. I wonder if the boos emanated from Dodger fans visiting for the series.
Orel had an interesting take on resting Ohtani. He reported that the toughest physical day for a starting pitcher is the day after his start. Maybe rest him from DH’ing on the day after. Interesting idea,
Altuve struck out on the worst pitch I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t happen to a bigger A-hole. The best part was after swinging at a pitch deep in the opposite batter’s box, that he missed by 3 feet, he took strike 3, right down the can.
One again the Dodger bats struggled against a marginal starter.
The defense in MLB is so good now days. Outfield catches are amazing. The highlight catches by Mantle and Mays pale in comparison with the athletic catches I see nightly now in MLB.
I’ve seen too many PitchCom issues lately. It’s either legit tech issues or a stall tactic. I think after the first malfunction and equipment exchange, the catcher should just put down some fingers and let’s go.
That’s what is troubling about the Dodger offense. Most of the pitchers they have faced recently are #3-5 starters on bad teams. It would be a bit more understandable if it was top of the rotation pitchers. I guess when things aren’t clicking for a hitter it doesn’t much make a difference who is throwing the pitch. It just adds to the frustration.
Outfielders are proving to be quite athletic yes, but I still don’t see many of them moving to back up bases, and most of them have inaccurate noodle arms. I’ve seen better throws in MABL and tournament softball games.
I agree, go back to catcher pitcher communication with hand signals. There are a number of ways to do it, and not all of them are fingers. If they get stolen, that’s both on you and a part of the game for over a hundred years.
I also heard what Orel said about resting Ohtani. Made sense. On that day off he could still be used for one late at bat. And about recovery. He’s soon to be 32. He’s had 2 TJ surgeries on that 100 mph arm, and surgery on his non throwing shoulder. It’s a very long season. Be careful……
I watched a little of OKC’s debacle against Salt Lake last night and saw the new check swing challenge in action. If they adopt it, there are going to be a lot of pissed off pitchers, because from the graphic I saw on the screen, the bat is actually going to have to go past the corner of the plate.
Brock Stewart activated and Jake Eder to AAA
Good for Stewart.
Today’s the day for McCullers to right the ship. Forget about runs. How many hits can we get against him? Is there any way we can get the Astros to pitch Roki against us?
Game over after one Astro batter!
Poor Glasnow. Just cannot put together a healthy season. Now it’s all about getting him ready for October. Roki to cancel OKC apartment search
We all knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. I guess now is as good as any with Snell close to returning.
With the Snell return this early in the season could lead to question how long will he stay healthy?
With Snell and Glasnow it’s difficult to get 250 innings between the two of them. But, stranger things have happened. I’m being realistic with their history. Never enough pitching. Even as loaded as the Dodger system might be.
Just his back tightened up. Better to be cautious than sorry. No reason to panic. Snell will be back in a week or so.
A blister now becomes the Dodgers best offensive wespon!
I’ve never been more excited for run scoring wild pitches
Glass now!
Dodgers are the best hitting “when it doesn’t matter” team in baseball!
I watched George play vs Quad-Cities last year. He consistently put everything on the ground and applied extreme pressure on defenses. Moving him to AAA for Siani would also free up AA for Sirota. I know it’s early in the year for that kind of move but if George and Sirota continue to rake it seems prudent.
Nice game for Pages. No homers in about three weeks and he hits 3 today.
Interview with Glasnow after the game and he described the problem as back spasms.
that’s good news
They should IL Glasnow. Give him a month…
They all should get a few weeks off over the course of the year. This could be his, tho there may be another break needed later.
Chris Paddack as a temporary replacement? Let Prior work his magic.
I could see that. They are pretty good at fixing guys, but with Snell due back probably after his next rehab assignment, they might not do anything.