Astros Minor League Playoff Recaps

Results for Wednesday, September 5, 2019

It's playoff time in Minor League Baseball!

PCL Semifinals: Round Rock 5, Iowa 4 (11 innings)

Round Rock leads 1-0.

W- Brendan McCurry
L- Dillon Maples

RR home runs: Drew Ferguson (1, 2-run in 2nd)

The Cubs scored twice in the top of the 11th to break a 2-2 tie... and then the E-Train walked off with the victory in the bottom half.

Kent Emanuel was excellent in his 6.1 innings as he allowed two runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on five hits, walked one, and struck out a season-high ten batters; his regular-season high for strikeouts was six. Ralph Garza Jr. walked two and struck out three in 2.2 innings and Brendan McCurry allowed two runs (one earned) on two hits and struck out one in the final two innings.

Drew Ferguson launched a two-run home run in the 2nd inning to open the scoring. This was Round Rock's only scoring play in the nine regulation innings. Ferguson drew a walk in the 11th and Jamie Ritchie kept the game alive with a two-out single. They both advanced on a wild pitch and then Alex De Goti drew a walk to load the bases for Chas McCormick. Another wild pitch allowed Ferguson to score and McCormick won the game with a two-run single. McCormick and Ferguson both finished with three hits on the night.

Brandon Bielak will take on Tyson Miller in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:05.

Carolina League South Semi-Final Game 1: Down East 3, Fayetteville 0

Down East leads series 1-0.

W- Sal Mendez
L- Nivaldo Rodriguez
S- Joe Kuzia

Fayetteville home runs: None.

Due to the threat of Hurricane Dorian, the decision was made to have a doubleheader on Wednesday.

Miguelangel Sierra homered in the 5th... but he forgot to touch home plate (he did, actually). He was called out and was credited with a triple instead. That did break up the no-hitter, though.

Nivaldo Rodriguez allowed three runs (two earned) on seven hits and struck out seven in 5.2 innings. César Rosado allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out one in 1.1 innings of relief.

Carolina League South Semi-Final Game 2: Fayetteville 3, Down East 0

Series tied 1-1.

W- Austin Hansen
L- Scott Engler
S- Humberto Castellanos

Fayetteville home runs: Jeremy Peña (1, 2-run in 3rd)

The Woodpeckers returned the favor with a 3-0 win of their own to get on the board in this series.

All three Fayetteville runs came in the 3rd as Jeremy Peña smacked a two-run homer and David Hensley drew a bases-loaded walk.

Austin Hansen allowed four hits, walked one, and struck out three over 5.1 shutout innings and Humberto Castellanos struck out three over 1.2 perfect innings to complete the shutout.

The series shifts to Kinston and will resume on Friday, weather and field conditions permitting.

Midwest League West Semi-Final: Quad Cities 4, Cedar Rapids 1

Quad Cities leads 1-0.

W- Valente Bellozo
L- Luis Rijo
S- Layne Henderson

QC home runs: None.

Quad Cities got a couple of runs in the 8th to pull away from the Kernels in game one of this Midwest League semi-final series.

Alex McKenna scored the first run of the evening on a wild pitch in the 1st inning and scored another run on a sac fly from Ramiro Rodriguez in the 5th. Wilyer Abreu capped off the scoring by ripping a two-run double in the 8th. Abreu, McKenna, and Alex Holderbach all finished 2-4 in this game; both of Wilyer's hits were doubles.

Valente Bellozo allowed four hits, one of which was a solo homer, walked two, and struck out six in six innings. Luis de Paula retired all four men he faced, striking out two, and Layne Henderson got the five-out save, allowing one hit and striking out four.

Brett Daniels gets the start in game two as the series shifts to Quad Cities. He'll take on Matt Canterino at 6:35.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Chas McCormick, OF, and Drew Ferguson, OF, Round Rock

McCormick: 3-6, walk-off 2-R single in 11th

Ferguson: 3-4, 2-R HR (1), 2 R

Kent Emanuel, LHP, Round Rock

6.1 IP, 5 H, 2 ER (one inherited runner charged to him), BB, 10 K

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 4-1 @ Cedar Rapids

9 IP, 5 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 2 BB, 12 K

Valente Bellozo: W, 6 IP, 4 H (solo HR allowed), ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Luis de Paula: 1.1 IP, 2 K

Layne Henderson: Save, 1.2 IP, H, 4 K

Wilyer Abreu, OF, Quad Cities

2-4, 2 2B, 2 RBI

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 3-0 vs. Down East (game 2)

7 IP, 4 H, BB, 6 K

Austin Hansen: W, 5.1 IP, 4 H, BB, 3 K

Humberto Castellanos: Save, 1.2 IP, 3 K

Jeremy Peña, SS, Fayetteville

1-3, 2-R HR (1) in game 2 of doubleheader

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, July 22, 2019

Round Rock was off

Framber Valdez gets the start for Round Rock as they start a three-game series with Omaha at 7:05.

Springfield 6, Corpus Christi 2

W- Johan Oviedo (4-4)
L- Chad Donato (4-10)

CC home runs: Chuckie Robinson (6, solo in 4th)

The Cardinals took the series on the strength of a three-run 8th inning to seal this game.

Chad Donato went 4.2 innings and allowed three runs (one earned) on six hits, walked one, and struck out three. Enoli Paredes was the first man out of the Corpus bullpen and he allowed three runs on five hits, walked one, and struck out four in 3.1 innings. Nick Hernandez allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out one in a scoreless 9th.

Seth Beer grounded into a force out that scored Ronnie Dawson in the 3rd and Chuckie Robinson led off the 4th with a homer. Dawson stole a couple of bases, giving him 12 on the year.

The Hooks have Tuesday off and they'll start a roadtrip beginning with three in Northwest Arkansas on Wednesday.

Fayetteville 7, Potomac 5

W- Devin Conn (2-1)
L- Tim Cate (2-3)
S- César Rosado (4)

Fayetteville home runs: Jeremy Peña (6, solo in 1st)

The Woodpeckers earned the split as they busted out for five in the top of the 3rd and withstood a long rain delay and a four-run bottom of the 3rd from the P-Nats.

Jeremy Peña banged a ball off the scoreboard in the 1st inning for his first Carolina League home run. He added an RBI single to his ledger in Fayetteville's big 3rd inning and came around to score alongside Corey Julks on a double from Jacob Meyers. Meyers, who advanced to third on the throw from the outfield, scored on a single from Jake Adams. Adams rumbled home when Enmanuel Valdez ripped a double. Peña drove in the final run of the evening on a sac fly in the 6th. He, Meyers, Valdez, and Ross Adolph all finished with two hits on the night.

Austin Hansen allowed two hits and struck out three over two scoreless innings... and then the rain hit. Leovanny Rodríguez came out after play resumed and he allowed four runs on three hits, walked four, and struck out two in 1.1 innings of work. Devin Conn threw three innings and got the win in his Fayetteville debut by allowing a run on three hits, walking two, and striking out one. César Rosado walked two and struck out four over the final 2.2 innings to earn the save.

The Woodpeckers will welcome Lynchburg to SEGRA Stadium for three starting tonight at 7:00 Eastern. Jojanse Torres will get the start in game one.

Quad Cities 1, Bowling Green 0

W- Jonathan Bermúdez (4-2)
L- Caleb Sampen (7-4)
S- Garrett Gayle (2)

QC home runs: None.

There was only one run in this game and it belonged to the Banditos.

Jonathan Bermúdez allowed four hits, walked two, and struck out five over six shutout frames. Hunter Martin allowed a hit and struck out three in two innings and Garrett Gayle struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th to complete the shutout.

Austin Dennis hit a sac fly in the 4th that held up in the end. Grae Kessinger and Oscar Campos both finished 2-3.

After a day off, Quad Cities will start a three-game set with Peoria tomorrow.

Tri-City 4, Vermont 2

W- Derek West (1-1)
L- Hogan Harris (1-3)
S- Shea Barry (1)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats held the Lake Monsters to three hits as they took the series.

Peyton Battenfield and Derek West started things off with three innings apiece. Battenfield allowed a run on two hits and fanned four while West walked two and struck out three. Hunter Brown walked three and struck out three over two scoreless, and Shea Barry allowed an unearned run on an error, a hit, walked one, and struck out two in the 9th.

C.J. Stubbs opened the scoring with a two-run single in the 1st inning. Juan Paulino ripped an RBI double in the 4th and Luis Santana stole home in the 8th as part of a double steal with Korey Lee, who took second.

The ValleyCats are in Brooklyn for three starting at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Astros 6, GCL Cardinals 4

W- Jairo Lopez (2-1)
L- Inohan Paniagua (1-3)

GCL home runs: None.

Jairo Lopez turned in the best outing of his young career and the Palm Beach 'Stros staved off a late rally from the Cardinals to earn the win.

Lopez, in his second pro season out of Venezuela, struck out seven over five perfect innings. Franny Cobos went three innings and allowed a run on two hits and struck out one. Kevin Dickey got the 9th and it was a bit rocky, but he managed to keep himself together and finished the game. Dickey allowed three runs on two hits, walked two, and struck out one.

DSL Royals1 11, DSL Astros 1 (7 innings)

W- Kelvin De Los Santos (4-1)
L- Ricardo León (1-2)

DSL home runs: None.

This game was called early due to rain and it was probably for the best.

Monday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Jairo Lopez, RHP, GCL Astros: W (2-1), 5 IP, 7 K; perfect outing

Tri-City ValleyCats pitchers: W 4-2 @ Vermont
9 IP, 3 H, 2 R (1 ER), 6 BB, 12 K

Peyton Battenfield: 3 IP, 2 H, ER, 4 K

Derek West: W (1-1), 3 IP, 2 BB, 3 K

Hunter Brown: 2 IP, 3 BB, 3 K

Shea Barry: Save (1), IP, H, unearned run, BB, 2 K

Jonathan Bermúdez and Hunter Martin's photos are their mugshots on MiLB.com.

Quad Cities River Bandits pitchers: W 1-0 vs. Bowling Green

9 IP, 5 H, 2 BB, 9 K

Jonathan Bermúdez: W (4-2), 6 IP, 4 H, 2 BB, 5 K

Hunter Martin: 2 IP, H, 3 K

Garrett Gayle: Save (2), IP, K

Jeremy Peña, SS, and Jacob Meyers, OF, Fayetteville

Peña: 2-4, solo HR (6), 3 RBI, 2 R

Meyers: 2-5, 2B, 2 RBI, R

Austin Hansen, RHP, and César Rosado, RHP, Fayetteville

Hansen: 2 IP, 2 H, 3 K

Rosado: Save (4), 2.2 IP, 2 BB, 4 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Monday, July 15, 2019

Memphis 8, Round Rock 6

W- Ryan Helsley (2-3)
L- José Urquidy (5-4)
S- Hunter Cervenka (2)

RR home runs: Nick Tanielu (11, 2-run in 2nd)

The difference in this game was a three-run 5th inning by the Redbirds that put them back in front.

Not the greatest night at the office for José Urquidy as he allowed four home runs in five innings. The Redbirds were a grand slam away from hitting for the home run cycle off of him. Ralph Garza Jr. and Dean Deetz picked Urquidy up with four scoreless innings of relief. Garza allowed a hit, walked three, and struck out one in three innings, while Deetz walked one and struck out two in the 9th.

Nick Tanielu whacked a two-run homer in the 2nd to put the Express on the board. The E-Train scored four in the 3rd thanks to an RBI single from Taylor Jones, an RBI ground-rule double from Drew Ferguson, and a two-run double from Kyle Tucker. Jones and Derek Fisher had two hits apiece.

Aledmys Díaz and Carlos Correa both began their rehab assignments. Aledmys got the start at second base and went 1-4 with a run scored. Correa started at shortstop and finished 0-3 with a strikeout.

Game two of this series starts at 7:05.

Corpus Christi was off

The Hooks are back home and they'll start a three-game series with Northwest Arkansas at 6:15. Chad Donato will take on Jackson Kowar.

Potomac 3, Fayetteville 0

W- Tim Cate (2-2)
L- Austin Hansen (6-3)
S- Frankie Bartow (3)

Fayetteville home runs: None.

The Woodpeckers got blanked as they dropped this series to the P-Nats.

All they got on offense were singles from Jake Adams, Jacob Meyers, and Corey Julks. Meyers and Julks also stole a base.

Austin Hansen didn't pitch terribly but he didn't get any run support. He allowed a run on three hits, walked two, and struck out four in five innings of work. Nivaldo Rodríguez tagged in for three innings and he allowed two runs on two hits, walked three, and struck out three. Joey Gonzalez got three groundouts in a 1-2-3 9th.

Fayetteville has Tuesday off as they get set to embark on a roadtrip. Their first stop is Lynchburg for three against the Hillcats starting Wednesday.

Quad Cities 4, South Bend 3 (10 innings)

W- Layne Henderson (2-3)
L- Eugenio Palma (2-2)
S- Riley Cabral (6)

QC home runs: Ramiro Rodríguez (3, solo in 8th)

The Banditos tied this game in the 8th and scored two in the 10th to take the lead and held off a Cubs rally to take the game and the series.

Felipe Tejada had a fine afternoon as he allowed two runs on four hits (solo homer), walked two, and struck out seven in seven innings of work. Layne Henderson allowed a run on a sac fly in the 10th and walked two in 2.2 innings and Riley Cabral got a groundout to end the game.

Carlos Machado put Quad Cities on the board with an RBI single in the 7th inning and Ramiro Rodríguez tied the game when he smacked a solo homer in the 8th. Austin Dennis started the 10th in scoring position; he moved to third on a single from Alex McKenna and scored the go-ahead run on Oscar Campos' base hit. McKenna ended up scoring a crucial insurance run on an error. McKenna, Campos, and David Hensley all went 2-5 on the day.

The River Bandits will have Tuesday off. They'll begin a nine-game homestand that begins with three against the Dayton Dragons on Wednesday.

Connecticut 14, Tri-City 10

W- Kory Behenna (2-1)
L- Derek West (0-1)

TC home runs: Zach Biermann (3, 3-run in 1st), Nathan Perry (5, 3-run in 3rd), Juan Paulino (1, solo in 4th), Korey Lee (2, solo in 9th)

The ValleyCats hit four homers... and lost. Lancaster came to Connecticut apparently as both teams combined to score 18 runs in the first three innings. Unfortunately, 12 of those runs belonged to the Tigers.

Zach Biermann whacked a three-run homer in the 1st to open the scoring. After the Tigers hit back with a touchdown in the 2nd inning, Nathan Perry launched another three-run shot in the top of the 3rd to cut the deficit to one. Unfortunately, Connecticut responded with five runs in the bottom of the 3rd. Juan Paulino led off the 4th with a homer. E.P. Reese hit an RBI single in the 8th and they had the bases loaded with one out in the 9th following a Korey Lee solo blast, but all they got out of that situation was a sac fly from Bryan Arias. Biermann finished 3-4 on the night. Luis Guerrero went 2-5 and scored twice.

Kyle Serrano pitched 1.1 innings and had an inherited runner charged to him. He also allowed two hits, walked two, and struck out three. Derek West and Miguel Figueroa bore the brunt of the Tigers' assault. Peyton Battenfield restored some order as he allowed a run on two hits, walked three, and struck out two in three innings. Cole McDonald allowed a run on a groundout, a triple, walked one, and struck out three in the final two innings.

Tri-City will also have Tuesday off. They'll have a quick pit stop at home in the form of a three-game series against Lowell starting Wednesday before they hit the road again.

GCL Astros 7, GCL Nationals 3

W- Julio Robaina (1-2)
L- Pedro Gonzalez (0-2)

GCL home runs: Yimmi Cortabarria (1, solo in 4th)

The Palm Beach 'Stros took control with three runs in the bottom of the 6th.

Alex Palmer struck out two over two perfect innings. Julio Robaina was the first man out of the GCL squad's bullpen and he allowed two runs on five hits, walked one, and struck out five in four innings. Jervic Chavez went two innings and allowed two hits, one of which was a solo homer, and struck out two. Daniel Bello allowed a hit and struck out two in the 9th.

Yimmi Cortabarria hit an RBI single in the 2nd to put the Palm Beach 'Stros on the board. José Álvarez ripped an RBI double in the 3rd and Cortabarria whacked a solo homer in the 4th. Cortabarria hit another RBI single in the 6th, Yorbin Ceuta followed with a sac fly, and Colin Barber scored on a wild pitch. Barber scored the last run of the day on another wild pitch. Cortabarria finished 3-4 on the afternoon and all of his hits resulted in runs. Barber went 2-3, and Álvarez reached base in all three of his plate appearances; in addition to the double, he scored twice and drew three walks.

The Palm Beach 'Stros will face the Mets at noon Eastern.

DSL Red Sox1 6, DSL Astros 2

W- Gabriel Jackson (1-3)
L- Daniel Pacheco (1-2)
S- Isaac Pinales (2)

DSL home runs: None.

Both teams had two innings in which they scored a run... but the Red Sox had a four-run 3rd inning on their ledger.

Cristian Gonzalez tripled to lead off the 1st and scored the first run of the day on an Andrés Monzón groundout. Monzón scored when Carlos Hurtado grounded into a double play in the 4th inning.

Daniel Pacheco pitched three innings and allowed five runs on four hits, walked one, and struck out one. Fabricio Reina was the first man out of the Dominican 'Stros bullpen and he allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out five over four scoreless. Cristofer Mezquita got the last two innings and allowed a run on three hits, walked two, and struck out two.

These two teams will take on each other at 11:30 AM Atlantic.

Monday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Fabricio Reina, RHP, DSL Astros: 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K

Felipe Tejada, RHP, Quad Cities

7 IP, 4 H (solo HR allowed), 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

This is his mugshot on MiLB.com.

Yimmi Cortabarria, OF, GCL Astros

3-4, solo HR (1), 3 RBI

Austin Hansen, RHP, Fayetteville

L (6-3), 5 IP, 3 H, ER, 2 BB, 4 K

Zach Biermann, 1B, and Nathan Perry, C, Tri-City

Biermann: 3-4, 3-R HR (3), 2 R

Perry: 1-3, 3-R HR (5), 2 R, 2 BB

Round Rock Express bullpen

4 IP, H, 4 BB, 3 K

Ralph Garza Jr.: 3 IP, H, 3 BB, K

Dean Deetz: IP, BB, 2 K

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Wednesday, July 10, 2019

2019 Triple-A All-Star Game

In El Paso, the Pacific Coast League All-Stars topped their counterparts from the International League by a score of 9-3. Kyle Tucker got the start in left field and he hit a double in the 1st inning, which was his only hit in three at-bats.

Round Rock returns to action tonight as they begin a four-game series with Iowa at 7:05. Akeem Bostick will face Colin Rea.

Frisco 5, Corpus Christi 4

W- Walker Weickel (5-1)
L- Justin Ferrell (1-1)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks thought they had control of this game after scoring four in the top of the 5th. Well... Frisco scored three in the bottom of the 5th to tie the game and they eventually walked off with the victory and swept the Hooks out of the Metroplex.

In his first rehab appearance, Brad Peacock walked one and struck out four over two scoreless innings. Enoli Paredes, the original scheduled starter, took over for five innings and he allowed four runs on four hits, walked three, and struck out five. Riley Ferrell allowed the winning run on two hits and struck out one in 1.1 innings.

Unfortunately, all of Corpus Christi's scoring in this game was limited to the 5th. Chuckie Robinson put them on the board with a sac fly and then Osvaldo Duarte and Bryan de la Cruz hit RBI singles. Duarte wound up scoring on a wild pitch that Ronnie Dawson swung at and missed for a strikeout. De La Cruz finished 3-4 on the night while Stephen Wrenn went 2-4.

The Hooks will look to bounce back as they start a four-game series in Midland at 7:00. Carson LaRue will face Kyle Friedrichs.

Fayetteville 3, Winston-Salem 2

W- Austin Hansen (6-2)
L- José Nin (3-3)

Fayetteville home runs: Scott Manea (6, 2-run in 2nd)

The Dash tied this game in the top of the 8th... only to see the Woodpeckers get back in front with one in the bottom of the inning.

Nivaldo Rodríguez continued his fine season as he allowed three hits, walked one, and struck out six over five shutout innings. Austin Hansen took over for the last four innings and he allowed a two-run homer, walked three, and struck out six.

Scott Manea launched a two-run home run in the 2nd inning. Jake Adams singled with one out in the 8th. He then stole second, advanced to third on the errant throw down, and scored what turned out to be the winning run on a single from Miguelangel Sierra. Jacob Meyers finished 3-4 with a double.

Cody Deason makes his Carolina League debut tonight at 7:00 Eastern. He'll go against Konnor Pilkington.

West Michigan 9, Quad Cities 5

W- Sandel de la Cruz (1-3)
L- Hansel Paulino (2-2)

QC home runs: None.

The Banditos fought back from an early 5-0 deficit to tie the game... and then the Whitecaps regained the lead with four runs in the 6th.

Austin Dennis hit a pair of RBI singles in the 3rd and the 5th. Later in the 5th, Grae Kessinger ripped a two-run double and he came home when Oscar Campos took his place at second. Trey Dawson finished 3-4 and scored twice. Dennis had his two RBI singles.

Jonathan Bermúdez went five innings and allowed five runs on seven hits (grand slam), walked two, and struck out one. Hansel Paulino got two outs in the 6th and he allowed four runs (one earned) on three hits, walked one, and struck out one. Riley Cabral allowed a hit and fanned four in 2.1 innings.

Brett Daniels takes the mound for game two. He'll take on Robbie Welhaf at 7:05 Eastern.

Tri-City 14, State College 7

W- Peyton Battenfield (1-1)
L- Scott Politz (1-2)

TC home runs: None.

The ValleyCats poured it on early as they stormed out to a 10-0 lead.

Hunter Brown pitched 1.1 innings and allowed a hit, walked two, and struck out three. Peyton Battenfield was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and he allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out six over 3.2 scoreless. Derek West got two outs in the 6th but he also allowed two runs on two hits and walked two. Luis de Paula got the final out of the 6th and pitched the 7th, where he walked four (one with the bases loaded) and struck out one. Yeremi Ceballos allowed four runs on three hits and walked one in the 8th and Miguel Figueroa walked one and struck out one in the 9th.

Zach Biermann opened the scoring with a two-run double in the 1st. Luis Santana and Nathan Perry hit RBI singles to kick off the big 2nd inning. Korey Lee hit a two-run single and Joe Perez hit a bases-clearing double, although he was thrown out at third to end the inning.

Biermann hit a groundout to bring in Korey Lee in the 4th. C.J. Stubbs ripped a two-run double in the 6th and he scored on a single from Wilyer Abreu. Lee brought in Tri-City's final run with a sac fly in the 8th. Lee, Biermann, and Perez drove in three. Lee and Abreu had three hits apiece; Lee scored four runs, Perry scored three times, and Stubbs came home twice. Stubbs, Perry, and Luis Santana all finished with two hits.

Manny Ramirez takes on Adrian Mardueno at 7:00 Eastern.

GCL Nationals 9, GCL Astros 3

W- José Ferrer (1-0)
L- Fredy Medina (0-1)

GCL home runs: None.

The Nationals took control with five in the 2nd inning.

The Palm Beach 'Stros scored three in the 1st, but nothing more. Dexter Jordan ripped an RBI double and scored on Adonis Giron's single. Rolando Espinosa added a sac fly. Jordan, Colin Barber, Yeuris Ramírez, and Yorbin Ceuta all finished with two hits on the day.

Fredy Medina struck out the side in the 1st, but he also gave up a couple of runs. It didn't get much better for him in the 2nd inning. In addition to allowing the two runners he inherited from Medina to score, Jervic Chavez allowed a run of his own on four hits, walked one, and struck out four in two innings. Abdiel Saldaña took over for three innings and allowed a run on two hits, walked one, and struck out two. Daniel Bello and Julio Robaina pitched an inning apiece. Bello pitched the 7th and he allowed a run on two hits and walked two, while Robaina struck out two in a 1-2-3 8th.

The Palm Beach 'Stros will face the Mets at noon Eastern.

DSL Astros 2, DSL Athletics 1

W- Misael Tamarez (2-2)
L- Marcelo Hernandez (1-1)

DSL home runs: None.

The Dominican 'Stros scored one in the 9th to nip the A's.

Andrés Monzón scored on an error in the 1st and he hit an RBI single in the 9th. He went 2-5 and stole three bases, giving him 15 on the season. Yohander Martinez went 2-2 and scored the go-ahead run in the 9th on Monzón's base hit.

Carlos Calderón went four innings and allowed an unearned run on two hits, walked two, and struck out five. José Betances worked around a couple of walks to throw a scoreless 5th. Misael Tamarez allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out five over the final four innings.

The Dominican 'Stros are taking on the Braves right now.

Wednesday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Andrés Monzón, OF, DSL Astros: 2-5, RBI, R, 3 SB (15)
Carlos Calderón, RHP, DSL Astros: 4 IP, 2 H, unearned run, BB, 5 K
Misael Tamarez, RHP, DSL Astros: W (2-2), 4 IP, H, 2 BB, 5 K; promoted to GCL after game

Dexter Jordan, 2B, GCL Astros: 2-5, 2B, RBI, R

Photo from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.Net

Tri-City ValleyCats: W 14-7 vs. State College

14 R, 14 H

Korey Lee: 3-3, 2B, 3 RBI, 4 R

Nathan Perry: 2-3, RBI, 3 R

C.J. Stubbs: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 2 R

Wilyer Abreu: 3-5, R

Peyton Battenfield: W (1-1), 3.2 IP, H, 2 BB, 6 K

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 3-2 vs. Winston-Salem

9 IP, 4 H (2-R HR allowed), 2 ER, 4 BB, 12 K

Nivaldo Rodríguez: 5 IP, 3 H, BB, 6 K

Austin Hansen: W (6-2), 4 IP, H (2-R HR), 2 ER, 3 BB, 6 K

Austin Dennis, UTIL, Quad Cities

2-3, 2 RBI, R

Riley Cabral, RHP, Quad Cities

2.1 IP, H, 4 K

Photo by Bryan Green

Bryan de la Cruz, OF, Corpus Christi

3-4, RBI

Getting to Know RHP Austin Hansen

RHP Austin Hansen, drafted in the 8th round in 2018 out of the University of Oklahoma, had an excellent start to his professional career with Tri-City last season, compiling a 1.76 ERA and a 0.880 WHIP in 14 appearances (30.1 IP). Fast forward to 2019 and Hansen was able to build on that early success in his time with Low A Quad Cities, going 4-1 with one save, a 0.86 ERA and a 0.936 WHIP in nine games (seven starts) over 41.2 innings. Since his early June promotion to High A Fayetteville, things haven't always gone quite as well for him, but his season numbers to date (2.28 ERA, 1.062 WHIP and .162 BA) are still more than respectable, particularly considering that he has been transitioning from the bullpen to the starting rotation.

Austin Hansen - June 2019

Photo by Jayne Hansen

When asked what has clicked for him this season, Hansen told me, "I've just been able to not let one pitch ruin my outing. I know that in college and even sometimes last year, I'd let one bad call by the umpire or one hard hit ball kind of frustrate me so bad that it ruins the rest of my outing. It's like just being able to take it one pitch at a time and not really think too much and just go out there and have fun and not make it harder than it needs to be. We're playing a kid's game and sometimes you can make it way, way more serious and put more pressure on yourself than you really need to. I think it's just kind of keeping it fun, keeping it lighthearted this year."

On transitioning to the new level, Hansen said, "The hitters are definitely more mature here than in Quad Cities, but for me it's just trying to work on my slider and develop my slider more. That's the biggest thing right now. What I've been getting in trouble with is not being able to throw it for a strike and falling behind in counts and walking guys and then when I'm behind in counts, giving up hits. It's kind of just developing that slider and throw it for a strike and, like I said, take it one pitch at a time and not try to make it a bigger stage than I really need it to be."

Fans sometimes forget that the minor leagues are developmental leagues, after all, and sometimes wins take a back seat. "That's what a lot of people don't realize, that we're all working on stuff. We have pitches that can get guys out, but you have to be able to throw the pitches that you're working on in games to develop (them). Sometimes the numbers don't reflect how you're really doing because you're trying to develop a new pitch. Obviously, the first week you throw it, it's not going to be able to get hitters out (consistently)," said Hansen.

Fayetteville Manager Nate Shaver praised Hansen's success with Quad Cities and acknowledged that there will be adjustments to be made at the higher level. "Coming here and facing a little bit better hitters, he can't make as many mistakes. But he knows how efficient he needs to be to have success at this level and have a plan of attack for every single hitter and trust in his stuff," said Shaver. And Shaver went on to compliment Hansen's professionalism and work ethic.

Hansen throws a four-seam fastball, changeup, knuckle curve and slider, and considers either his low 90's fastball (which hits 95 or 96) or his curveball to be his best pitches. Aside from working to develop the slider, Hansen is also working on his delivery, "Just clean up my motion, like syncing up my upper half and lower half and hopefully that translates to a little more velocity so I can throw a little bit harder as a starter and kind of carry that into later innings. I think that's the biggest thing, just kind of clean up mechanics."

When I commented on the great pitching from the Astros draft class of 2018 in their first season, Hansen noted, "It's fun being around those guys every day. Last year we all kind of built a bond and it got so competitive that if someone went out and had a good outing (we would try to outdo one another). It's cool. When Brett (Conine) and (Shawn) Dubin got called up here (to Fayetteville), we'd all be watching to see how they were doing, texting them 'I'm going to strike out more than you now.' Even at different levels, we're still trying to compete. It's just so much fun to be around all these guys."

Hansen is particularly complementary of Conine as one who stands out (see interview link below), "He's just been so dominant all year. It's unbelievable to watch him pitch. He's just so talented and it's kind of funny that he's still flying under the radar. That's just kind of how Brett Conine rolls. He's always under the radar. This whole team, not a lot of top prospects, but a lot of really, really talented guys that will be able to play this game for a really long time."

Hansen started his season with Quad Cities which was surrounded by flood waters much of the spring, forcing the team to play most of their games on the road. Of the experience, Hansen said, "It was interesting because we didn't have a clubhouse for the first 40 games of the season so everyone had three pairs of cleats, turfs, three jerseys, two pair of pants all in their bag and we're lugging it around every place and we never had a home game. A lot of them were commuter so we'd get home at 2:00 in the morning a lot of nights. It was a lot of long days. But it was fun. We got closer. We started joking about how we were never going to play a home game. And it really seemed like we never were going to play a home game. Right before I left, we played three home games. We went on the road. We came back and the whole entire parking lot was flooded again so they had to move (another) series to Peoria."

Hansen offered a little advice for the new draft picks who just signed, "Listen to everything that the Astros are telling you because you see how the guys are doing it in the big leagues and just keep following their plan because they have a bigger plan for you than what you have for yourself. They have way more planned out for you than you can ever dream of."

In the offseason, when he isn't training, Hansen likes to hang out with friends and family back in Kansas, listen to country music or go fishing. He recently took up hunting and enjoys hunting with his dad. But the main thing for him is to decompress from the season. "I'm able to clear my mind a little bit and not have to think about baseball, just kind of go out there and relax. We play so many games. After the season, you don't really want to think about baseball as much even though you're training every day, you kind of need to keep your mind off of baseball for a little bit."

As a strength, Hansen cited his competitiveness, "I like to think I'm super competitive on the mound. I think that's one thing that I have an advantage of. As a closer in college I came in in some big situations and I know how to get myself out of them."

But I think another strength that will serve Hansen well going forward is his self-awareness. I can only conjecture that the loss of his best friend in 2016 which was discussed in this March 2019 interview and coming to terms with his grief over that loss helped Hansen to find a perspective and self-awareness that have grounded him. His demeanor is neither too high or too low. He is confident but in no way cocky. He is quick to praise his teammates. He is able to articulate his strengths and his weaknesses realistically and seems to know what he will need to do in order to ultimately succeed in a very tough business. His maturity in baseball and in life really shows.

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

Other Recent Interviews
Nivaldo Rodriguez (recently added to MLB Pipeline's Top 30 list for the Astros) and Enmanuel Valdez
Colton Shaver
Brett Conine
Jake Adams

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, June 23, 2019

Fayetteville sweep!

Round Rock 8, Iowa 3

W- Cionel Pérez (1-1)
L- Colin Rea (8-2)

RR home runs: Josh Rojas (4, 12 season; solo in 1st)

The E-Train busted out for three in the 4th and three in the 5th to seize control of this one.

Josh Rojas led off the game with a homer. A.J. Reed ripped a two-run double in the 4th and he came home on Chas McCormick's sac fly. Reed drew a bases-loaded walk in the 5th and Garrett Stubbs followed with a two-run single. Jack Mayfield capped off the afternoon with an RBI single in the 8th. Nick Tanielu, Taylor Jones, and Mayfield all finished with two hits on the day.

Corbin Martin and Cionel Pérez both pitched four innings with varying results. Martin allowed three runs on six hits (solo homer), walked one, and struck out five. Cionel allowed three hits and struck out four in a scoreless outing. Felipe Paulino, in his return to the Astros organization, struck out one in a 1-2-3 9th inning.

Brandon Bielak will get the start in the fifth and final game of this series. First pitch is at 12:08.

Springfield 12, Corpus Christi 5

W- Roel Ramirez (2-1)
L- Yohan Ramirez (0-2, 1-4 season)

CC home runs: Colton Shaver 2 (2, 8 season; solo in 4th, 3-run in 6th), Lorenzo Quintana (5, solo in 2nd)

The Hooks, doing business as the Raspas like they usually do on Sundays, were foiled in their bid to sweep the series as the Cardinals got six in the 6th to seize control.

Yohan Ramirez went four innings and allowed four runs (three earned) on two hits, walked four, and struck out four. J.B. Bukauskas was the first man out of the bullpen and he, unfortunately, bore the brunt of that big 6th inning from Springfield. Let's just leave it at that. Justin Ferrell threw 2.2 innings and he allowed three hits, one of which was a two-run homer, walked one, and struck out one. Tommy DeJuneas was the only Corpus pitcher to turn in a scoreless outing as he struck out the side in order in the 9th.

Both teams scored a run in the 2nd; the Raspas got theirs on a solo homer from Lorenzo Quintana. Colton Shaver launched a solo shot in the 4th and then whacked a three-run homer in the 6th. He and Osvaldo Duarte both finished 2-4 on the evening.

The Hooks have now reached their All-Star break. The 2019 Texas League All-Star Game will take place Tuesday in Tulsa. Bryan Abreu, Carlos Sanabria, Colin McKee, and Abraham Toro will represent Corpus Christi.

Corpus returns to action Thursday.

Fayetteville 3, Myrtle Beach 2

W- Austin Hansen (1-0, 5-1 season)
L- Alexander Vargas (1-2)

Fayetteville home runs: Michael Papierski (5, solo in 3rd), Marty Costes (3, 5 season; 2-run in 4th)

Two big swings of the bat and a pair of fine pitching performances carried the Woodpeckers to a sweep of their first series in the second half.

Michael Papierski smacked a solo homer in the 3rd and Marty Costes launched a two-run homer in the 4th. Papierski, Jacob Meyers, and Miguelangel Sierra all had two hits on the day.

Nivaldo Rodríguez pitched four innings and allowed a run on three hits, walked one, and struck out three. Austin Hansen tagged in for the last five innings and he allowed a solo homer, walked two, and struck out six.

The Woodpeckers will begin a three-game series in Salem at 7:05 Eastern.

Quad Cities and Beloit was postponed

Due to rain rendering the field unplayable. This game will be made up during Quad Cities' next trip to Beloit, which will be from July 27-29.

After a day off on Monday, the Banditos will begin a four-game series with the Burlington Bees that's split between Burlington and the Quad Cities. The first two will be in Burlington.

Vermont 7, Tri-City 6 (11 innings)

W- Jorge Martinez (1-1)
L- Luis de Paula (0-1)

TC home runs: Nathan Perry (1, solo in 6th), Zach Biermann (2, solo in 8th)

The Lake Monsters nipped the ValleyCats in extras to avoid the sweep.

Peyton Battenfield struck out four over three perfect innings. Manny Ramirez was the first man out of the Tri-City bullpen and he got two outs in the 4th via strikeout, but he also allowed three runs on two hits and walked three. Hansel Paulino got Ramirez out of a bases-loaded predicament by getting the final out of the 4th with a strikeout. Paulino ended up going 2.1 innings and he allowed two hits, one of which was a solo homer, and struck out four.

Julio Robaina was next and he allowed two runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on three hits, walked two, and struck out three in two innings. Garrett Gayle allowed the runner that he inherited from Robaina to score on a sac fly that tied the game at 6 in the 9th inning. He also allowed a hit, walked one, and struck out one. Luis de Paula pitched the final two innings and allowed what turned out to be the game-winning sac fly and struck out two.

Tri-City got back in the game when Korey Lee hit a two-run single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the 4th. Luis Santana doubled to lead off the 5th and he scored the tying run on an error that allowed E.P. Reese to reach. Nathan Perry clubbed a solo homer in the 6th and Zach Biermann put the ValleyCats in front by whacking a two-run homer in the 8th. Reese (R, SB), Grae Kessinger (2B, 2 R), Korey Lee (2 RBI), and Santana (2B, R) all had two hits on the night.

After a day off, the ValleyCats will hit the road to kick off a three-game series against the Lowell Spinners.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Colton Shaver, IF, Corpus Christi

2-4, 2 HR (2, 8 season), 4 RBI

Felipe Paulino's photo taken by Bryan Green.

Round Rock Express bullpen

5 IP, 3 H, 5 K

Cionel Pérez: W (1-1), 4 IP, 3 H, 4 K

Felipe Paulino: IP, K

"WOODPPECKERS"

Fayetteville Woodpeckers pitchers: W 3-2 @ Myrtle Beach

9 IP, 4 H (solo HR allowed), 2 ER, 3 BB, 9 K

Nivaldo Rodríguez: 4 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 3 K

Austin Hansen: W (1-0, 5-1 season), 5 IP, H (solo HR), ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Michael Papierski, C, Fayetteville

2-5, solo HR (5)

Peyton Battenfield not pictured.

This is Korey Lee's mugshot on MiLB.com.

Peyton Battenfield, RHP, and Korey Lee, C, Tri-City

Battenfield: 3 IP, 4 K

Lee: 2-5, 2 RBI

Astros Minor League Recaps

Results for Sunday, June 2, 2019

Let's play two in Frisco!

Iowa 8, Round Rock 5

W- Pedro Strop (1-0)
L- Cy Sneed (3-6)
S- Rowan Wick (2)

RR home runs: Yordan Alvarez (21, solo in 1st), Aníbal Sierra (1, 2 season; solo in 4th)

The Chupacabras fell victim to the homer as they served up six to the Demonios. Both of these teams transformed into their Copa de la Diversión identities for this game. This game started out well enough, but the Demonios finished the game on an 8-1 run after the 2nd inning.

Yordan Alvarez whacked a solo homer in the 1st to open the scoring. Round Rock got three in the 2nd thanks to a Nick Tanielu RBI double, an Aníbal Sierra sac fly, and a Josh Rojas RBI single. Sierra launched a homer to lead off the 4th. Drew Ferguson went 3-5 on the afternoon while Rojas had two hits and stole a base (3, 16 season).

Cy Sneed pitched five innings and allowed six runs (one inherited runner charged to him) on eight hits (four solo homers), walked two, and struck out four. Ronel Blanco was the first man out of the Round Rock bullpen and he allowed two runs on three hits (solo and two-run homers), walked one, and struck out three. One of the runs on the two-run homer was charged to Sneed. Ralph Garza Jr. allowed a hit over 1.1 scoreless innings.

Round Rock will have Monday off. They'll begin a three-game series in Las Vegas on Tuesday.

Game 1: Corpus Christi 6, Frisco 4

W- Justin Ferrell (1-2)
L- Tyler Phillips (0-3)
S- Carlos Sanabria (3, 4 season)

CC home runs: None.

The Hooks got out to a fast start in game one... but so did the Roughriders. Fortunately, theirs was a bit quicker and they managed to hold on for the win.

Corpus got three in the 1st thanks to a pair of RBI singles from Abraham Toro and Seth Beer and a sac fly from Granden Goetzman. Beer struck again in the 2nd with a two-run single and Luis Santana poked a ball through the infield to score Goetzman in the 5th. Beer and Santana had two hits apiece in game one.

Bryan Abreu went 1.2 innings and allowed four runs on three hits and walked four. The bullpen picked him up by keeping Frisco off the board the rest of the way. Justin Ferrell was first and he allowed a hit and struck out two in 2.1 innings. Willy Collado pitched 2.2 innings in his Texas League debut, allowing two hits and walking one. Carlos Sanabria struck out the one man he faced to end game one.

Game 2: Corpus Christi 2, Frisco 1

W- Cristian Javier (1-1, 3-1 season)
L- Joe Barlow (0-1)
S- Jonathan Bermúdez (1)

CC home runs: Granden Goetzman (11, solo in 5th)

Cristian Javier shined and some clutch plays allowed the Hooks to sweep the twinbill and take the series.

Javier allowed a run on a solo homer, three other hits, walked one, and struck out nine in 5.2 innings of work. Jonathan Bermúdez came on with two outs in the 6th; he allowed a single to the first man he faced, but Chas McCormick nailed the runner trying to score to end the inning. Bermúdez went on to throw a 1-2-3 7th to secure the win, getting a groundout and two fly ball outs to end the night.

Granden Goetzman led off the 5th with a homer and he came through in the 6th with an RBI single that broke a 1-1 tie. The Hooks had a chance to tack on with the bases loaded but Goetzman's RBI base hit was all they could get. Fortunately, it was enough. Goetzman finished 2-3 in game two.

Brett Adcock will take on Matt Milburn as the Hooks return home to start a three-game series with Midland. First pitch is at 6:15.

Winston-Salem 3, Fayetteville 2

W- Codi Heuer (3-1)
L- Jacob Billingsley (0-2)
S- Will Kincanon (1)

Fayetteville home runs: None.

The Woodpeckers mounted a 9th-inning rally that fell just short. Three of their four losses to Winston-Salem have been by one run.

Scott Schreiber opened the scoring with an RBI single in the 1st inning. Miguelangel Sierra hit an RBI single in the 9th. Bryan de la Cruz followed by drawing a walk to load the bases, but Enmanuel Valdez hit into a force out to end the game. Valdez and Jacob Meyers finished with two hits apiece.

Shawn Dubin had a fine day on the mound as he allowed a run on three hits, walked one, and struck out seven in seven innings of work. Jacob Billingsley and Tommy DeJuneas pitched an inning apiece; Billingsley allowed an unearned run on a sac fly, walked one, and struck out one in the 8th, while DeJuneas allowed a run on two hits, walked one, and struck out two in the 9th.

Nivaldo Rodríguez will take on Konnor Pilkington in game two of this series. First pitch is at 7:00 Eastern.

Burlington 2, Quad Cities 1

W- José Soriano (4-5)
L- Julio Robaina (0-1)
S- Austin Krzeminski (2)

QC home runs: None.

A rough inning on defense allowed the Bees to snatch this game from under the Banditos' noses.

Jeremy Peña nearly had a grand slam in the 3rd but he had to settle for a sac fly. Carlos Machado, who scored on the play, finished 2-3. Peña also extended his hitting streak to 15 games.

Austin Hansen continues to shut down the Midwest League as he allowed two hits, walked one, and struck out six over six shutout innings. His current scoreless streak now stands at 33.2 innings. That streak was in a bit of jeopardy in the 6th as the Bees put two runners in scoring position to lead off the inning. However, he pulled himself together to escape that predicament and retired the next three batters. Julio Robaina pitched the final two innings and he allowed two unearned runs on an error and a wild pitch in the 8th. Robaina walked three and struck out four.

Quad Cities has Monday off. They'll start a three-game series with Peoria at 6:35.

Sunday's Stars

All photos are from Jayne unless stated otherwise.

Luis Santana not pictured.

Granden Goetzman, OF, Seth Beer, 1B/OF, and Luis Santana, 2B, Corpus Christi

Goetzman: 1-2, 2B, sac fly in game one of doubleheader

2-3, solo HR (11), 2 RBI in game two of doubleheader

Beer: 2-4, 3 RBI in game one of doubleheader

Santana: 2-3, RBI, R in game one of doubleheader

1-3 in game two of doubleheader

Jonathan Bermúdez not pictured.

Corpus Christi Hooks pitchers 

Bullpen: W 6-4 @ Frisco (game 1)

5.1 IP, 3 H, BB, 3 K

Justin Ferrell: W (1-2) 2.1 IP, H, 2 K

Willy Collado: 2.2 IP, 2 H, BB

Carlos Sanabria: Save (3, 4 season), 0.1 IP, K

Game 2: W 2-1 @ Frisco (game 2)

Cristian Javier: W (1-1, 3-1 season), 5.2 IP, 4 H, ER, BB, 9 K

Jonathan Bermúdez: Save (1), 1.1 IP, H

Austin Hansen, RHP, Quad Cities, and Shawn Dubin, RHP, Fayetteville

Hansen: 6 IP, 2 H, BB, 6 K; has not allowed a run in 33.2 innings

Dubin: 7 IP, 3 H, ER, BB, 7 K

Astros Farm Report: 5-28

Bringing you the latest news from down on the farm ...

In case you missed these, here are my prior interviews with the newest Astros:
IF Jack Mayfield
C Garrett Stubbs
RHP Corbin Martin

MAY TRANSACTIONS/ROSTER MOVES

Note: Some of the assignments to Tri-City are likely to be on paper only in order to help with roster management while some indicate players who have been sent back to extended Spring Training.

5-27: IF Jack Mayfield called up to Houston from Round Rock
5-27: SS Anibal Sierra assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-27: RHP Jacob Billingsley (Fayetteville) placed on the 7-day DL
5-27: RHP Cesar Rosado (Fayetteville) activated from the DL
5-26: C Garrett Stubbs called up to Houston from Round Rock
5-26: 2B Jose Altuve sent to Round Rock on a rehab assignment
5-26: C Lorenzo Quintana assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-26: C Carlos Canelon (Corpus Christi) activated from the DL
5-26: RHP Manny Ramirez assigned to Quad Cities from extended spring training
5-25: OF Derek Fisher recalled to Houston from Round Rock
5-25: RHP Brandon Bielak assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-25: RHP Miguel Figueroa assigned to Corpus Christi from extended spring training
5-25: OF Corey Julks (Fayetteville) placed on the 7-day DL
5-25: OF Marty Costes assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-25: C Ruben Castro (Quad Cities) activated from the DL
5-25: SS Freudis Nova assigned to Quad Cities from extended spring training
5-24: RHP Hunter Martin assigned to Corpus Christi from Round Rock
5-24: RHP Erasmo Pinales (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5-22: RHP Hunter Martin assigned to Round Rock from Fayetteville
5-22: RHP Jojanse Torres assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-22: RHP Jayson Schroeder assigned to Quad Cities from extended spring training
5-21: RHP Gabriel Valdez assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-21: RHP Brady Rodgers recalled to Houston from Round Rock
5-21: RHP Tyler Ivey (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5-21: RHP Layne Henderson assigned to Corpus Christi from extended spring training
5-21: SS Luis Santana assigned to Corpus Christi from extended spring training
5-20: RHP Brendan McCurry (Round Rock) placed on the 7-day DL
5-20: LHP Kit Scheetz assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-20: RHP Erasmo Pinales (Corpus Christi) activated from the DL
5-19: OF Carmen Benedetti (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5-19: LHP Parker Mushinski (Fayetteville) placed on the 7-day DL
5-19: OF Alex McKenna (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
5-17: OF Bryan de la Cruz (Fayetteville) placed on the 7-day DL
5-17: 1B Scott Schreiber assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-17: OF Alex McKenna (Quad Cities) activated from the DL
5-17: OF Ramiro Rodriguez assigned to Quad Cities
5-16: RHP Dean Deetz (Round Rock) placed on the 7-day DL
5-16: OF Seth Beer assigned to Corpus Christi from Fayetteville
5-16: RHP Brendan Feldmann (Corpus Christi) released
5-16: 3B Enmanuel Valdez assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-16: RHP Nivaldo Rodriquez assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-16: RHP Jose Alberto Rivera assigned to Quad Cities
5-15: RHP Cristian Javier assigned to Corpus Christi from Fayetteville
5-15: RHP Jose Hernandez-Urquidy assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-13: OF Marty Costes (Quad Cities) activated from the DL
5-12: RHP Joey Gonzalez assigned to Quad Cities from Fayetteville
5-12: RHP Corbin Martin called up to Houston from Round Rock
5-12: RHP Brett Conine assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-11: RHP Tyler Ivey (Corpus Christi) activated from the suspended list
5-11: RHP Ronel Blanco assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-8: RHP Nick Hernandez (Corpus Christi) activated from the DL and assigned to Fayetteville
5-8: RHP Hunter Martin assigned from Fayetteville to Tri-City
5-7: OF Alex McKenna (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
5-7: OF Carlos Machado assigned to Quad Cities from extended spring training
5-7: RHP Jose Bravo assigned to Tri-City from Round Rock
5-6: RHP Jose Bravo assigned to Round Rock from Fayetteville
5-6: OF Stephen Wrenn assigned to Corpus Christi from Round Rock
5-6: OF Derek Fisher optioned to Round Rock From Houston
5-6: C Carlos Canelon (Corpus Christi) placed on the 7-day DL
5-6: RHP Akeem Bostick (Round Rock) activated from the temporary inactive list
5-6: RHP Tanner Duncan assigned to Fayetteville from Round Rock
5-6: LHP Brett Adcock assigned to Corpus Christi from Tri-City
5-4: 1B A.J. Reed (Round Rock) activated from the DL
5-4: OF Derek Fisher recalled to Houston from Round Rock
5-4: RHP Joey Gonzalez assigned to Fayetteville from Quad Cities
5-4: IF Michael Wielansky assigned to Quad Cities
5-4: RHP Felipe Tejada assigned to Tri-City from Quad Cities
5-4: RHP Cody Deason assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City
5-3: OF Stephen Wrenn assigned to Round Rock from Corpus Christi
5-3: RHP Akeem Bostick (Round Rock) placed on the temporary inactive list
5-3: OF Carmen Benedetti (Corpus Christi) activated from the DL
5-3: RHP Cesar Rosado (Fayetteville) placed on the 7-day DL
5-3: OF Marty Costes (Quad Cities) placed on the 7-day DL
5-3: RHP Matt Ruppenthal assigned to Quad Cities from Tri-City

Players who started the 2019 season on the DL
C Ruben Castro - activated 5-25
RHP Nick Hernandez - activated 5-8
RHP Alex House
OF Alex McKenna - activated 4-29; back and forth since
RHP Hansel Paulino
RHP Erasmo Pinales - activated 5-20; back on 5-24
RHP Abdiel Saldana
RHP Kyle Serrano
RHP Jairo Solis

Restricted List
RHP Francis Martes (80-game suspension)
1B/OF J.J. Matijevic (50-game suspension)

An ongoing list of all of the 2019 season transactions and roster moves can be found here.

2019 STANDINGS

Up and down arrows denote an increase or decrease in win percentage over the last week.

AAA ROUND ROCK (Pacific Coast League/American Southern Division)

🠉 2nd 31-20 .608 0.5GB W2

AA CORPUS CHRISTI (Texas League/South Division)

🠉 2nd 25-24 .510 1.5GB W1

ADV A FAYETTEVILLE (Carolina League/Southern Division)

🠋 4th 23-28 .451 11.5GB L1

LOW A QUAD CITIES (Midwest League/Western Division)

🠉 1st 32-15 .681 -.-GB W2

WATCH THIS SPACE

I plan to use "this space" to feature players who are currently flying below the radar, but who deserve a look.

Austin Hansen - July 2018
Photo by Jayne Hansen

RHP Austin Hansen has had a terrific start to his professional career after being drafted in the 8th round in 2018 out of the University of Oklahoma. Several of the 2018 drafted college pitchers excelled with short season Tri-City last season, but that doesn't always translate well to full season A Quad Cities. But Hansen proved that his great 2018 debut (1.76 ERA/0.880 WHIP in 30.2 IP) wasn't a fluke. So far in 2019, Hansen is 4-1 with one save in his eight games (six starts). In 35.2 innings of work, he has a 1.01 ERA, a 1.009 WHIP and has held batters to a .146 batting average (.089 with runners on). Even more impressive is that he has not allowed a single run, earned or unearned, over his last six outings. Watch this space ...

FORMER ASTRO UPDATE

Telvin Nash - May 2015

Photo by Jayne Hansen

A couple of weeks ago, I went to a Sugar Land Skeeters game to catch up with Friend of the Blog Daniel Minor. He didn't pitch that night, but another former Astro made an appearance. A 2009 3rd round pick by the Astros out of Griffin HS (GA), OF Telvin Nash spent seven seasons in the Astros system and has since spent time with the White Sox organization and the independent Atlantic League York Revolution. In his first 29 games of the 2019 season with York, he is hitting .269/.370/.565 and still has the power he was originally signed for ...

Telvin Nash launches a solo shot to left-center, @yorkrevolution on the board down 3-1 in 4th. Nash breaks PeoplesBank Park stadium record with his 39th at home, surpassing Andres Perez. Now has 61 all-time with Revs, approaching Perez' record of 66.

— SportsRadio 98.9 FM & 1350 WOYK (@WOYK1350) May 26, 2019

RANDOM PHOTO OF THE WEEK

New Mexico - 2005

Photo by Jayne Hansen