The second half of the season has now started for all “A” affiliate teams.
In this article, we’ll look at how the three rookie-level games went for Blue Jays affiliates, as well as recent transactions in the Jays organization. Moreover, we’ll set up the week for all four “A” affiliates in the organization.
Let’s dig into it in the latest Minor League Report!
FCL Jays lost doubleheader
The Florida Complex League Jays played a doubleheader on Monday, losing both games to bring their record to 8-29, the worst in the FCL. Both games were against the FCL Phillies, and the F-Jays lost the first one 3-1.
Yhoangel Aponte was demoted to the FCL, and he took that personally as he hit the team’s only extra-base hit, a double. He had a multi-hit game as well, as did Kendry Chirinos. Moreover, Sam Shaw hit a single and walked.
Christopher Castro made the start for the F-Jay, finishing with a line of 4 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 5 K to bring his season ERA to 4.18. Carlos Meza was tagged with the loss, allowing three earned runs in an inning of work. Felipe Bello struck out a batter in a scoreless inning.
The second game of the doubleheader didn’t go much better, as the F-Jays lost 5-4 in extra-innings.
However, Kendry Chirinos hit his first home run of the season and his fourth of his career, on top of a three-hit performance. Carlos Vasquez and David Guzmán each had two singles, while Enmanuel Bonilla, Luis Meza, and Aneudi Escanio each had a single.
Recently signed James Kaprielian started the game for the FCL Jays, giving up three earned runs in four innings pitched while striking out four. Not great for a former big leaguer. Franly Urena struck out three while giving up an earned run in four innings of work.
DSL Jays win streak hit five
The Dominican Summer League Jays are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with in the DSL. On Monday, they defeated the DSL Mariners 6-5 to move their record to 10-5.
Cuban outfielder Yorman Licourt hit the team’s only extra-base hit, his third double of the season. Angel Guzmán, Randy Soto, and Esmeiquel Arrieche hit a single, while Dariel Ramon hit two. Juarlin Soto walked twice as well, because of course he did.
Eduar Gonzalez made the start, pitching four innings with no earned runs allowed and five strikeouts. Carlos Abad gave up an earned run in his two thirds of an inning pitched, while Geremy Barroso struck out two in an inning and a third. Diego Dominguez picked up the save, pitching three innings with an earned run, three walks, and four strikeouts.
Notable transactions
There have been a few notable transactions in the past few days for the organization.
For starters, it looks like left-handed starter Kendry Rojas is working his way back, as the Vancouver Canadians sent him to the FCL Jays to rehab. In 5.2 innings pitched with Vancouver, he has a 4.76 ERA and a 3.26 FIP.
Miguel Hiraldo, a former top 30 prospect, got the call-up to the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons. The second baseman had a good season with the Fisher Cats last season, hitting a career-best 12 homers for a 115 wRC+ with a 31.4 K%, but has struggled this season. He’s hit just one home run in 168 plate appearances with a 68 wRC+.
He replaced Canadian Bryce Arnold, who got the call-up due to a shortage of infielders. The 22-year-old had a short, but good stint with the Bisons, where he hit a home run and a double in 10 plate appearances or two games.
Of course, Bo Bichette was activated off the 10-day Injured List, meaning that Steward Berroa was optioned to the Bisons. One thing he’ll need to improve on is his decision making on the base paths, because the speed is certainly there.
Going back to last night with some context:
John Schneider says the #BlueJays hadn't called for Berroa to be running during Kiermaier's bunt. He called that "a young player being a little bit excited at first."
The plan was to bunt Berroa to 2B, then have him try to steal 3B. https://t.co/nGiZoUqb9b
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) June 25, 2024
Setting up this week in “A” affiliate action
The Buffalo Bisons and the Vancouver Canadians are at home this week, while the New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Dunedin Blue Jays are on the road.
Buffalo starts their second-half of the season against the Syracuse Mets, who were the best team in the International League East in the first half. Aaron Sanchez starts the game and will look to bounce back after a rough outing in his last turn.
New Hampshire also starts their second-half, heading to Hartford to face the Yard Goats. Devereaux Harrison starts that game, and he carries a 5.43 ERA into it.
Vancouver’s second half started last week, and they’re undefeated with a 3-0 record so far. Throughout the week, they’ll host the Hillsboro Hops, with Lazaro Estrada on the mound for the only Canadian minor league team. As you may recall, he threw a no-hitter the last time.
Coming into Tuesday’s game, the Dunedin Blue Jays are 1-1 in the second half of their season, and Gage Stanifer gets the ball for the Jays’ Single-A team.
me on Twitter @Ryley_L_D.
This article first appeared on Bluejaysnation and was syndicated with permission.
