Another busy day with six affiliates in action. Micah Johnson highlighted a day that had a lot of notable pitching prospects take the mound.
Knights 5, Toledo 2
Micah Johnson 4-4
Carlos Sanchez 0-3
Marcus Semien 1-3, BB
Josh Phegley 0-4
Andy Wilkins 2-4, 2 2B
Eric Surkamp 7 IP, R, 7 K, BB, 5 H
Jacksonville 6, Barons 0
Jared Mitchell 0-4, 2 K
Trayce Thompson 0-4
Rangel Ravelo 1-3
Kevan Smith 1-3, 3B
Josh Richmond 2-3, 2B
Myles Jaye 5.2 IP, 6 R, 2 K, 2 BB, 8 H
This was Jaye’s first start back with the Barons since a successful four-start stint with Winston-Salem. Unfortunately, his return to AA was more like how he pitched before the demotion.
Salem 13, Dash 4
Tim Anderson 1-5, K
Courtney Hawkins 2-3, 2B, BB
Jason Coats 1-2, 2 BB, K
Joey DeMichele 1-3, 2B, BB, K
Francellis Montas 4 IP, 0 R, 2 K, 0 BB, 2 H
A rain delay cut Montas’ start short, but it was looking good before the delay. In addition, Courtney Hawkins is really heating up. The outfielder is hitting .375/.462/.593 in his last 10 games with six walks and 10 strikeouts in 32 at-bats. He was slumping to start the month so his June OPS is still just .748.
Intimidators 6, Charleston 5
Cleuluis Rondon 1-4, BB, K
Trey Michalczewski 1-5, 2 K
Brett Austin 1-5, 3 K
Christian Stringer 2-4
Jordan Guerrero 4.1 IP, 2 R, 6 K, 5 BB, 3 H
Guerrero came on in relief of Andre Wheeler and had his longest outing of the season. The 20-year-old still has great numbers (33 strikeouts, 9 walks in 27.2 IP), but the five walks tonight when he was asked to go longer is a minor concern.
Voyagers 2, Billings 0
Ryan Leonards 1-3, BB
Toby Thomas 0-3, BB, K
Jackson Laumann 1-3, K
Jeff McKenzie 6 IP, 1 K, 0 BB, 2 H
Jace Fry IP, 2 K
McKenzie, a 28th round pick last year out of Cal State Bakersfield, was used as a reliever last season. He’s being used as a starter and so far in two starts has a 1.54 ERA with no walks in 11.2 innings.
Third round pick Jace Fry made his pro debut in relief. He is the highest draft pick to debut so far for the White Sox since first rounder Carlos Rodon still hasn’t signed and second rounder Spencer Adams is on the roster in Arizona, but hasn’t pitched yet. Fry retired all three batters he faced with two strikeouts and one groundout.
Mariners 8, Arizona White Sox 4
Jeffry Santos 1-4, BB, 2 K
Antonio Rodriguez 0-4, 2 K
Michael Hollenbeck 1-3, BB
Michael Suiter 2-4, 3B, K
Victor Done 4 IP, 5 R, 4 ER, 4 K, BB, 6 H
Star of the day: Micah Johnson
The rising middle infield prospect had a 4-4 day for Charlotte and continues to be one of the bright spots in the minor league system. This is his second 4-4 day in the past four games. Otherwise, he hasn’t adjusted to AAA all that well. He has a line of .274/.303/.368 in 22 games with the Knights.