Thursday, May 31, 2018

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Fresno 12, Albuquerque 11 in 11 innings

W- Jacob Dorris (2-0)
L- Austin House (1-2)

Fresno home runs: Kyle Tucker 2 (7; solo in 1st, 2-run in 2nd), Jack Mayfield (5, 2-run in 1st), Jon Kemmer (8, 2-run in 5th)

The Grizzlies saw an 8-3 lead vanish and needed extra innings to escape with the win. They thought they had it won in the 10th with three runs, but the Isotopes managed to get all of those runs back to extend the game. Fortunately, Fresno was able to push their leadoff runner across in the 11th with a sac fly.

Everyone in the Fresno lineup recorded a hit; Tyler White was the only player in the lineup to not score a run.

Brock Dykxhoorn went four innings and allowed three runs on four hits, walked two, and struck out six. Andrew Thome was the first man out of the Grizzlies bullpen and allowed a run on a single, walked one, and struck out one in two innings. Reymin Guduan came on for the 8th, but he was only able to get one out via strikeout as Albuquerque took him deep twice in the frame and got four runs. Guduan allowed one other hit and walked one. Brendan McCurry was next, and he allowed a hit, walked two (one intentionally), and struck out two in 1.2 innings. James Hoyt recorded a strikeout in a 1-2-3 9th. Jacob Dorris pitched two innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on two home runs in the 10th. He walked one and struck out one. It was a rough 10th, but Dorris had a slightly less stressful 11th as he got the one strikeout and induced the game-ending double play.

Cy Sneed gets the start in game two and he'll take on Antonio Senzatela at 6:35 Mountain.

Corpus Christi 11, Springfield 4

W- Justin Ferrell (2-1, 3-1 season)
L- Jake Woodford (2-6)

CC home runs: Taylor Jones 2 (10; 3-run in 1st, 2-run in 8th), Randy César (6, solo in 1st), Josh Rojas (3, 4 season; solo in 5th), Stephen Wrenn (3, 3-run in 7th)

The Hooks put on a show of force in the Ozarks as they launched five home runs which accounted for ten of the eleven runs they put on the scoreboard.

Two of those homers came off the bat of one Taylor Jones, who opened the scoring with a three-run blast in the 1st. His two-run shot in the 8th capped off the evening. Randy César wasted little time in extending his hitting streak as he sent a solo shot out in the 1st; his streak now stands at 22 games. Josh Rojas led off the 5th with a homer. César also drove in the only run that did not score on a home run with an RBI single in the 7th. Stephen Wrenn whacked a three-run homer later in the inning.

Both of Jones' hits left the ballpark. Rojas, César, Wrenn, and Alex De Goti all finished 3-5 on the evening; De Goti was a home run shy of the cycle, while Rojas and Wrenn were missing the triple. Myles Straw went 3-4, but he did not have a fun night on the bases as he was picked off first base twice and got tossed after arguing a caught stealing call in the 7th.

Corbin Martin and Justin Ferrell both pitched three innings. Martin did not allow a run in his three innings, but he had to labor through them. He allowed two hits, walked three, and struck out three. Oklahoma Ferrell allowed three runs on four hits (two-run homer), walked two, and struck out one. Erasmo Pinales pitched 1.2 innings and allowed an RBI single, issued a walk, committed a balk, and struck out five, four of which occurred in the 7th inning. Riley Ferrell retired the last four Springfield batters of the evening, striking out one of them.

Cionel Perez will get the start as the Hooks look for a sweep. He'll face a rehabbing Carlos Martinez at 7:10.

Down East 1, Buies Creek 0

W- Jonathan Hernandez (4-2)
L- Brandon Bailey (1-5)
S- C.D. Pelham (9)

BC home runs: None.

There was only one scoring play in this game. Unfortunately, it did not belong to the Carolina Stros.

Ronnie Dawson, Abraham Toro, and J.J. Matijevic had one hit apiece; Toro's was a double. Dawson also stole a base, his 18th of the season.

Brett Adcock allowed two hits and struck out six over five shutout frames. Brandon Bailey went 2.2 innings and allowed the one run, which was unearned due to an error, on a double. He allowed one other hit, walked four, and struck out two. Robert Corniel recorded the final out of the 8th inning.

TBA gets the start in the series finale. Whoever he is will face Christian Torres at 7:00 Eastern.

Clinton 13, Quad Cities 6

W- Chris Castellanos (3-0)
L- Jairo Solis (0-1)

QC home runs: Jake Meyers (5, led off game), Jake Adams (7, 2-run in 1st)

The Banditos got taken to the woodshed on Wednesday.

Jairo Solis would probably like a mulligan on his season debut. It was not a fun night for Quad Cities' pitchers and I think it would be for the best if I didn't elaborate any further.

The two Jakes launched home runs in the opening frame to open the scoring. Corey Julks ripped an RBI double in the 7th and scored on a Miguelangel Sierra single. Mike Papierski scored on a Roman Garcia groundout in the 8th. Sierra finished 3-5 on the night.

Yohan Ramirez will start the series finale. He'll go against Ryne Inman at 6:30.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Josh Rojas, IF, Taylor Jones, 1B, Randy César, 3B, and Stephen Wrenn, OF, Corpus Christi
Rojas: 3-5, 2B, solo HR (3, 4 season), 3 R
Jones: 2-5, 2 HR (10), 5 RBI
César: 3-5, solo HR (6), 2 RBI, 2 R; 22-game hitting streak
Wrenn: 3-5, 3-R HR (3)

Brett Adcock, LHP, Buies Creek
5 IP, 2 H, 6 K

Kyle Tucker, OF, and Jon Kemmer, OF, Fresno
Tucker: 2-5, 2 HR (7), 3 RBI
Kemmer: 4-6, 2 2B, 2-R HR (8), 2 R

Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Getting to Know Buies Creek OF Chas McCormick

Buies Creek OF Chas McCormick did not spend much time in rookie ball after he was drafted by the Astros in the 21st round in 2017 out of Millersville University of Pennsylvania, one of only 11 players drafted from that institution (thus far). McCormick held his college record for hits, runs, RBI and triples so it was no surprise that he tore up the Appalachian League in the eight games he played at the level, but it was somewhat of a surprise that he was given a promotion directly to High A Buies Creek from rookie league, a short-lived assignment that saw him back with Low A Quad Cities for the remainder of the season.

Chas McCormick - May 2018
Photo by Jayne Hansen

When I spoke with McCormick earlier this month, I asked him about how that early challenge to A ball helped him to become a better hitter. "I started off in Greeneville. I'm only there for two weeks. I really hit the ball well there, but that was rookie ball pitching. I got a lot of fastballs and I'm a good fastball hitter so I thought it was pretty easy honestly so I got moved up to High A right at first and that's where I started to see not just fastballs, but sliders for strikes, changeups for strikes and that's where it got hard. I said to myself, 'I'm not ready for this pitching just yet.' I was only at High A for four days and I got sent down which was OK because I wasn't ready for the High A pitching at all. So I got sent down to Quad Cities and I struggled there which I wasn't surprised (because) it's pretty much the same pitching. I struggled, struggled and then I finally started to get adjusted to A ball pitching," said McCormick.

He continued, "I think what helped me was just getting into deeper counts, not swinging at as many bad pitches -- just trying to figure out what pitch to sit on in what counts and what situation. Because rookie ball is a little different honestly. It was just kind of free swinging, going up there and (looking for) fastballs. In High A plus Quad Cities, there were more fastballs down, sliders away, changeups in and two-seams (that's the first time I saw two-seams and cutters too). All those pitches were not in rookie ball and when I started to see that, that's what I struggled on. All those cutters, two-seams. And I finally got adjusted to it. As any hitter, that's how you can get adjusted to it. You've got to keep seeing it. You've got to put better at-bats up. Towards the end of the season in Quad Cities, that's when I started to get hot, started to get adjusted to it. And honestly, just getting in deeper counts, I think all in all that's helped me wait for my pitches and hit my balls in the gap. I think that's what really helped me was seeing pitches, seeing more pitches."

And when McCormick started the 2018 season with High A Buies Creek, he was much more prepared for the challenge. Part of that he attributes to being able to work with Ben Rosenthal again this season. Rosenthal was the Quad Cities hitting coach in 2017 and is now working in that same capacity for Buies Creek in 2018. That continuity has seemed to help McCormick. "I think he's really helped me develop into a better hitter, more of a power hitter, gap-to-gap hitter, more of a doubles guy than a singles guy."

Something else that helped McCormick get acclimated to professional baseball in 2017 was the opportunity to see how other players prepared, something he had previously given little thought. McCormick said, "Just watching the older guys, like Myles Straw, and even watching [Josh] Rojas, how they prepare before their games and how they get ready to go. Everyone has a different preparation. Just knowing some of the guys have routines. I didn't ever have a routine before hitting, before going into games. I never had a routine. I'd just pick up my bat and just go and just swing, swing in BP and be ready to go." But seeing Rojas's routine and the subsequent results opened McCormick's eyes, "That's how he would be so consistent. That's why he's a good hitter. So even just getting into routines before for your preparation, whatever routine works before games, I think that's really helpful."

I asked McCormick what a scout might tell me about him. He replied, "He's a good athlete. He likes to compete. He likes to battle. I'm a ballplayer. That's what I can do a good job at. I can really put my body out on the line, really play hard. And, yeah, everyone likes to play hard and everyone wants to play hard. And those are some good things about me -- an athlete, like to compete, battle, play hard and give it your all, like 100%, every game. And that's what I try to do every time. That's a good plus for me."

And McCormick was refreshingly candid in pointing out the biggest flaw in his game, "I think the negative for me, honestly, is specifically my swing. Sometimes I'm a streaky hitter. I get in bad habits. And don't get me wrong. I can drive the ball. I can hit doubles. I'm fast too. But when I get up to the plate and I get in my streaks where I hit a bunch of ground balls and I swing at bad pitches, that's a negative about me. Specifically, at the plate. I think I can do everything else just fine. And they say my swing decisions are good because I swing at strikes, yeah, but sometimes I swing at strikes that aren't pitches that I can drive. I think that's a negative for me."

Defensively, McCormick characterized himself this way, "I'm fast. I get to the ball pretty quickly. I get good jumps. I think I'm good at that. I've got a good arm. I get it in quick. Charging a ball when a runner's trying to score and throwing him out, that's what I need to work on most."

I also sat down with Rosenthal to get his take on McCormick. "Good kid, gamer, baseball player, athletic. Just trying to make a couple of mechanical tweaks but great energy. Great energy kid, has a good time. I think that's going to take him a long way because he has fun and he plays hard. He's athletic to make some of the changes and the mechanical tweaks that we're trying to get him to make and he's sneaky strong. You don't think he's got juice and he'll hit a ball (hard). He's got some strength in there. He's got some ceiling and some growing (to do), but good kid. Like a dirty baseball rat. The little kid that's always dirty," said Rosenthal.

And I think that "baseball rat" persona came to him naturally as one of four very competitive brothers who played baseball, basketball and football with each other growing up. This closeness with his brothers, two older brothers and an identical twin, led him to a love for sports, "I like to stay around sports. I like to be outside and hang out. That's why I love baseball."

Aside from hanging out with family, you may find McCormick at the mall, the bowling alley or the golf course. It is difficult to imagine how his degree in social work (his mother's profession) might come into play for him as he readily admits, "It's always been sports."

It will likely always be sports for McCormick in one way or another. He works hard, but he so obviously enjoys every minute of the experience, both on and off the field, that it is somewhat infectious. There is no denying that his energy and his enthusiasm elevate his level of play. Simply put, McCormick is a lot of fun to watch.

Thank you for your time, Chas, and best of luck as the season continues to unfold.

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Sweep!


Fresno 2, El Paso 1

W- Josh James (1-2)
L- Dillon Overton (1-2)
S- James Hoyt (3)

Fresno home runs: None.

Fresno came out on top in an afternoon edition of Taco Tuesday to take their series with the Chihuahuas.

Drew Ferguson scored both of the Tacos' runs and Jack Mayfield brought him in both times. Mayfield ripped a double in the 4th and added a sac fly to his ledger in the 6th.

Josh James turned in a nice outing and earned his first win of the year. He allowed a run on 6 hits, walked one, and struck out nine in seven innings of work. Kent Emanuel allowed a hit in a scoreless 8th. Buddy Boshers got the first two outs of the 9th and James Hoyt finished it off by striking out Dusty Coleman.

Fresno will end May and begin June with a five-game set in Albuquerque. Brock Dykxhoorn will get the start in the opener and he'll face former Astro Brett Oberholtzer at 6:35 Mountain.

Corpus Christi 11, Springfield 4

W- Yoanys Quiala (5-4)
L- Yeison Medina (0-2)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks broke a 4-4 tie in emphatic fashion with a six-run 6th inning.

Ryan Hartman threw four innings and the four runs he allowed came on a pair of two-run homers. Hartman allowed two other hits, walked one, and struck out six during his stint on the mound. Yoanys Quiala picked him up and brought the Hooks home with five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, walking one, and striking out six.

Taylor Jones opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Stephen Wrenn led off the 2nd with a double and came home on a Jamie Ritchie single. Ritchie advanced station-to-station and then scored on a wild pitch. Jones plated the third run of the 2nd inning by hitting a sac fly to score Aníbal Sierra. That sac fly would be Corpus Christi's last scoring play until they busted this game open in the 6th; in the meantime, the Cardinals got their two two-run homers.

Wrenn kick-started the big inning by leading it off with a single. He then stole second and scored on another Ritchie single. Alex De Goti walked and Sierra singled to load the bases for Myles Straw, who walked Ritchie in. Josh Rojas was next and he brought everyone home with a triple. Jones got plunked, but Randy César kept things moving with an RBI single that extended his hitting streak to 21 games. Ritchie drove in the final run of the evening with yet another RBI single in the 8th. All three of his hits were RBI singles. De Goti was the only man in the Corpus lineup to go hitless, but he did score a run in the 6th. Straw and Wrenn both finished 2-4 with two runs scored.

Corbin Martin gets the start in game two of this series. He'll take on Jake Woodford at 6:30.

Buies Creek 11, Down East 6

W- Carson LaRue (3-2)
L- Edgar Arredondo (5-2)

BC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (6, 2-run in 1st), J.J. Matijevic (4, 7 season; 2-run in 8th)

The Carolina Stros turned a 5-2 deficit into a 7-5 lead with five runs in the 6th as part of a 9-1 run to close this game out.

Carson LaRue allowed five runs (four earned) on five hits (solo and three-run homers), walked one, and struck out two. Gabriel Valdez was the first man out of the Buies Creek bullpen and the one run that he allowed in his three innings of work came on a solo homer hit by Charles Leblanc in the 8th. Valdez allowed one other hit, walked two, and struck out two. Jesús Balaguer worked around a couple of walks to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out two.

Ronnie Dawson got the scoring started when he whacked a two-run homer in the 1st. This was Buies Creek's only scoring play until they went off in the 6th.

Carlos Canelón and Alfredo Angarita led off the 6th with singles and they both advanced a base on Dawson's groundout. Abraham Toro ripped a two-run double to bring them in and he eventually scored on an error that allowed Osvaldo Duarte to reach. Duarte moved to second on a passed ball and scored on a Chas McCormick single. McCormick came in with the fifth and final run of the inning on a Luis Payano RBI single.

Toro singled to lead off the 8th and one batter later, J.J. Matijevic swatted a home run. Duarte followed with a double and he would score on wild pitch. Duarte drove in the final run of the night with an RBI single in the 9th. He, Toro, McCormick, and Canelón all finished with two hits in the game.

Brett Adcock will face Jonathan Hernandez in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 4, Clinton 2

W- Patrick Sandoval (4-1)
L- Raymond Kerr (1-4)
S- César Rosado (1)

QC home runs: Colton Shaver (6, solo in 5th), Miguelangel Sierra (3, 2-run in 6th)

The Banditos pounded out 13 hits but only had four runs to show for it. No matter, they still came out on top.

Miguelangel Sierra put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI single in the 4th. Colton Shaver led off the 5th with a home run to tie the game, and Sierra whacked a two-run home run in the 6th to put the Banditos in front. Jake Adams went 4-4 with a couple of doubles. Sierra, Shaver, and Jake Meyers all finished 2-4.

Patrick Sandoval went five innings and allowed two unearned runs on four hits, walked two, and struck out six. César Rosado finished with four scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out one.

Tyler Ivey was originally scheduled to start tonight's contest, but he was just promoted to Buies Creek. Whoever gets the start in his stead will go against Oliver Jaskie at 6:30.

Tuesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Josh James, RHP, Fresno
W (1-2), 7 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 9 K

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 4-2 @ Clinton
9 IP, 6 H, 2 unearned runs, 2 BB, 7 K
Patrick Sandoval: W (4-1), 5 IP, 4 H, 2 unearned runs, 2 BB, 6 K
César Rosado: Save (1), 4 IP, 2 H, K

Photo by Bryan Green
Miguelangel Sierra, SS, Quad Cities
2-4, 2-R HR (3), 3 RBI

Yoanys Quiala, RHP, Corpus Christi
W (5-4), 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 6 K

Jamie Ritchie, C, Corpus Christi
3-5, 3 RBI singles, 2 R

Tuesday, May 29, 2018

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, May 28, 2018

Fresno 11, El Paso 2

W- Rogelio Armenteros (3-0)
L- Jesse Scholtens (0-3)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies cruised to a win as they stormed out to a 10-2 lead after the first three innings.


Rogelio Armenteros allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and struck out three in six innings of work. Reymin Guduan, Andrew Thome, and James Hoyt all pitched a scoreless inning. Guduan walked one and struck out one in the 7th. Thome allowed two hits and struck out one in the 8th and Hoyt struck out two in a 1-2-3 9th.

Josh James will get the start in the series finale. He'll face Dillon Overton at 11:05 AM Pacific.

Corpus Christi was off

The Hooks will start a three-game series against the Springfield Cardinals at 7:05. Ryan Hartman is slated to take on Conner Greene.

Buies Creek and Lynchburg was canceled

Due to rain. This game will not be made up as it was the final meeting between both clubs in the first half.

Tonight, round 3 of the Lone Star Series in North Carolina kicks off in Kinston. Carson LaRue will face Edgar Arredondo in the opener of Buies Creek's series with Down East. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 5, Peoria 4

W- Juan Robles (2-0)
L- Bryan Dobzanski (3-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos broke a 1-1 tie with three runs in the bottom of the 8th... only to see Peoria tie the game with three of their own in the 9th. However, Quad Cities weathered that storm and walked off with the win.

Leovanny Rodriguez allowed two hits, walked three, and struck out two over five shutout innings. Enoli Paredes was the first man out of the Quad Cities bullpen and allowed a run on three hits, walked two, and struck out one in 2.2 innings of work. Juan Robles pitched 1.1 innings and allowed three runs on six hits while striking out one.

Jonathan Arauz ripped an RBI double in the 3rd to open the scoring. Quad Cities scored three in the 8th on... doubles! Mike Papierski ripped one and Colton Shaver smacked one of his own that drove in two runs. Arauz hit a double with one out in the 9th and scored the winning run on a Corey Julks single. Arauz, Papierski, and Julks all finished with three hits on the evening.

Patrick Sandoval will start the first game in a three-game series in Clinton. First pitch is at 6:30.

Not in the mood for Stars. Sorry.

Monday, May 28, 2018

Astros Farm Report: 5/28

Catching you up on the latest Astros MiLB news ...

Cristian Javier - July 2017
Photo by Jayne Hansen

WISHING A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO

6/2: IF/OF Sean Mendoza (18)
6/3: RHP Chad Donato (23)

ROSTER MOVES/TRANSACTIONS

5/27: RHP Ralph Garza assigned to Corpus Christi from Fresno
5/27: RHP Trent Thornton (Fresno) activated from the DL
5/26: OF Gilberto Celestino assigned to Corpus Christi from extended spring training
5/26: IF Jack Mayfield (Fresno) activated from the DL
5/24: RHP Brock Dykxhoorn assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi
5/23: C Garrett Stubbs (Fresno) activated from the DL
5/23: OF Jake Marisnick recalled to Houston from Fresno
5/21: RHP Ralph Garza assigned to Fresno from Corpus Christi
5/21: RHP Hecduar Barcenas (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2017 for $10,000)
5/21: OF Leonardo Gonzalez (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2016)
5/21: LHP Antonio Pujols (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in September 2016)
5/21: 1B Jon Singleton (Corpus Christi restricted list) released (8th round 2009 Phillies draft; came to Houston in the July 2011 Hunter Pence trade)

ASTROS MILB DISABLED LIST

527: OF Carmen Benedetti (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5/26: RHP David Paulino (Fresno) placed on the 7-day DL (retroactive to the 25th)
5/22: SS Antonio Nunez (Fresno) placed on the 7-day DL
5/16: LF Yordan Alvarez (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5/12: RHP Akeem Bostick (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5/12: 3B Adrian Tovalin (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
5/8: RHP Kevin Hill (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5/4: RHP Francis Martes (Fresno) placed on the 7-day DL
5/3+/-: RHP Gerardo Bojorquez had TJ surgery per Instagram post
5/2+/-: OF Patrick Mathis out for approx. 6 weeks per Instagram post
4/26: RHP J.B. Bukauskas (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
4/5: RHP Ryan Thompson assigned to Fresno (starting the season on the 7-day DL); according to Instagram Ryan has had surgery, but I don't know whether or not it was TJ
4/5: RHP Edgardo Sandoval (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
4/5: RHP Matt Ruppenthal assigned to Quad Cities (starting the season on the 7-day DL)
4/5: RHP Ángel Heredia (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
4/5: RHP Nick Hernandez (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL (Tommy John)
4/5: RHP Jose Luis Hernández (Buies Creek) placed on the 7-day DL

I will be keeping track of all the releases, retirements, trades and signings for the 2018 season here.

TWEET OF THE WEEK

ASTROS MILB STANDINGS
Up and down arrows represent increase/decrease in win percentage over the prior week.

FRESNO (Pacific Coast League)
🠋1st 29-22 .569 -.-GB L2

CORPUS CHRISTI (Texas League)
🠋2nd 29-21 .580 1.0GB W2

BUIES CREEK (Carolina League)
🠉2nd 28-22 .560 1.0GB W1

QUAD CITIES (Midwest League)
🠉1st 28-22 .560 -.-GB W1

DSL ASTROS (Dominican Summer League)
Season starts 6/2/18

TRI-CITY (New York-Penn League)
Season starts 6/15/18

GCL ASTROS (Gulf Coast League)
Season starts 6/18/18

ASTROS MILB STANDOUTS FOR THE WEEK

Stats are for the week of 5/21 through 5/27.

FRESNO

OF Drew Ferguson: 7 games, .333/.500/.429
1B A.J. Reed: 7 games, .250/.464/.650 (Reed has drawn 17 walks to only 10 strikeouts in his last 15 games)

Also, C Garrett Stubbs has hit .375/.455/.750 in his first three games back after a two-week DL stint.

RHP Cy Sneed: 1 start, win, 0.00 ERA/0.250 WHIP, 8 IP (2 H, 0 BB, 7 K)
RHP Brock Dykxhoorn: 1 start, 1.50 ERA/0.667 WHIP, 6 IP (first AAA start)
LHP Buddy Boshers: 2 perfect bullpen appearances; 2.1 IP, 0 of 3 inherited runners scored
RHP Brendan McCurry: 2 perfect bullpen appearances, win, 2.1 IP, 0 of 2 inherited runners scored
LHP Reymin Guduan: 2 bullpen appearances; 0.00 ERA/0.667 WHIP, 3 IP

CORPUS CHRISTI

3B Randy Cesar: 7 games, .483/.483/.655
OF Stephen Wrenn: 7 games, .375/.464/.542, 4 SB
OF Myles Straw: 7 games, .346/.452/.423, 4 SB (31 SB through 48 games)

Also, Hooks catchers Lorenzo Quintana and Jamie Ritchie have hit a combined .333/.407/.625 for the week.

RHP Corbin Martin: 1 start, 0.00 ERA/0.261 WHIP, 7.2 IP (2 H, 0 BB, 9 K)
RHP Yoanys Quiala: 1 start, win, 1.80 ERA/0.400 WHIP, 5 IP
LHP Cionel Perez: 1 start, 1.93 ERA/1.071 WHIP, 2 BB:10 K, 4.2 IP
RHP Riley Ferrell: 3 bullpen appearances, save, 0.00 ERA/0.333 WHIP, 3 IP
LHP Chris Nunn: 2 bullpen appearances, 0.00 ERA/1.000 WHIP, 4 IP, 0 of 2 inherited runners scored
RHP Justin Ferrell: 2 bullpen appearances, 1.69 ERA/0.563 WHIP, 5.1 IP

BUIES CREEK

OF J.J. Matijevic: 7 games, .385/.393/.808 (2B, 2 3B, 2 HR)
OF Luis Payano: 6 games, .333/.391/.524
OF Ronnie Dawson: 7 games, .321/.321/.607
3B Abraham Toro: 8 games, .300/.344/.500

RHP Brandon Bailey: 1 start, win, 0.00 ERA/1.000 WHIP, 6 IP
RHP Hector Perez: 2 games (1 start), win, save, 1.00 ERA/0.667 WHIP, 9 IP
RHP Abdiel Saldana: 2 games (1 start), win, 2.00 ERA/0.889 WHIP, 9 IP
RHP Jorge Alcala: 2 games (1 start), save, 2.00 ERA/0.556 WHIP, 9 IP
RHP Jesus Balaguer: 1 perfect bullpen appearance, 3.1 IP, 0 of 3 inherited runners scored

QUAD CITIES

SS Jonathan Arauz: 7 games, .519/.567/.741
OF Jonathan Lacroix: 5 games, .417/.588/.583
OF Jake Meyers: 8 games, .364/.400/.576
OF Corey Julks: 7 games, .360/.448/.400

RHP Cristian Javier: 2 games (1 start), 0.00 ERA/0.500 WHIP, 10 IP, 1 BB: 18 K
RHP Yohan Ramirez: 2 starts, win, loss, 1.64 ERA/0.818 WHIP, 11 IP
RHP Leovanny Rodrigruez: 1 start, win, 0.00 ERA/0.400 WHIP, 5 IP
RHP Tyler Ivey: 1 game, save, 0.00 ERA/0.750 WHIP, 4 IP
RHP Juan Robles: 1 game, win, 0.00 ERA/0.900 WHIP, 3.1 IP (season debut)
LHP Adam Bleday: 2 bullpen appearances, 0.00 ERA/0.462 WHIP, 4.1 IP

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Justin Ferrell - August 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

Here is what I wrote about RHP Justin Ferrell coming in to the 2018 season:
In each of the last two seasons, Ferrell started out in the rotation, but ended up relegated primarily to the bullpen later in the season where his stuff played up. In 31.1 innings as a starter in 2017, he had a 7.18 ERA, a 1.619 WHIP and 12 walks to 25 strikeouts. In 51 innings out of the bullpen, he had a 2.47 ERA, a 1.176 WHIP and 17 walks to 64 strikeouts. 2018 will be the fifth season for the 2014 36th rounder out of Connors State College (OK) and he needs to be challenged to AA. Put him in the Hooks bullpen and give him a chance to sink or swim by the Bay. Ferrell will be 24 next month.
Key: Leave him in the bullpen and challenge him to the higher levels!
Well, thankfully both the Astros and Ferrell appear to have listened to me (yeah, right). He started the season working out of the bullpen for Buies Creek and quickly earned the promotion to Corpus Christi where he has managed to swim along quite nicely so far. Between the two venues, he is 2-1 with two saves, a 1.65 ERA, a 0.732 WHIP and five walks to 36 strikeouts in 12 appearances (27.1 innings). He has allowed only one of seven inherited runners to score and has been equally effective in long relief and late-inning short relief. For the season thus far, batters are hitting only .158 against him.

NEWS AND LINKS

In case you were wondering, RHP Forrest Whitley's season debut was pushed back due to a minor lat injury. He is expected to join the Corpus Christi rotation in mid-June. If you're planning a trip down, be forewarned that there are only four home games in the latter half of June so options are somewhat limited.

MiLB.com has noticed that Quad Cities RHP Cristian Javier is a pretty good ballplayer!!

And ditto from MiLB.com for OF J.J. Matijevic!

If you want to vote for your favorite Grizzlies, here's your chance.

And in case you missed any of these, here are my recent interviews (one more coming soon!):

OF J.J. Matijevic (Buies Creek)
RHP Brandon Bielak (Buies Creek)
LHP Brett Adcock (Buies Creek)
SS Alex De Goti (Corpus Christi)
1B Taylor Jones (Corpus Christi)
RHP Brock Dykxhoorn (Corpus Christi, since promoted to Fresno)

FORMER ASTROS UPDATE

Luis Cruz - May 2015
Photo by Jayne Hansen

LHP Luis Cruz is on the ultimate road trip as a part of the independent Atlantic League's Road Warriors and, so far, the change of scenery has done him good! In 10 relief appearances, Cruz has a 0.59 ERA, a 0.783 WHIP and has allowed one walk to 18 strikeouts in 15.1 innings pitched. Cruz was originally drafted by the Astros in the ninth round in 2008 out of his San Juan, Puerto Rico high school and spent eight seasons in the Houston organization. I reserve a special place in my heart for Cruz who combined with Kyle Hallock on Mother's Day 2013 to toss a no-hitter for the Lancaster JetHawks. (I'm assuming that it was just for me since I was in attendance at that game.)

WE'RE COMING TO TAKE YOUR JOBS (WOMEN IN BASEBALL)

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, May 27, 2018

El Paso 2, Fresno 0

W- Eric Yardley (2-0)
L- Trent Thornton (3-3)
S- Luis Castillo (3)

Fresno home runs: None.

The Grizzlies were held in check on Sunday.

Trent Thornton turned in a solid outing, but unfortunately for him, he did not receive any kind of run support. Thornton went six innings and allowed two runs on three hits (solo homer), walked two, and struck out eight. Buddy Boshers struck out one in a 1-2-3 7th, and Matt Ramsey allowed two hits and struck out one over two scoreless innings.

Cody Bohanek went 2-4 out of the #9 spot in the order. Fresno drew six walks and only struck out twice on offense, but they couldn't get much of anything going.

Rogelio Armenteros will take on Jesse Scholtens in game four of this series. First pitch is at 4:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 6, Tulsa 3

W- Alex Winkelman (2-2)
L- Mitchell White (0-2)
S- Erasmo Pinales (2)

CC home runs: Taylor Jones (8, solo in 1st), Randy César (6, solo in 6th)

Both teams had innings in which they scored either one run or two runs. Corpus had two pairs of these innings while Tulsa had just one.

The one run that Alex Winkelman allowed in his five innings came on a solo homer hit by D.J. Peters in the 1st. He allowed one other hit, walked four and struck out seven. Chris Nunn allowed two hits and struck out four over two scoreless innings. Ralph Garza Jr. was next out of the bullpen and in 1.1 innings, he had an unearned run charged to him and struck out two. It got a little challenging in the 9th as Erasmo Pinales allowed a run of his own on three hits, along with one of Garza's runs, but he was able to get the last two outs of the game, one via strikeout.

Both teams got a run in the 1st inning via the home run; Taylor Jones demolished a Mitchell White offering to put Corpus Christi on the board. Ryne Birk walked to lead off the 2nd. He then stole second and scored on a Stephen Wrenn double. Jamie Ritchie joined Wrenn on the bases by drawing a walk, and then they proceeded to advance a base by stealing them. Aníbal Sierra brought Wrenn in with a groundout. Randy César extended his hitting streak to 20 games by launching a solo home run in the 6th inning. The Hooks got a couple of runs in the 7th on a pair of RBI singles from Alex De Goti and Myles Straw. Jones, Ritchie, and De Goti all finished with two hits on the evening. César is the second player in the system to have a 20-game hitting streak; Tony Kemp had a 20-game hitting streak from April 23 to May 14.

The Hooks have today off. They'll begin a three-game series in Springfield tomorrow evening.

Buies Creek 1, Lynchburg 0

W- Brandon Bielak (4-3)
L- Justin Garza (2-2)
S- Hector Perez (1)

BC home runs: None.

There was only one run in this game and it belonged to Buies Creek.

J.J. Matijevic singled to lead off the 2nd and scored the only run of the day on a double from Chas McCormick, which was the only extra-base hit from either side.

Brandon Bielak allowed two hits and struck out six over five shutout frames and Hector Perez completed the shutout by not allowing a hit over the final four innings. Perez walked two and struck out three during his stint on the mound.

Carson LaRue will start the series finale. He'll face Sam Hentges at 6:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 8, Peoria 3

W- Parker Mushinski (2-0)
L- Alvaro Seijas (1-3)

QC home runs: Mike Papierski (2, 2-run in 1st), Colton Shaver (5, 2-run in 8th)

The Banditos got out to a fast start and had to withstand a bit of a run from the Chiefs, but a three-run 8th inning gave them the breathing room they needed.

Corey Julks opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st and on the ensuing error, Bryan de la Cruz was able to score another run. It took a little while, but Julks managed to come home when Mike Papierski smacked a home run. Roman Garcia added an RBI single in the 3rd inning. Papierski led off the 8th with a single and one batter later, Colton Shaver launched a homer. After Garcia went down for the first out of the inning, Jonathan Lacroix walked. He moved to third on a Jake Meyers double and scored the final run of the night on a single from de la Cruz.

Meyers went 3-5 and hit two doubles. Julks, de la Cruz, Papierski, Shaver, and Lacroix all finished with two hits.

Parker Mushinski went five innings and allowed three runs on eight hits, walked two, and struck out three. The bullpen shut it down over the last four innings. Adam Bleday walked one and struck out four in three innings, and Carlos Sanabria worked around a hit to throw a scoreless 9th, striking out one.

Leovanny Rodriguez will start the series finale for Quad Cities. He'll face Zach Prendergast at 5:15.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Buies Creek Astros pitchers: W 1-0 vs. Lynchburg
9 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 9 K
Brandon Bielak: W (4-3), 5 IP, 2 H, 6 K
Hector Perez: Save (1), 4 IP, 2 BB, 3 K

Trent Thornton, RHP, Fresno
L (3-3), 6 IP, 3 H (solo HR allowed), 2 ER, 2 BB, 8 K

Alex Winkelman, LHP, and Chris Nunn, LHP, Corpus Christi
Winkelman: W (2-2), 5 IP, 2 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 4 BB, 7 K
Nunn: 2 IP, 2 H, 4 K

Taylor Jones, 1B, Corpus Christi
2-4, solo HR (8)

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.
Adam Bleday, LHP, Quad Cities
3 IP, BB, 4 K

These are their mugshots on MiLB.com.
Mike Papierski, C, and Colton Shaver, 1B, Quad Cities
Papierski: 2-2, 2-R HR (2), 3 R, BB
Shaver: 2-4, 2B, 2-R HR (5)

Sunday, May 27, 2018

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Saturday, May 26, 2018

Well, the NBA got their game sevens. Hope they're happy.

Let's play two in the Quad Cities!

El Paso 4, Fresno 3

W- T.J. Weir (2-0)
L- Mike Hauschild (2-5)
S- Robert Stock (1)

Fresno home runs: A.J. Reed (10, solo in 8th)

The Grizzlies got their bats going in the late stages of this game and very nearly erased a 4-0 deficit. The operative words being "very nearly."

Mike Hauschild threw seven innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on four hits, walked one, and struck out nine. Kent Emanuel allowed two hits over two scoreless innings.

Fresno loaded the bases to start off the 7th, but they could only manage to get one run across... when Nick Tanielu scored while Alejandro Garcia grounded into a double play. In the 8th, A.J. Reed launched a solo homer and Tanielu hit an RBI single.

Tanielu finished 2-3 on the night, while Tim Federowicz hit two doubles in his four trips to the plate.

Tyler White failed to reach base for the first time this season. He had an evening to forget as he went 0-4 with a couple of strikeouts. The second strikeout led off the 8th and he was not satisfied with the ruling, and his dissent resulted in getting him the heave-ho.

Trent Thornton will face Chris Huffman in game three. First pitch is at 1:05 Pacific.

Corpus Christi 7, Tulsa 2

W- Framber Valdez (2-1)
L- Logan Bawcom (0-2)
S- Carlos Sierra (1, 3 season)

CC home runs: Alex De Goti (2, 3-run in 8th)

The Drillers got two in the 1st and nothing more. Meanwhile, Corpus got a run back in their half of the 1st and scored the remainder of the runs in this game.

Ryne Birk put the Hooks on the board with a sac fly in the bottom of the 1st and grounded into a force out that allowed Myles Straw to score in the 3rd inning. Randy César and Taylor Jones hit RBI singles in the 5th and the 7th, respectively, and Alex De Goti iced this game with a three-run blast in the 8th.

Straw went 5-5 with a couple of doubles, scored three runs, and stole a base (31). César finished 3-4 and extended his hitting streak to 19 games.

Framber Valdez shook off a two-run 1st inning (one of the runs was unearned) and went on to throw six innings. He allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out six during his time on the hill. Sean Stutzman allowed a hit and walked three in 1.2 scoreless, and Carlos Sierra allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out two in the final 1.1 innings.

Alex Winkelman faces Mitchell White in the series finale. First pitch is at 6:05.

Lynchburg 3, Buies Creek 1

W- Eli Morgan (1-0)
L- Jorge Alcala (1-4)
S- James Karinchak (3)

BC home runs: Ronnie Dawson (5, solo in 4th)

The Hillcats scored in three innings, the Carolina Stros scored in one. My math is a bit rusty, but I'm highly confident that three is greater than one.

Ronnie Dawson went 2-4 and his solo homer in the 4th was Buies Creek's only scoring play.

Jorge Alcala didn't do terribly as he allowed two runs on a couple of solo homers, one other hit, and struck out two in his five innings, but he didn't get much help from his offense. Abdiel Saldaña allowed a run on six hits and struck out two over the last four innings.

Brandon Bielak takes on Justin Garza in game three of this series. First pitch is at 2:00 Eastern.

Game 1: Quad Cities 12, Peoria 0

W- Yohan Ramirez (4-3)
L- Paul Balestrieri (1-2)

QC home runs: Miguelangel Sierra (2, 2-run in 2nd)

The first game of the doubleheader was pretty fun for the Banditos as everyone in the lineup scored a run. Miguelangel Sierra and Jonathan Arauz both went 3-4 in game one.


Yohan Ramirez allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out four over six shutout frames and Dariel Aquino walked one and struck out the side in the 7th to complete the shutout.

Game 2: Peoria 5, Quad Cities 1 in 8 innings

W- Bryan Dobzanski (3-1)
L- Luis Garcia (1-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos held the Chiefs for 14 innings on Saturday before they finally cracked. All of the scoring was done in one inning, and Peoria scored more in their half of the 8th.

Colton Shaver started the 8th at second and scored Quad Cities' only run of game two on a wild pitch. Jake Meyers went 3-4, which accounted for all of their hits in game two.

Cristian Javier allowed one hit, hit a batter, and struck out nine over six shutout innings. Luis Garcia threw the last two innings. He got through the 7th scot-free, but Peoria got him in the 8th. Garcia allowed five runs (four earned) on four hits, walked one, and struck out one.

Parker Mushinski will go up against Alvaro Seijas in game four of this series. First pitch is at 5:15.

Saturday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Photo from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.Net
Quad Cities River Bandits: W 12-0, L 5-1 vs. Peoria
All players scored a run in game one of doubleheader.
Jonathan Arauz: 3-4, RBI, R in game one
Miguelangel Sierra: 3-4, 2-R HR (2), 4 RBI, 3 R in game one
Bryan de la Cruz: 2-2, 2 2B, 3 RBI, R in game one
Jake Meyers: 3-4, 2B in game two; had all of Quad Cities' hits in game two
Yohan Ramirez: W (4-3), 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 4 K in game one
Dariel Aquino: IP, BB, 3 K in game one
Cristian Javier: 6 IP, H, hit batter, 9 K in game two

Ronnie Dawson, OF, Buies Creek
2-4, solo HR (5)

Myles Straw, OF, Randy César, 3B, and Framber Valdez: LHP, Corpus Christi
Straw: 5-5, 2 2B, 3 R, SB (31)
César: 3-4, RBI; 19-game hitting streak
Valdez: W (2-1), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 6 K

Saturday, May 26, 2018

2018 Season Ongoing Astros Minor League Transactions

Keeping track of the Astros minor league transactions for the 2018 season (releases, retirements, trades and signings) ...
  • 9/13: C Freddy Guilamo signed by the Astros (17-year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 8/17: RHP Antonio Placencia signed (19-year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 8/11: RHP Alex Blano (DSL) released (signed July 2017 out of the Dominican Republic for $10,000)
  • 8/7: LHP Buddy Boshers (Fresno) claimed off waivers by the Pirates
  • 7/30: RHP Mike Hauschild (Fresno) released (2012 33rd round draft pick out of the University of Dayton) - signed by the Blue Jays 8-2
  • 7/30: RHP David Paulino (Fresno DL), RHP Hector Perez (Corpus Christi) and RHP Ken Giles (Fresno) traded to the Blue Jays for RHP Roberto Osuna
  • 7/30: C Tim Federowicz opted for free agency after being designated for assignment 7/26; signed a minor league contract with the Reds 8-3 (unofficial)
  • 7/27: RHP Jorge Alcala (Corpus Christi) and OF Gilberto Celestino (Tri-City) traded to the Twins for RHP Ryan Pressly
  • 7/26: LHP Patrick Sandoval (Buies Creek) traded to the Angels (along with future considerations) for C Martin Maldonado
  • 7/24: RHP Jesus Balaguer (Buies Creek) released (Cuban signed April 2017)
  • 7/17: LHP Javier Navas (GCL) released (signed July 2014 out of Venezuela)
  • 7/10: LHP Adam Bleday (Buies Creek) released (2017 27th round draft pick out of the University of Pennsylvania)
  • 7/10: RHP Dariel Aquino (Quad Cities) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in March 2013)
  • 7/10: RHP Ian Hardman (Tri-City) released (2016 36th round draft pick out of Seminole State College)
  • 7/9: OF Granden Goetzman signed (released by Cardinals organization 6/27)
  • 7/9: SS Ricardo Balogh signed (16 year old from the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/6: RHP James Hoyt (Fresno) traded to Cleveland for RHP Tommy DeJuneas
  • 7/6: OF Jon Kemmer (Fresno) traded to Minnesota for cash considerations
  • 7/4: OF Andres Monzon signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: RHP J.P. France (14th round pick) signed
  • 7/2: RHP Jacob Billingsley (32nd round pick) signed
  • 7/2: OF Omar Diaz signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: OF Jairo Jose signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: RHP Carlos Calderon signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: SS Ayendy Ortiz signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: SS Yohander Martinez signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: OF Tomas Ramirez signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: RHP Reimy Beltre signed (17 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: C Miguel Palma signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: RHP Johangel Ramirez signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: RHP Danny Subero signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: SS Cristian Gonzalez signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: RHP Daniel Pacheco signed (16 year old out of Venezuela)
  • 7/2: OF Frank Perez signed (16 year old out of Cuba)
  • 7/2: OF Jesus Liranzo signed (16 year old out of the Dominican Republic)
  • 7/2: C Jose Carrillo (Tri-City) released (signed out of Venezuela in March 2015)
  • 6/29: RHP Brett Daniels (17th round pick) signed
  • 6/28: OF Patrick Mathis (GCL) released (2017 22nd round pick)
  • 6/28: OF Cesar Cortez (GCL) released (signed out of Panama in July 2015 for $100,000)
  • 6/27: RHP Andrew Thome (Fresno) released (NDFA signed in June 2015)
  • 6/27: 3B Adrian Tovalin (Quad Cities) released (2017 16th round pick)
  • 6/27: 2B Marco Van Der Wijst (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2017 for $17,500)
  • 6/26: RHP Fredis Guerrero (GCL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in December 2016)
  • 6/24: LHP Chris Nunn (Fresno) released (drafted in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 draft 12/17)
  • 6/24: RHP Kevin Hill (Corpus Christi) released (2016 25th round pick out of the University of South Alabama)
  • 6/24: OF Luis Payano (Buies Creek) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2012 for $500,000)
  • 6/24: RHP Juan Robles (Tri-City) released (signed July 2014 out of Mexico)
  • 6/22: RHP Jayson Schroeder (2nd round pick) signed
  • 6/22: OF Alex McKenna (4th round pick) signed
  • 6/19: RHP Miguel Figueroa (24th round pick) signed
  • 6/19: RHP Brett Conine (11th round pick) signed
  • 6/19: RHP R.J. Freure (6th round pick) signed
  • 6/19: RHP Joey Gonzalez (28th round pick) signed
  • 6/19: LHP Jonathan Bermudez (23rd round pick) signed
  • 6/19: OF Scott Schreiber (9th round pick) signed
  • 6/18: 1B Roman Garcia (Quad Cities) released (19th round pick 2017 out of San Diego University)
  • 6/16: RHP Devin Conn (19th round pick) signed
  • 6/16: RHP Riley Cabral (31st round pick) signed
  • 6/16: IF Jonathan Matute released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2013 for $215,000)
  • 6/15: RHP Robert Corniel (Buies Creek) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2012)
  • 6/15: IF Kristian Trompiz (Buies Creek) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2012 for $320,000)
  • 6/15: 2B Kyle Davis (Tri-City) released (15th round pick 2017 out of West Virginia University)
  • 6/15: IF Ozziel Sanchez-Galan released (signed out of Panama in July 2014)
  • 6/15: C Brandon Benavente released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2014 for $262,500)
  • 6/14: 1B Troy Sieber (Buies Creek) released (24th round in 2016)
  • 6/14: RHP Shawn Dubin (13th round pick) signed
  • 6/14: SS Trey Dawson (15th round pick) signed
  • 6/14: C Alex Holderbach (16th round pick) signed
  • 6/14: SS Michael Wielansky (18th round pick) signed
  • 6/14: OF Austin Dennis (20th round pick) signed
  • 6/14: OF Logan Mattix (25th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: OF Seth Beer (1st round pick) signed
  • 6/13: SS Jeremy Pena (3rd round pick) signed
  • 6/13: RHP Cody Deason (5th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: C Cesar Salazar (7th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: RHP Austin Hansen (8th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: OF Chandler Taylor (10th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: RHP Mark Moclair (12th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: OF Marty Costes (22nd round pick) signed
  • 6/13: SS David Hensley (26th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: C Juan Paulino (27th round pick) signed
  • 6/13: RHP Layne Henderson (30th round pick) signed
  • 6/10: RHP Jacob Dorris (Fresno) released (signed as a NDFA in June 2015)
  • 6/8: C Luis Barajas (DSL) released (signed January 2017 out of Mexico)
  • 6/7: OF Alejandro Garcia (Fresno) released (Cuban player signed in July 2015)
  • 6/6: LHP Sean Stutzman (Corpus Christi) released (NDFA signed in June 2016)
  • 5/31: RHP Oscar Severino (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2016)
  • 5/30: RHP Angel Ortega (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2016 for $180,000)
  • 5/30: RHP Asael Uribe (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in March 2016)
  • 5/30: OF Kendy Moya (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in March 2016)
  • 5/30: LHP Denilson Lugo (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2016)
  • 5/24: RHP Lupe Chavez reinstated from the voluntarily retired list
  • 5/22: SS Hector Leon (DSL) traded to the Orioles for international bonus pool money (signed out of Venezuela in August 2017)
  • 5/21: 1B Jon Singleton (Corpus Christi restricted list) released (8th round 2009 Phillies draft; came to Houston in the July 2011 Hunter Pence trade)
  • 5/19: RHP Hecduar Barcenas (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2017 for $10,000)
  • 5/19: OF Leonardo Gonzalez (DSL) released (signed out of Venezuela in July 2016)
  • 5/19: LHP Antonio Pujols (DSL) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in September 2016)
  • 5/11: OF Wilson Amador (Greeneville in 2017) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in July 2013 for $400,000)
  • 5/11: RHP Juan Corniel (Greeneville in 2017) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in October 2015)
  • 5/11: DH Randy Vasquez (Quad Cities) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in February 2015)
  • 5/11: 1B Angel Tejeda (Gulf Coast League) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic in November 2014)
  • 5/11: RHP Chauncey Nunez (Gulf Coast League) released (NDFA signed June 2017)
  • 5/11: OF Ronny Rafael (Gulf Coast League) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million in July 2014)
  • 5/11: RHP Matthew Merrill (Gulf Coast League) released (37th round 2017 draft)
  • 5/10: LHP Cole Watts (Quad Cities) released (31st round 2017 draft)
  • 5/10: 2B Marcos Almonte (Quad Cities) released (signed out of the Dominican Republic for $35,000 in February 2014); signed by Braves sometime between May 12 and May 18
  • 5/10: C Gabriel Bracamonte (Quad Cities) released (signed out of Venezuela for $7500 in March 2014)
  • 5/1: IF Arturo Michelena (Corpus Christi) released (signed out of Venezuela for $220,000 in July 2011)
  • 4/24: RHP Jojanse Torres signed by the Astros as a free agent (originally signed by the Brewers in 2015); 22-year old Dominican who has never pitched professionally
  • 4/23: C/1B Kelvin Perez (Dominican Summer League) released (signed out of Venezuela in June 2016
  • 4/4: RHP Ronaldo Marrero (GCL) released (originally signed by the Phillies in 2013 as an infielder; picked up by the Astros as a MiLB free agent in January 2017 and converted to pitching)
  • 4/?: LHP Noel Pinto (Greeneville in 2017) released (34th round 2017 draft)


Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Friday, May 26, 2018

Fresno 5, El Paso 0

W- Cy Sneed (5-2)
L- Walker Lockett (2-5)

Fresno home runs: Garrett Stubbs (1, solo in 1st), A.J. Reed (9, 2-run in 1st)

Cy Sneed and Reymin Guduan joined forces on a two-hit shutout on Friday.

Sneed allowed just two hits and struck out seven in eight innings of work while Guduan got a strikeout in a 1-2-3 9th inning. Sneed completed eight innings in a start for the second time in his career; he also threw eight shutout innings against Kane County on May 22, 2015, when he was a member of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

A couple of early homers boosted the Grizzlies: Garrett Stubbs led off the 1st by launching a homer and A.J. Reed smacked a two-run shot later in the inning. Stubbs added a sac fly to his ledger in the 2nd, and Drew Ferguson ripped an RBI double in the 6th. Both of Ferguson's hits on Friday were doubles.

Mike Hauschild takes on Miguel Diaz in game two. First pitch is at 7:05 Pacific.

Tulsa 2, Corpus Christi 1 in 10 innings

W- Dylan Baker (3-2)
L- Riley Ferrell (1-2)
S- Brian Moran (2)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks held the Drillers to four hits and tied the game with a run in the 8th... only to see Tulsa push their leadoff runner in the extra inning across. Corpus has dropped an extra-inning game for the second consecutive night. They had the bases loaded in the 10th but could not capitalize.

Josh Rojas ripped a double to lead off the 8th and Taylor Jones took his place at second after Jones brought him in for what turned out to be Corpus Christi's only run of the evening. Randy César finished 3-5 to extend his hitting streak to 18 games. Aníbal Sierra went 2-4 with a double out of the bottom of the order. Myles Straw singled and stole a base, his 30th of the season.

Cionel Perez went 4.2 innings and allowed a run on three hits, walked two, and struck out a career-high tying ten. It's the second time that Cionel has recorded double-digit strikeouts in an outing; he struck out ten for Quad Cities on May 22 last year.

The Ferrells tagged in to take over the rest of the way. Oklahoma Ferrell (Justin) allowed a hit and struck out five over 4.1 scoreless. Texas Ferrell (Riley) allowed the go-ahead run on a sac fly and struck out one in the 10th.

Framber Valdez gets the start for Corpus on Saturday. He'll face Logan Bawcom at 7:05.

Buies Creek 5, Lynchburg 1

W- Brandon Bailey (1-4)
L- Tanner Tully (2-4)

BC home runs: None.

The Carolina Stros got three runs in the 6th to gain some separation and got a nice outing from Brandon Bailey.

Bailey allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out four over six shutout innings. Kit Scheetz tagged in to throw two scoreless, allowing four hits and striking out two. The Hillcats spoiled the shutout in the 9th when they got a run off Ronel Blanco on an error following a single. Blanco allowed that one single, walked one, and struck out one in the final inning.

J.J. Matijevic, who was one of three Buies Creek players profiled by Jayne during her first visit with the club since they moved to North Carolina, opened the scoring with a sac fly in the 1st inning. This was the only scoring play of the game until the 6th; in the meantime, Lynchburg... remained stuck on zero runs.

Osvaldo Duarte and Ronnie Dawson led off the 6th with singles and Abraham Toro ripped a double to bring Duarte in. Dawson tried to score as well, but he was thrown out at the plate. Chas McCormick moved Toro over to third with a single and he moved into scoring position himself following a wild pitch. Luis Payano followed with a two-run single. Kristian Trompiz doubled to lead off the 7th and scored Buies Creek's final run of the night on a wild pitch. Dawson and Toro both went 2-4 on the night.

Jorge Alcala gets the start for Buies Creek in game two of this four-game weekend set. He'll go against Wes Morgan at 5:00 Eastern.

Quad Cities 3, Peoria 2

W- Peter Solomon (2-1)
L- Evan Guillory (4-3)
S- Tyler Ivey (2)

QC home runs: None.

Neither team scored more than one run in an inning, so Quad Cities won in the simplest method possible: by scoring in more innings than Peoria.

Jonathan Arauz hit a single with one out in the 1st and scored the first run of the night on Miguelangel Sierra's triple. Mike Papierski walked to lead off the 2nd and scored on a single from Roman Garcia. Arauz led off the 6th with a triple and scored on a single from Sierra.

Sierra's two hits drove in Arauz each time. After going hitless for the fourth straight game on May 20 against Beloit, which dropped his triple slash line to .252/.362/.435, Arauz has responded with a five-game hitting streak and has improved that line to .287/.388/.485 after this 3-4 performance.

Peter Solomon allowed a run on four hits, walked two, and struck out five in five innings of work. Tyler Ivey brought the Banditos home; he allowed an unearned run on three hits and struck out four over the last four innings.

The Banditos and Chiefs will play a doubleheader on Saturday, with game one beginning at 5:35. Yohan Ramirez will take on Paul Balestrieri in game one, while Cristian Javier takes the mound in game two against TBA.

Friday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Fresno Grizzlies pitchers: W 5-0 vs. El Paso
9 IP, 2 H, 8 K
Cy Sneed: W (5-2), 8 IP, 2 H, 7 K
Reymin Guduan: IP, K

Drew Ferguson, OF, Fresno
2-3, 2 2B, RBI, R


Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers: L 2-1 vs. Tulsa (10 innings)
10 IP, 4 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 16 K
Cionel Perez: 4.2 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 10 K; tied career high in K
Justin Ferrell: 4.1 IP, H, 5 K
Riley Ferrell: L (1-2), IP, unearned run, K

Buies Creek Astros pitchers: W 5-1 vs. Lynchburg
9 IP, 9 H, unearned run, 3 BB, 7 K
Brandon Bailey: W (1-4), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 4 K
Kit Scheetz: 2 IP, 4 H, 2 K
Ronel Blanco: IP, H, unearned run, BB, K

Miguelangel Sierra's photo taken by Bryan Green.
Jonathan Arauz, IF, and Miguelangel Sierra, IF, Quad Cities
Arauz: 3-4, 3B, 2 R
Sierra: 2-4, 3B, 2 RBI

These are their mugshots on MiLB.com.
Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 3-2 vs. Peoria
9 IP, 7 H, 2 R (1 ER), 2 BB, 9 K
Peter Solomon: W (2-1), 5 IP, 4 H, ER, 2 BB, 5 K
Tyler Ivey: Save (2), 4 IP, 3 H, unearned run, 4 K