Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 8/20/25
Travis Bazzana picks things up in Columbus [sort of], John Means turns in another strong rehab outing in Lake County
Rehab
John Means (SP, Lake County): 3.2 IP, 2 H, 0 R, BB, 4 Ks - Means looked solid in his second rehab appearance with the Captains where he went nearly four innings at 51 pitches and 34 strikes. Means topped out at 92 mph on the fastball and did a good job of working around traffic from the leadoff man in both the first and third innings to keep the zero on the scoreboard. The southpaw fanned the final three batters he faced and four in total during his start.
Highlights
Travis Bazzana (DH, Columbus): 1-for-4, R, 2B, RBI, BB, K - Bazzana only had one hit on Wednesday night but made a lot of solid contact. He came within inches of a likely two-run hit in the third that ended up being a spectacular inning-ending unassisted double play by Omaha SS Isan Diaz and flew out to the warning track at the deepest part of center field in the seventh, barely missing a two-run homer. Oh, and, unsurprisingly, he drew a walk in the first. Speaking of Travis’ passivity, based on what I saw, a lot of it is simply him not getting a lot of good pitches. Triple-A hurlers know he's good and don't want to get beat by him. [See below in my next post]
Jake Fox (CF, Akron): 2-for-4, 2 RBIs - The 22-year-old had the only hit with runners in scoring position with his two-run single in the bottom of the fifth inning (1-for-4 as a team). Fox now has a hit in four consecutive games and multiple hits in three of those four contests. Along with that, he has reached base multiple times in all four of his most recent games. The outfielder has raised his average significantly over the last three weeks with a .387 mark (12-for-31) in the month of August with a 1.053 OPS.
Bennett Thompson (C, Lake County): 3-for-4, R, 2 2Bs - Thompson put together a three-hit day and had a pair of doubles in the victory to give him 18 two-base hits on the year. The University of Oregon alum now has hits in each of his first five games played with the Captains this season. Thompson’s double to lead off the bottom of the seventh helped spark a three-run inning, the only runs scored in the game for either side.
Ryan Cesarini (RF, Lake County): 1-for-3, R, HR, 3 RBIs - Cesarini was the hero with an opposite field three-run homerun in the seventh that broke up the Fort Wayne shutout and secured the win for Lake County. He recently lost his nine-game hitting streak but looks to rebuild after a critical swing of the bat on Wednesday.
Jacob Zibin (SP, Lynchburg): 5.0 IP, 5 H, R, 2 BBs, 3 Ks - The 20-year-old utilized his pitch to contact skills to cruise through five innings in just 61 pitches (37 strikes), but five hits and one run made things sketchy at times. He was able to rely on his defense to get outs with a double play, an outfield assist and a man caught stealing to help increase his efficiency. He has one earned run on his ledger in his last three appearances. [I've been real pleased at his development over the season; after 2 years rehab he started slowly, has been stretched out; this was his first 5 inning start--the run came in his 5th inning. He was a 10th round pick at age 17 signed for 2nd round money, a big lefty with high ceiling before the injury.]
Kahlil Watson (CF, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, 2B, 2 BBs, 2 Ks - Watson led the way for the Clip Show with a trio of trips to the basepaths, coming within a couple of bases of an evening consisting entirely of the Three True Outcomes, but instead settling for a 105.3 MPH double.
Jhonkensy Noel (RF-1B, Columbus): 1-for-4, R, HR, 3 RBIs, 2 Ks - Noel extended his RBI streak to four games with a three-run blast (111.4 MPH exit velo, 422 feet) capped off the Clippers’ five run fifth and gave them the lead.
Dom Nunez (starting 1B, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, HR, RBI - Nunez got the fifth-inning offensive outburst started with a solo homer (98.1 MPH, 361 feet) before being pulled from the game after the sixth inning.
Matt Krook (RP, Columbus): H (3), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - Krook sandwiched his seventh-inning strikeout with a pair of spectacular defensive plays to hurl a perfect frame.
Alonzo Richardson (RP, Akron): 4.0 IP, 5 H, R, 2 BBs, 3 Ks, BK - The RubberDucks made a call to Lake County to bring up the right-hander Richardson after utilizing five pitchers in the series opener and placing Dylan DeLucia on the injured list. The 22-year-old tied his season-high with four complete innings of work and provided much needed long relief for a taxed bullpen.
Conner Whittaker (RP, Lake County): W (1-0), 4.1 IP, 3 H, 0 R, BB, 2 Ks, PO - Whittaker was efficient for the Captains with just over four innings of work where he preserved the shutout and required just 58 pitches (36 strikes). The 22-year-old struggled in his first High-A appearance but has rebounded nicely here.
Xavier Martinez (RP, Lake County): S (2), 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, K - Martinez now has a save in back-to-back opportunities after he closed the ninth for Lake County in Wednesday’s win. The right-hander had to face the heart of the Fort Wayne order and did not allow a two-out walk to get away from him in the save.
Aaron Walton (DH, Lynchburg): 2-for-3, BB, SB - The designated hitter Walton reached base on three of his four plate appearances on Wednesday and now has multiple hits in three of the five games he has participated in with the Hillcats.
Luke Hill (3B, Lynchburg): 2-for-3, RBI, SB, CS - The 2025 fourth round pick from Ole Miss drove in the lone run of the game for the Hillcats in the top of the second after his teammate Cannon Peebles led off the frame with a triple. Hill has reached base in five straight games for Lynchburg.
Re: Minor Matters
13817Bazzana and Ingle both remain remarkably Passive [or] Selective [take your pick] after promotion. They are making AAA pitchers throw the ball over the plate, although neither is doing too much with those that he does swing at.
Bazzana for the Clippers: 33 plate appearances, 11 walks; 4 hits including two doubles; 10 strikeouts 182/455/318
Ingle for the Clippers: 23 plate appearances, 9 walks; 3 singles; 3 strikeouts. 214/542/214
Hard to complain about 763 and 756 OBP as newbies in AAA. Everyone knows batting average is overrated. I would be much happier if Bazzana cut back on the strikeouts; And as draft pick 1:1 we are supposed to see really exciting things from him. Ingle was 4th round pick, number 125 overall. in 2023.
Bazzana for the Clippers: 33 plate appearances, 11 walks; 4 hits including two doubles; 10 strikeouts 182/455/318
Ingle for the Clippers: 23 plate appearances, 9 walks; 3 singles; 3 strikeouts. 214/542/214
Hard to complain about 763 and 756 OBP as newbies in AAA. Everyone knows batting average is overrated. I would be much happier if Bazzana cut back on the strikeouts; And as draft pick 1:1 we are supposed to see really exciting things from him. Ingle was 4th round pick, number 125 overall. in 2023.
Re: Minor Matters
13818Cleveland #Guardians have promoted 22-year-old LHP prospect Josh Hartle to Double-A Akron.
Re: Minor Matters
13819Hartle was drafted only last summer and made one appearance. So in what is in effect his first season he's made it to AA. Sounds like a Nagy or Bieber ascent path.
Is probably the major return for Giminez with Ortiz' future uncertain.
Is probably the major return for Giminez with Ortiz' future uncertain.
Re: Minor Matters
13820Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 8/21/25
Yorman Gomez deals in Akron, Valera stays hot in Columbus, 2 2025 draft picks notch first career homers
Highlights
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 2-4, 2B, BB - Halpin has run very hot and cold this year and loves hitting at Huntington Park (.769 OPS vs. .697 on the road) and has struggled with left handers (.543 OPS). He’ll be 24 next season and will probably remain on the 40 man roster for his defense and speed, but at best he’s a platoon bat with not enough power to offset his swing and miss. As friendly as right field is for left handed hitters in Cleveland, it’s still nowhere as friendly as Huntington Park.
[He's not a heck of a hitter, but neither are most of our less-than-stellar CF,s and Halpin just was named best defensive OF in the International League. Would it make sense to give him a look for the Guardians in September?
Johnathan Rodriguez (RF, Columbus): 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, BB - Speaking of the 40 man roster outfielders, Rodriguez continues to be a great Triple-A hitter. Cleveland might want to try moving him somewhere else for something this offseason if he’s never going to play here. [Doubt he'll back in Cleveland; likely to be DFAd and become a minor league free agent]
George Valera (LF, Columbus): 2-4, HR, 2 RBI - Valera hit the ball pretty hard in this one (106.4 on the homer and 111.8 on his single). He was really good in July and is now having a great August. He’s hitting both at home and Columbus and on the road. It’s a small sample, but he’s also hitting lefties better this year than he ever has before. It’s too small of a sample to say he’s figured that issue out, but it will be interesting to see what the offseason brings for him since he will be a minor league free agent once again. Or give George one shot in the majors after all his years of promise and setbacks?[
Yorman Gomez (SP, Akron): 5IP, 2H, ER, BB, 9K - The 22 year old (will turn 23 this offseason) continues to have a nice glowup this year, getting to Akron and pitching even better than he did in Lake County, though there have been some additional walks. There’s some interesting stuff here, still might be relief risk, but I think the stuff is real. [Made it to AA before Hartle, at age 22 also]
Joe Lampe (RF, Akron): 2-4, 2B, HR - Lampe had himself another good night as he remains in the midst of another solid stretch late in the season.
Steven Perez (RP, Akron): 2IP, H, 3K - Speaking of real stuff, I like what Perez has done this year. He’s a tough at bat from the left side and has mid-90s heat. No walks here but could throw more strikes overall. He and Gomez are both Rule 5 eligible and Cleveland is going to have some choices to make this winter about its 40 man roster. [bye bye JRod, Nunez, Jones, Noel?, Kroek... ]
Jaison Chourio (DH, Lake County, Game 1): 3-43, 3B, RBI - It’s nice to see some positive results for Chourio after a tough season for him in terms of injury and performance. Ending the season on a positive note would be a nice bump into 2026 to getting back on an upward development track - even though development isn't always linear.
Jose Devers (SS, Lake County, Game 2): 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI - Devers continues to be interesting with the bat for a smaller guy who can impact things when he makes contact and is a solid defender. Consistency remains his biggest hurdle - which is generally the case for most players especially in the majors.
Riley Nelson (1B, Lynchburg): 2-4, HR, RBI - Nelson continues to be an extra base hits machine in his first two weeks in pro ball, knocking his first homer here.
Nolan Schubart (RF, Lynchburg): 1-2, HR, RBI, 2BB, K - A three true outcome game for Schubart, also hitting his first pro homer. Not a shock to see a three true outcome game from him as that is kind of his style of play.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Columbus): 2-3, 2 BB - A good looking box score line for Bazzana, getting on base four times. Things always tend to even out in baseball it seems. The other day, Bazzana had two very well struck balls that ended up being outs. In this game, he had an infield single and another soft grounder that went for a single. His hardest hit ball of the day went for an out. Go figure. But at least his speed and patience got him on base four times and you’ll take that however you can get it.
Yorman Gomez deals in Akron, Valera stays hot in Columbus, 2 2025 draft picks notch first career homers
Highlights
Petey Halpin (CF, Columbus): 2-4, 2B, BB - Halpin has run very hot and cold this year and loves hitting at Huntington Park (.769 OPS vs. .697 on the road) and has struggled with left handers (.543 OPS). He’ll be 24 next season and will probably remain on the 40 man roster for his defense and speed, but at best he’s a platoon bat with not enough power to offset his swing and miss. As friendly as right field is for left handed hitters in Cleveland, it’s still nowhere as friendly as Huntington Park.
[He's not a heck of a hitter, but neither are most of our less-than-stellar CF,s and Halpin just was named best defensive OF in the International League. Would it make sense to give him a look for the Guardians in September?
Johnathan Rodriguez (RF, Columbus): 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, BB - Speaking of the 40 man roster outfielders, Rodriguez continues to be a great Triple-A hitter. Cleveland might want to try moving him somewhere else for something this offseason if he’s never going to play here. [Doubt he'll back in Cleveland; likely to be DFAd and become a minor league free agent]
George Valera (LF, Columbus): 2-4, HR, 2 RBI - Valera hit the ball pretty hard in this one (106.4 on the homer and 111.8 on his single). He was really good in July and is now having a great August. He’s hitting both at home and Columbus and on the road. It’s a small sample, but he’s also hitting lefties better this year than he ever has before. It’s too small of a sample to say he’s figured that issue out, but it will be interesting to see what the offseason brings for him since he will be a minor league free agent once again. Or give George one shot in the majors after all his years of promise and setbacks?[
Yorman Gomez (SP, Akron): 5IP, 2H, ER, BB, 9K - The 22 year old (will turn 23 this offseason) continues to have a nice glowup this year, getting to Akron and pitching even better than he did in Lake County, though there have been some additional walks. There’s some interesting stuff here, still might be relief risk, but I think the stuff is real. [Made it to AA before Hartle, at age 22 also]
Joe Lampe (RF, Akron): 2-4, 2B, HR - Lampe had himself another good night as he remains in the midst of another solid stretch late in the season.
Steven Perez (RP, Akron): 2IP, H, 3K - Speaking of real stuff, I like what Perez has done this year. He’s a tough at bat from the left side and has mid-90s heat. No walks here but could throw more strikes overall. He and Gomez are both Rule 5 eligible and Cleveland is going to have some choices to make this winter about its 40 man roster. [bye bye JRod, Nunez, Jones, Noel?, Kroek... ]
Jaison Chourio (DH, Lake County, Game 1): 3-43, 3B, RBI - It’s nice to see some positive results for Chourio after a tough season for him in terms of injury and performance. Ending the season on a positive note would be a nice bump into 2026 to getting back on an upward development track - even though development isn't always linear.
Jose Devers (SS, Lake County, Game 2): 2-4, 2B, 3 RBI - Devers continues to be interesting with the bat for a smaller guy who can impact things when he makes contact and is a solid defender. Consistency remains his biggest hurdle - which is generally the case for most players especially in the majors.
Riley Nelson (1B, Lynchburg): 2-4, HR, RBI - Nelson continues to be an extra base hits machine in his first two weeks in pro ball, knocking his first homer here.
Nolan Schubart (RF, Lynchburg): 1-2, HR, RBI, 2BB, K - A three true outcome game for Schubart, also hitting his first pro homer. Not a shock to see a three true outcome game from him as that is kind of his style of play.
Travis Bazzana (2B, Columbus): 2-3, 2 BB - A good looking box score line for Bazzana, getting on base four times. Things always tend to even out in baseball it seems. The other day, Bazzana had two very well struck balls that ended up being outs. In this game, he had an infield single and another soft grounder that went for a single. His hardest hit ball of the day went for an out. Go figure. But at least his speed and patience got him on base four times and you’ll take that however you can get it.
Re: Minor Matters
13821George Valera, remember him? hit for the cycle last night. I'd suggest they rush him up to Cleveland while he's hot and before he runs into the wall or breaks his wrist on a diving catch again.
:Petey Halpin also with 4 hits including his 13th homer. 250 avg 730 OPS and a star defensive CF. And he's on the 40 man roster. That's enough to suggest to me they give him a trial in the majors.
Bazzana doubled and walked. OPS is a solid 867 despite 241 average.
Cooper Ingle 0-4 and went walkless; 136 with 542 OPS
:Petey Halpin also with 4 hits including his 13th homer. 250 avg 730 OPS and a star defensive CF. And he's on the 40 man roster. That's enough to suggest to me they give him a trial in the majors.
Bazzana doubled and walked. OPS is a solid 867 despite 241 average.
Cooper Ingle 0-4 and went walkless; 136 with 542 OPS
Re: Minor Matters
13822Hartle AA debut unimpressive: 4-7-3-3-3-2
pair of singles by Ralphy Velazquez.
Amed Rosario 3rd AA homer; 19th overall
For Lake County, Cesarini with 4 singles; he's hitting 346/984 in High A; after hitting 235 with a 681 OPS in Low A this summer
Jaison Chourio 2 singles. He's replacing some of his walks with singles; his OBP remains in the 390-390 range. Overall avg is 222/383/264
And for Lynchburg the 2025 draftees led the offense
3b Luke Hill 4th rounder; homer, single, walk.
Walton 2nd round OF homered
On the mound 2024 pick Joey Oakie not too hot: 4 2/3 3 2 2 4 3 homer, 2 walks
pair of singles by Ralphy Velazquez.
Amed Rosario 3rd AA homer; 19th overall
For Lake County, Cesarini with 4 singles; he's hitting 346/984 in High A; after hitting 235 with a 681 OPS in Low A this summer
Jaison Chourio 2 singles. He's replacing some of his walks with singles; his OBP remains in the 390-390 range. Overall avg is 222/383/264
And for Lynchburg the 2025 draftees led the offense
3b Luke Hill 4th rounder; homer, single, walk.
Walton 2nd round OF homered
On the mound 2024 pick Joey Oakie not too hot: 4 2/3 3 2 2 4 3 homer, 2 walks
Re: Minor Matters
13823HIGHLIGHTS
George Valera (LF, Columbus): 2-5, 3B, 2 RBI - A 102 MPH single and 92 MPH triple kept Valera’s bat hot this week and a night after hitting for the cycle. Can Cleveland create room on the 40/26 man roster to call him up and meaningful playing time for him the rest of the season? Does it matter? He’ll be a minor league free agent at the end of the year and a few good weeks don’t really change a lot about his profile and past injury history. We’ve seen Will Wilson, Johnathan Rodriguez and Jhonkensy Noel dominate Triple-A and struggle in the majors. But at least those three got a chance?
Kody Huff (C, Columbus): 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, BB - Huff scorched the ball all night (106, 95.2, 98.7). That hasn’t been an issue for him, it’s been consistency. He’s also Rule 5 eligible this winter. Has he done enough for Cleveland to consider rostering him with his defensive prowess?
Riley Nelson (DH, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB - Nelson has had a nice first week in pro ball showing extra base hits/gap power so far and a good approach so far, though as an SEC hitter playing in Single-A, that’s what you expect to see.
Nolan Schubart (1B, Lynchburg): 2-4, 2B, 2K - An extra base hit and two punchouts for Schubart looks about right for his profile. Not a shock to also see him playing first base despite Nelson, Anthony Martinez and Luis Merejo on the roster who could play first base, because that might be the place where he’s going to have to fit defensively.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Travis Bazzana (2B, Columbus): 1-4, BB, K - Bazzana hit a 99 MPH, 340 foot single off the big monster in right field at Huntingon Park that might have very well been a homer in Cleveland. He put two more balls in play (97.9, 95.6) though they didn’t leave the infield. He saw 18 pitches across five plate appearances (3.6) and still drew a walk, so he is coming out of the passive stage in Triple-A now that he’s had some time to settle in. He swung and missed just once and only took one called strike.
Will Dion (SP, Columbus): 3.2IP, 10H, 12R, 3BB, 6K -5 HR This was a rough start with Omaha scoring early and often. It wasn’t just Cleveland with an ugly blowout night. Dion threw 79 pitches to get 11 outs and stayed in there to eat innings despite getting whacked around.
Joe Lampe (LF-RF, Akron): 2-4, RBI, BB, SB, K - Another solid effort from Lampe filling up the box score getting on base three times and grabbing a steal. He’s having a pretty good August and could be interesting to watch next year in Columbus if he hits enough to be an extra outfielder in the future.
Jacob Cozart (C, Akron): 1-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2K, CS - Cozart popped is first Double-A homer and threw out the only runner New Hampshire attempting a steal on the night. Still fanned twice, which continues to be an issue. But that’s Cozart’s kind of game - pop, whiff, and strong arm behind the plate.
Esteban Gonzalez (LF, Lake County): 2-4, BB - Gonzalez has some decent speed, doesn’t really walk much, so that was a surprise to see here and had two hits to go along with that.
Juan Benjamin (3B, Lake County): 2-4, 2B - Benjamin has had his moments this year offensively but has very little pop and profiles as a utility infielder.
Michael Kennedy (SP, Lake County): 6IP, 5H, 2R (1ER), BB, 4K - It’s been a tough year at times for Kennedy trying to work through his knee issue but this was one of his better outings and it would be great to see him build on this one.
Chase Mobley (SP, Lynchburg): 1.1IP, 5H, 5R (3ER), 2BB, 2K - Mobley made his Single-A debut replacing the injured Braylon Doughty (shoulder inflammation) in the rotation and threw 40 pitches (19 strikes) in a tough effort for him.
Cannon Peebles (C, Lynchburg): 1-2, 2BB, SB - Peebles walked twice a, collected a hit and stole a base, pretty nice day for a catcher.
Dean Curley (SS, Lynchburg): 0-5 - Curley played shorstop in his debut, a position he struggled at defensively in college in 2025 and was mostly played third base in the Bridge League in Arizona after the draft. But we’re looking for what the bat does first off. This was his first pro game at an affiliate.
George Valera (LF, Columbus): 2-5, 3B, 2 RBI - A 102 MPH single and 92 MPH triple kept Valera’s bat hot this week and a night after hitting for the cycle. Can Cleveland create room on the 40/26 man roster to call him up and meaningful playing time for him the rest of the season? Does it matter? He’ll be a minor league free agent at the end of the year and a few good weeks don’t really change a lot about his profile and past injury history. We’ve seen Will Wilson, Johnathan Rodriguez and Jhonkensy Noel dominate Triple-A and struggle in the majors. But at least those three got a chance?
Kody Huff (C, Columbus): 3-4, 2B, 3 RBI, BB - Huff scorched the ball all night (106, 95.2, 98.7). That hasn’t been an issue for him, it’s been consistency. He’s also Rule 5 eligible this winter. Has he done enough for Cleveland to consider rostering him with his defensive prowess?
Riley Nelson (DH, Lynchburg): 2-3, 2B, RBI, BB - Nelson has had a nice first week in pro ball showing extra base hits/gap power so far and a good approach so far, though as an SEC hitter playing in Single-A, that’s what you expect to see.
Nolan Schubart (1B, Lynchburg): 2-4, 2B, 2K - An extra base hit and two punchouts for Schubart looks about right for his profile. Not a shock to also see him playing first base despite Nelson, Anthony Martinez and Luis Merejo on the roster who could play first base, because that might be the place where he’s going to have to fit defensively.
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Travis Bazzana (2B, Columbus): 1-4, BB, K - Bazzana hit a 99 MPH, 340 foot single off the big monster in right field at Huntingon Park that might have very well been a homer in Cleveland. He put two more balls in play (97.9, 95.6) though they didn’t leave the infield. He saw 18 pitches across five plate appearances (3.6) and still drew a walk, so he is coming out of the passive stage in Triple-A now that he’s had some time to settle in. He swung and missed just once and only took one called strike.
Will Dion (SP, Columbus): 3.2IP, 10H, 12R, 3BB, 6K -5 HR This was a rough start with Omaha scoring early and often. It wasn’t just Cleveland with an ugly blowout night. Dion threw 79 pitches to get 11 outs and stayed in there to eat innings despite getting whacked around.
Joe Lampe (LF-RF, Akron): 2-4, RBI, BB, SB, K - Another solid effort from Lampe filling up the box score getting on base three times and grabbing a steal. He’s having a pretty good August and could be interesting to watch next year in Columbus if he hits enough to be an extra outfielder in the future.
Jacob Cozart (C, Akron): 1-5, HR, 2 RBI, 2K, CS - Cozart popped is first Double-A homer and threw out the only runner New Hampshire attempting a steal on the night. Still fanned twice, which continues to be an issue. But that’s Cozart’s kind of game - pop, whiff, and strong arm behind the plate.
Esteban Gonzalez (LF, Lake County): 2-4, BB - Gonzalez has some decent speed, doesn’t really walk much, so that was a surprise to see here and had two hits to go along with that.
Juan Benjamin (3B, Lake County): 2-4, 2B - Benjamin has had his moments this year offensively but has very little pop and profiles as a utility infielder.
Michael Kennedy (SP, Lake County): 6IP, 5H, 2R (1ER), BB, 4K - It’s been a tough year at times for Kennedy trying to work through his knee issue but this was one of his better outings and it would be great to see him build on this one.
Chase Mobley (SP, Lynchburg): 1.1IP, 5H, 5R (3ER), 2BB, 2K - Mobley made his Single-A debut replacing the injured Braylon Doughty (shoulder inflammation) in the rotation and threw 40 pitches (19 strikes) in a tough effort for him.
Cannon Peebles (C, Lynchburg): 1-2, 2BB, SB - Peebles walked twice a, collected a hit and stole a base, pretty nice day for a catcher.
Dean Curley (SS, Lynchburg): 0-5 - Curley played shorstop in his debut, a position he struggled at defensively in college in 2025 and was mostly played third base in the Bridge League in Arizona after the draft. But we’re looking for what the bat does first off. This was his first pro game at an affiliate.
Last edited by civ ollilavad on Sun Aug 24, 2025 1:59 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Minor Matters
13824Let’s talk Guardians prospects: I have some hidden gems — Terry Pluto
CLEVELAND, Ohio — I recently talked to Guardians assistant general manager Matt Forman about some of the team’s prospects. This discussion isn’t about some of the biggest names such as Travis Bazzana. A lot was written about him last weekend.
Ralphy Velazquez
A second-round pick in 2023 out of Huntington Beach, California, Velazquez is only 20 and showing something this organization definitely needs – power.
Splitting the season between Class A Lake County and Class AA Akron, Velazquez has hammered 21 homers with 70 RBI, batting .259 (.847 OPS).
“Ralphy has worked diligently to refine and be dedicated to his routines — in all facets of the game – to become a well-rounded baseball player and dynamic, durable athlete,” said Forman.
A first baseman and left-handed hitter, Velazquez hit .336 in his last 30 games at Class A Lake County. That led to his promotion to Akron.
With the Rubber Ducks, he entered the weekend batting .433 (13 for 30) with four home runs. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Velazquez won’t be 21 until May 28.
“Offensively Ralphy controls the strike zone well,” said Forman. “He puts the ball in play consistently, and hits the ball hard.”
A year ago, he hit only .231 (.732 OPS) with 11 homers in 101 games at the Class A. He’s made a major jump this season.
“Defensively Ralphy has improved his range at first base, where he has spent most of his time,” said Forman. “His athleticism has allowed him to build positional versatility by gaining some exposure to the outfield.”
Josh Hartle
The Guardians acquired Hartle in a three-way deal that began with Cleveland sending Andres Gimenez to Toronto for first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Cleveland moved Horwitz to Pittsburgh, where he’s batting .257 (.701 OPS) with five homers.
From the Pirates, the Guardians received Luis Ortiz (now on paid leave as MLB investigates sports gambling concerns). They also acquired minor league pitchers Michael Kennedy and Hartle in the deal.
A 6-6, 207-pound lefty, Hartle has a 10-2 record with a 2.35 ERA at Class A Lake County. He’s fanned 100 in 103 innings, walking 37. He’s allowed only two homers.
The 22-year-old Hartle is in his first full pro season. He was moved up to Class AA Akron on Thursday.
Hartle was a top high school pitcher, but decided to attend Wake Forest rather than let scouts know he wanted to go into the draft.
“Hartle established himself as one of the better college pitchers in the country entering his junior season,” said Forman. “While he didn’t have the draft-eligible season (in 2024) he might have hoped for, he still went in the top-100 picks.”
As a sophomore in 2023, Hartle had an 11-2 record with a 2.81 ERA for Wake Forest. He was a first-team All-American by Baseball America. He came back for his junior year, and his mechanics were a mess. His record was 6-3 with a 5.79 ERA.
Pittsburgh took him in the third round of the 2024 draft. He pitched only once in rookie ball, allowing four runs in 1 2/3 innings.
The Guardians have liked Hartle for several years. Other than his junior year when his control abandoned him, Hartle fit their profile – a poised college pitcher who has good control. They pushed for him to be a part of the trade.
“He’s a big-bodied lefty starter who has a track record of throwing strikes and generating weak contact via ground balls,” said Forman. “Since the trade, Josh has really partnered with our pitching coaches to restore and enhance some of his unique qualities and also add velocity.”
With Ortiz’s future uncertain due to MLB’s gambling probe, finding a gem in Hartle is a way to salvage something from that trade.
The other pitcher in the deal is Michael Kennedy, a 21-year-old lefty. He was a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2022. He has a 2-1 record and 4.02 ERA at Lake County. He’s an interesting prospect, but needs a lot of patience. Hartle is the one who could move up fast.
Lake County Captains outfielder Alfonsin Rosario, May 21, 2025
Alfonsin Rosario has a power bat and he's just moved up to Class AA Akron.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Alfonsin Rosario
Sometimes, a little deal can become a big one.
Last winter, the Guardians traded Eli Morgan to the Cubs for Alfonsin Rosario.
First, an update on Morgan. He opened the season in the Cubs bullpen. In 7 1/3 innings, he had a 12.27 ERA. It was obvious something was wrong. Morgan was diagnosed with a “right elbow impingement.” He is starting to come back now, having recently pitched on a rehabilitation assignment for Class A South Bend.
Rosario is an exciting prospect. Like Velazquez, he’s young (21) and has power.
The 6-2, 222-pound outfielder is a right-handed hitter who is hitting .259 (.847 OPS) with 18 homers and 56 RBI.
“He’s a physically strong, athletic outfielder with ‘tools’ in a scouting sense,” said Forman. “He was raised in a baseball family.”
His older brother Eguy Rosario has played briefly with the Padres in the majors and 827 games in the minors.
Rosario was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in New Jersey. He went to P-27 Academy for his senior year in South Carolina, which led to the Cubs drafting him. He has a strong arm and some scouts thought he might be better as a pitcher.
“Offensively, Alfonsin’s calling card has been his high-end bat speed and ability to hit for power,” said Forman. “He has worked to build consistency in his approach and contact skills with our hitting coaches.”
In his 869 plate appearances since opening day of 2024, Rosario has 34 homers. Remember, power develops later as players physically mature, which is why Rosario is so intriguing. He should be a junior in college right now. He also has stolen 33 bases and been thrown out only six times since 2024.
Forman said Rosario’s speed is an asset. He’s played both right and center fields.
Since moving up to Class AA Akron, Rosario is 9 for 50 (.180) with a pair of homers and 20 strikeouts. That sometimes happens when younger players reach the Eastern League for the first time. Patience is required.
Austin Peterson
The right-hander is not a phenom. He was a ninth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of UConn. I first saw him on TV in the Prospects Game during the 2025 spring training.
He will be 26 on Sept. 19. This is only his third pro season. So he an older prospect. Despite his dominating size (6-7, 240), his fastball is around the MLB average of 92 mph.
I like him because he reminds me of some of the pitchers I watched as a kid. He throws and knows what he’s doing. Ben Lively was a little like that before he suffered his major arm injury early this season. Like Lively, Peterson also may end up being a late bloomer, not making the majors until his late 20s.
Peterson had a combined 14-4 record and 2.64 ERA between Class A and Class AA in 2024.
He opened this season at Class AA Akron and had a 4-2 record with a 1.47 ERA. He was moved to Class AAA, and it’s been somewhat of a struggle: 2-4, 4.70 ERA.
In his four August starts, Peterson has a 3.24 ERA.
“Going back to college, Peterson consistently has thrown strikes and attacked the zone really well.” said Forman. “As a result of his work with our strength and pitching coaches over his career, he has gotten stronger and moved more efficiently. That has allowed him to add velocity in each season.”
Forman said Peterson has added a cutter this season. He throws five pitches: fastball, slider, curve, cutter and changeup.
Akron RubberDucks media day, April 2, 2025
Cooper Ingle is a catcher who can hit. He was recently promoted to Class AAA. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Cooper Ingle
Guardians fans have been begging for a catcher who can hit since … well … the days of Sandy Alomar and Victor Martinez.
The hope was Bo Naylor would supply some offense, but he’s hitting .179 (.634 OPS). In 950 MLB plate appearances, Naylor is a career .200 hitter (.661 OPS). While his defense has improved over the last three years, his hitting has regressed.
Which brings us to Cooper Ingle, who was just promoted to Class AAA.
Ingle was a fourth-round pick in 2023. At Clemson, he caught only 68 games and was in the outfield for another 36. His main attribute was hitting.
He’s done that since signing with Cleveland. He’s a career .286 hitter (.859 OPS) with 20 homers and 58 doubles in 859 pro plate appearances.
As a pro, Ingle has walked more times (156) than he’s struck out (140). His left-handed bat is exciting, especially if he can refine his catching skills.
“We ask a lot of our catchers,” said Forman. “That position has to help navigate a game with pitchers: Game-planning, pitch-calling, receiving, etc. It’s also a physically rigorous position.”
Because Ingle wasn’t a full-time catcher at Clemson, Cleveland has pushed Ingle hard on the physical and mental aspects of the position. Sometimes, that leads a young catcher to have problems at the plate. Not Ingle, who was hitting .268 (.823 OPS) with nine homers at Class AA before his promotion. I really like his 29 doubles.
“Offensively he continues to control the strike zone well and has been finding opportunities to do damage,” said Forman.
Cleveland catchers this season are batting a combined .179 (30th out of 30 teams) with a .589 OPS (28th). Ingle could move up to Cleveland as soon as some point in 2026.
CLEVELAND, Ohio — I recently talked to Guardians assistant general manager Matt Forman about some of the team’s prospects. This discussion isn’t about some of the biggest names such as Travis Bazzana. A lot was written about him last weekend.
Ralphy Velazquez
A second-round pick in 2023 out of Huntington Beach, California, Velazquez is only 20 and showing something this organization definitely needs – power.
Splitting the season between Class A Lake County and Class AA Akron, Velazquez has hammered 21 homers with 70 RBI, batting .259 (.847 OPS).
“Ralphy has worked diligently to refine and be dedicated to his routines — in all facets of the game – to become a well-rounded baseball player and dynamic, durable athlete,” said Forman.
A first baseman and left-handed hitter, Velazquez hit .336 in his last 30 games at Class A Lake County. That led to his promotion to Akron.
With the Rubber Ducks, he entered the weekend batting .433 (13 for 30) with four home runs. The 6-foot-3, 240-pound Velazquez won’t be 21 until May 28.
“Offensively Ralphy controls the strike zone well,” said Forman. “He puts the ball in play consistently, and hits the ball hard.”
A year ago, he hit only .231 (.732 OPS) with 11 homers in 101 games at the Class A. He’s made a major jump this season.
“Defensively Ralphy has improved his range at first base, where he has spent most of his time,” said Forman. “His athleticism has allowed him to build positional versatility by gaining some exposure to the outfield.”
Josh Hartle
The Guardians acquired Hartle in a three-way deal that began with Cleveland sending Andres Gimenez to Toronto for first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Cleveland moved Horwitz to Pittsburgh, where he’s batting .257 (.701 OPS) with five homers.
From the Pirates, the Guardians received Luis Ortiz (now on paid leave as MLB investigates sports gambling concerns). They also acquired minor league pitchers Michael Kennedy and Hartle in the deal.
A 6-6, 207-pound lefty, Hartle has a 10-2 record with a 2.35 ERA at Class A Lake County. He’s fanned 100 in 103 innings, walking 37. He’s allowed only two homers.
The 22-year-old Hartle is in his first full pro season. He was moved up to Class AA Akron on Thursday.
Hartle was a top high school pitcher, but decided to attend Wake Forest rather than let scouts know he wanted to go into the draft.
“Hartle established himself as one of the better college pitchers in the country entering his junior season,” said Forman. “While he didn’t have the draft-eligible season (in 2024) he might have hoped for, he still went in the top-100 picks.”
As a sophomore in 2023, Hartle had an 11-2 record with a 2.81 ERA for Wake Forest. He was a first-team All-American by Baseball America. He came back for his junior year, and his mechanics were a mess. His record was 6-3 with a 5.79 ERA.
Pittsburgh took him in the third round of the 2024 draft. He pitched only once in rookie ball, allowing four runs in 1 2/3 innings.
The Guardians have liked Hartle for several years. Other than his junior year when his control abandoned him, Hartle fit their profile – a poised college pitcher who has good control. They pushed for him to be a part of the trade.
“He’s a big-bodied lefty starter who has a track record of throwing strikes and generating weak contact via ground balls,” said Forman. “Since the trade, Josh has really partnered with our pitching coaches to restore and enhance some of his unique qualities and also add velocity.”
With Ortiz’s future uncertain due to MLB’s gambling probe, finding a gem in Hartle is a way to salvage something from that trade.
The other pitcher in the deal is Michael Kennedy, a 21-year-old lefty. He was a fourth-round pick by Pittsburgh in 2022. He has a 2-1 record and 4.02 ERA at Lake County. He’s an interesting prospect, but needs a lot of patience. Hartle is the one who could move up fast.
Lake County Captains outfielder Alfonsin Rosario, May 21, 2025
Alfonsin Rosario has a power bat and he's just moved up to Class AA Akron.Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Alfonsin Rosario
Sometimes, a little deal can become a big one.
Last winter, the Guardians traded Eli Morgan to the Cubs for Alfonsin Rosario.
First, an update on Morgan. He opened the season in the Cubs bullpen. In 7 1/3 innings, he had a 12.27 ERA. It was obvious something was wrong. Morgan was diagnosed with a “right elbow impingement.” He is starting to come back now, having recently pitched on a rehabilitation assignment for Class A South Bend.
Rosario is an exciting prospect. Like Velazquez, he’s young (21) and has power.
The 6-2, 222-pound outfielder is a right-handed hitter who is hitting .259 (.847 OPS) with 18 homers and 56 RBI.
“He’s a physically strong, athletic outfielder with ‘tools’ in a scouting sense,” said Forman. “He was raised in a baseball family.”
His older brother Eguy Rosario has played briefly with the Padres in the majors and 827 games in the minors.
Rosario was born in the Dominican Republic, grew up in New Jersey. He went to P-27 Academy for his senior year in South Carolina, which led to the Cubs drafting him. He has a strong arm and some scouts thought he might be better as a pitcher.
“Offensively, Alfonsin’s calling card has been his high-end bat speed and ability to hit for power,” said Forman. “He has worked to build consistency in his approach and contact skills with our hitting coaches.”
In his 869 plate appearances since opening day of 2024, Rosario has 34 homers. Remember, power develops later as players physically mature, which is why Rosario is so intriguing. He should be a junior in college right now. He also has stolen 33 bases and been thrown out only six times since 2024.
Forman said Rosario’s speed is an asset. He’s played both right and center fields.
Since moving up to Class AA Akron, Rosario is 9 for 50 (.180) with a pair of homers and 20 strikeouts. That sometimes happens when younger players reach the Eastern League for the first time. Patience is required.
Austin Peterson
The right-hander is not a phenom. He was a ninth-round pick in the 2022 draft out of UConn. I first saw him on TV in the Prospects Game during the 2025 spring training.
He will be 26 on Sept. 19. This is only his third pro season. So he an older prospect. Despite his dominating size (6-7, 240), his fastball is around the MLB average of 92 mph.
I like him because he reminds me of some of the pitchers I watched as a kid. He throws and knows what he’s doing. Ben Lively was a little like that before he suffered his major arm injury early this season. Like Lively, Peterson also may end up being a late bloomer, not making the majors until his late 20s.
Peterson had a combined 14-4 record and 2.64 ERA between Class A and Class AA in 2024.
He opened this season at Class AA Akron and had a 4-2 record with a 1.47 ERA. He was moved to Class AAA, and it’s been somewhat of a struggle: 2-4, 4.70 ERA.
In his four August starts, Peterson has a 3.24 ERA.
“Going back to college, Peterson consistently has thrown strikes and attacked the zone really well.” said Forman. “As a result of his work with our strength and pitching coaches over his career, he has gotten stronger and moved more efficiently. That has allowed him to add velocity in each season.”
Forman said Peterson has added a cutter this season. He throws five pitches: fastball, slider, curve, cutter and changeup.
Akron RubberDucks media day, April 2, 2025
Cooper Ingle is a catcher who can hit. He was recently promoted to Class AAA. Joshua Gunter, cleveland.com
Cooper Ingle
Guardians fans have been begging for a catcher who can hit since … well … the days of Sandy Alomar and Victor Martinez.
The hope was Bo Naylor would supply some offense, but he’s hitting .179 (.634 OPS). In 950 MLB plate appearances, Naylor is a career .200 hitter (.661 OPS). While his defense has improved over the last three years, his hitting has regressed.
Which brings us to Cooper Ingle, who was just promoted to Class AAA.
Ingle was a fourth-round pick in 2023. At Clemson, he caught only 68 games and was in the outfield for another 36. His main attribute was hitting.
He’s done that since signing with Cleveland. He’s a career .286 hitter (.859 OPS) with 20 homers and 58 doubles in 859 pro plate appearances.
As a pro, Ingle has walked more times (156) than he’s struck out (140). His left-handed bat is exciting, especially if he can refine his catching skills.
“We ask a lot of our catchers,” said Forman. “That position has to help navigate a game with pitchers: Game-planning, pitch-calling, receiving, etc. It’s also a physically rigorous position.”
Because Ingle wasn’t a full-time catcher at Clemson, Cleveland has pushed Ingle hard on the physical and mental aspects of the position. Sometimes, that leads a young catcher to have problems at the plate. Not Ingle, who was hitting .268 (.823 OPS) with nine homers at Class AA before his promotion. I really like his 29 doubles.
“Offensively he continues to control the strike zone well and has been finding opportunities to do damage,” said Forman.
Cleveland catchers this season are batting a combined .179 (30th out of 30 teams) with a .589 OPS (28th). Ingle could move up to Cleveland as soon as some point in 2026.
Re: Minor Matters
13825for Akron today:
a single and two walks for Velazquez; he's slowed down but still rebounded with hits in his 3 last games; for the week:
22-3-5-4 no extra base hits 3 walks 4 strikeouts 228/320/228
Rosario 4k in 4 ab today for Akron
Cozart single and double: could compete with Ingle for the job as Guardians catcher in 2027
Genao double and walk
Antunez single and triple
Khai Stephen [not Stephan] the "Bieber lookalike" we got for Bieber had a nice Akron debut: 3 innings, 2 hits, 2 strikeouts, no walks or runs.
a single and two walks for Velazquez; he's slowed down but still rebounded with hits in his 3 last games; for the week:
22-3-5-4 no extra base hits 3 walks 4 strikeouts 228/320/228
Rosario 4k in 4 ab today for Akron
Cozart single and double: could compete with Ingle for the job as Guardians catcher in 2027
Genao double and walk
Antunez single and triple
Khai Stephen [not Stephan] the "Bieber lookalike" we got for Bieber had a nice Akron debut: 3 innings, 2 hits, 2 strikeouts, no walks or runs.
Re: Minor Matters
13826Columbus cut the opponent's run tally from 24 yesterday to only 7 today
Bazzana single and walk and 2 strikeouts
Watson HR
Halpin single, 2 walks, and his [only] 8th steal
Bazzana single and walk and 2 strikeouts
Watson HR
Halpin single, 2 walks, and his [only] 8th steal
Re: Minor Matters
13827in Class A
Lake County:
Mitchell, another pickup in the Giminez deal, single homer and walk.
C Bennet Thompson single and double; 364 since promotion from Lynchburg
Schlesinger 4 runs in 2 innings, after a scoreless Lake County debut
Naquin 2 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts; ERA 3.95 with the Captains
Lynchburg:
now 18 years old, LF Caceras singled and walked 3 times; 304/818 OPS in his full season debut
2025 draftees
5th round 2nd round + CF Walton single 2 rbi 310/892
1B Nelson double 2 rbi 414/1142
3rd round DH Schubert 2 walks 2 strikeouts 318/989
2nd round SS Curley single 111/222
4th round 3B Hill triple, 2 singles 417/1167 plus his 4th and 5th steals
11th round Catcher Howard single walk 154/543
Pitchers Petty and Fernandez 1 run allowed each in 1 1/3 and 1 inning pitched respectively
\
Lake County:
Mitchell, another pickup in the Giminez deal, single homer and walk.
C Bennet Thompson single and double; 364 since promotion from Lynchburg
Schlesinger 4 runs in 2 innings, after a scoreless Lake County debut
Naquin 2 perfect innings with 3 strikeouts; ERA 3.95 with the Captains
Lynchburg:
now 18 years old, LF Caceras singled and walked 3 times; 304/818 OPS in his full season debut
2025 draftees
5th round 2nd round + CF Walton single 2 rbi 310/892
1B Nelson double 2 rbi 414/1142
3rd round DH Schubert 2 walks 2 strikeouts 318/989
2nd round SS Curley single 111/222
4th round 3B Hill triple, 2 singles 417/1167 plus his 4th and 5th steals
11th round Catcher Howard single walk 154/543
Pitchers Petty and Fernandez 1 run allowed each in 1 1/3 and 1 inning pitched respectively
\
Re: Minor Matters
13828Here is another minor league pitcher that was part of the Ortiz trade with Pittsburgh. That trade never made sense. Guardians got 2 LH minor league pitchers and Ortiz for Horwitz. Pirates must have knew Ortiz was dirty.
Guardians Prospective
Cleveland #Guardians 20yr old LHP prospect Michael Kennedy allowed just one earned run over six innings of work tonight for Lake County striking out four Fort Wayne batters.
Line - 6.0(IP) 5H 2R 1ER 1BB 4SO
(83 Pitches 54 Strikes)
Last six outings:
- 27.0(IP) 25H 6ER 10BB 18SO 2.00 ERA
Guardians Prospective
Cleveland #Guardians 20yr old LHP prospect Michael Kennedy allowed just one earned run over six innings of work tonight for Lake County striking out four Fort Wayne batters.
Line - 6.0(IP) 5H 2R 1ER 1BB 4SO
(83 Pitches 54 Strikes)
Last six outings:
- 27.0(IP) 25H 6ER 10BB 18SO 2.00 ERA
Re: Minor Matters
13829Ortiz had been with the Pirates for a few years and only pitched well the last half of 24. Cleveland overhyped him.
Re: Minor Matters
13830Cleveland Guardians Prospect Report 8/24/25
Khal Stephen impresses in org debut
Wuilfredo Antunez (DH, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 3B, 2 RBIs, SB - Antunez has hits in eight of his last nine games after a multi-hit outing in the series finale at home versus New Hampshire. Both of his hits resulted in runs scored, including his triple in the eighth to provide insurance. In 17 games with the RubberDucks, Antunez is batting .292 with a .902 OPS.
Khal Stephen (SP, Akron): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 2 Ks - The return in the Shane Bieber trade looked sharp in his organizational debut on Sunday with three shutout innings of work. He did not allow a run or a walk and was efficient with 38 pitches and 27 for strikes. Across three different levels this season, Stephen is keeping hitters under .200 at the plate and has an ERA of 2.00 (94.2 IP).
Trenton Denholm (RP, Akron): W (11-5), 5.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 4 BBs, 4 Ks - Denholm served as the piggyback to Stephen in his first appearance in over a month. He nearly got through the remainder of the contest but fell one out short after the tying run reached base in the ninth. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old right-hander allowed just two hits, both in the ninth, and one earned run. He was able to limit the hits on Sunday, but walks have been an issue specifically in his last four starts.
Nick Mitchell (CF, Lake County): 2-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, BB, SF, OF assist - Mitchell did it all for the Captains on Sunday - a day that was highlighted by a line drive solo homerun, his second of the season. The 21-year-old also secured a run via a sacrifice fly in the eighth and recorded an outfield assist defensively. 8-of-23 hits for Mitchell in High-A have been doubles, triples and homeruns.
Tyler Naquin (RP, Lake County): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 3 Ks - Naquin went six-up, six-down in this his best relief appearance in High-A. The 34-year-old settled an offense that had already put up five runs early in the game and struck out a season-high three batters.
Luke Hill (3B, Lynchburg): 3-for-4, R, 3B, RBI, BB, 2 SBs - Hill, the 2025 fourth round pick out of Ole Miss, has been red hot and recorded three hits in the series finale, including a triple that tied the game up at six in the top of the seventh. Hill has now reached base safely in all seven games played with the Hillcats and has multiple hits in each of his last three contests (12 total bases).
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jake Miller (RP, Columbus): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - The reliever Miller needed just 11 pitches (8 strikes) to retire the four batters he faced on Sunday. The 25-year-old looked great in Akron, but upon getting called up to Columbus, he has faced adversity. Miller brought the juice and was able to get a pair of swings above the zone.
Kahlil Watson (CF, Columbus): 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI - Watson left the yard for the 13th time overall this season and hit his fifth blast with the Clippers to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning of Sunday’s loss.
Johnathan Rodriguez (DH, Columbus): 1-for-4, 2 RBIs - Aside from the Watson homerun, the other two runs for the Guardians Triple-A affiliate came off the bat of Rodriguez with a two-out, two-run single in the fifth. He added an unlucky lineout at 107 mph off the bat as well.
Petey Halpin (LF, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, 2 BBs, SB - Halpin reached base three times in total with a hit and two walks, but his fifth inning walk and stolen base directly led to a run scored on the Rodriguez single later in the fifth. He has a hit in four straight games and the last six if you remove a game where he entered as a defensive replacement.
Jacob Cozart (C, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 2B, E2 INT - Make it back-to-back series finales that have been positive for Cozart with multi-hit games in each of his last three Sunday contests.
Ralphy Velazquez (LF, Akron): 1-for-2, R, RBI, 2 BBs - The 20-year-old reached base three times and his single in the fifth gave the RubberDucks a 2-0 lead. He has now reached base safely in 10-of-11 games in Akron and has RBIs in six of those.
Angel Genao (SS, Akron): 1-for-3, R, 2B, BB - Nine of Genao’s last ten games have seen the 21-year-old record a hit, but this was his first extra-base hit of the series and his 16th of 2025.
Steven Perez (RP, Akron): S (1), 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - Perez entered and struck out the would-be go-ahead run for the Fisher Cats to close the series with a win.
Bennett Thompson (DH, Lake County): 2-for-4, 2B, BB - Thompson reached base three times and had a double in the loss. Over the last six games, the 22-year-old has five doubles and is 12-for-33 (.364 batting average) overall with the Captains.
Garrett Howe (2B, Lake County): 2-for-4, R - Howe was successful in turning the lineup over with a pair of singles in the nine-hole. This is his second multi-hit game out of nine in High-A.
Juneiker Caceres (LF, Lynchburg): 1-for-3, R, RBI, 3 BBs - The 18-year-old has a hit in six of his last seven games and reached base four times in total on Sunday with the help of three walks. Caceres’ single in the fourth came in the midst of a four-run inning.
Riley Nelson (1B, Lynchburg): 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs, HBP - Nelson continued the hot start to his professional career with an RBI double and he drove in a run on a groundout with an error that plated the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth.
Aaron Walton (CF, Lynchburg): 1-for-5, 2 RBIs, OF assist - An RBI single by Walton saw two runs come across to score for the Hillcats and he is batting .310 in seven games.
Yaikel Mijares (2B, Lynchburg): 0-for-0, 2 R, RBI, 4 BBs, CS - Mijares caused chaos with four walks and he was able to take advantage of opportunities with runners in scoring position with his patience for an RBI as well.
Dean Curley (SS, Lynchburg): 1-for-4, CS, E6F - Curley recorded his first career hit when he entered for Welbyn Fransisca in the second inning.
Khal Stephen impresses in org debut
Wuilfredo Antunez (DH, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 3B, 2 RBIs, SB - Antunez has hits in eight of his last nine games after a multi-hit outing in the series finale at home versus New Hampshire. Both of his hits resulted in runs scored, including his triple in the eighth to provide insurance. In 17 games with the RubberDucks, Antunez is batting .292 with a .902 OPS.
Khal Stephen (SP, Akron): 3.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 2 Ks - The return in the Shane Bieber trade looked sharp in his organizational debut on Sunday with three shutout innings of work. He did not allow a run or a walk and was efficient with 38 pitches and 27 for strikes. Across three different levels this season, Stephen is keeping hitters under .200 at the plate and has an ERA of 2.00 (94.2 IP).
Trenton Denholm (RP, Akron): W (11-5), 5.2 IP, 2 H, 2 R, ER, 4 BBs, 4 Ks - Denholm served as the piggyback to Stephen in his first appearance in over a month. He nearly got through the remainder of the contest but fell one out short after the tying run reached base in the ninth. Nonetheless, the 25-year-old right-hander allowed just two hits, both in the ninth, and one earned run. He was able to limit the hits on Sunday, but walks have been an issue specifically in his last four starts.
Nick Mitchell (CF, Lake County): 2-for-3, R, HR, 2 RBIs, BB, SF, OF assist - Mitchell did it all for the Captains on Sunday - a day that was highlighted by a line drive solo homerun, his second of the season. The 21-year-old also secured a run via a sacrifice fly in the eighth and recorded an outfield assist defensively. 8-of-23 hits for Mitchell in High-A have been doubles, triples and homeruns.
Tyler Naquin (RP, Lake County): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, 3 Ks - Naquin went six-up, six-down in this his best relief appearance in High-A. The 34-year-old settled an offense that had already put up five runs early in the game and struck out a season-high three batters.
Luke Hill (3B, Lynchburg): 3-for-4, R, 3B, RBI, BB, 2 SBs - Hill, the 2025 fourth round pick out of Ole Miss, has been red hot and recorded three hits in the series finale, including a triple that tied the game up at six in the top of the seventh. Hill has now reached base safely in all seven games played with the Hillcats and has multiple hits in each of his last three contests (12 total bases).
NOTABLE PERFORMANCES
Jake Miller (RP, Columbus): 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - The reliever Miller needed just 11 pitches (8 strikes) to retire the four batters he faced on Sunday. The 25-year-old looked great in Akron, but upon getting called up to Columbus, he has faced adversity. Miller brought the juice and was able to get a pair of swings above the zone.
Kahlil Watson (CF, Columbus): 1-for-4, R, HR, RBI - Watson left the yard for the 13th time overall this season and hit his fifth blast with the Clippers to tie the game at 3-3 in the sixth inning of Sunday’s loss.
Johnathan Rodriguez (DH, Columbus): 1-for-4, 2 RBIs - Aside from the Watson homerun, the other two runs for the Guardians Triple-A affiliate came off the bat of Rodriguez with a two-out, two-run single in the fifth. He added an unlucky lineout at 107 mph off the bat as well.
Petey Halpin (LF, Columbus): 1-for-3, R, 2 BBs, SB - Halpin reached base three times in total with a hit and two walks, but his fifth inning walk and stolen base directly led to a run scored on the Rodriguez single later in the fifth. He has a hit in four straight games and the last six if you remove a game where he entered as a defensive replacement.
Jacob Cozart (C, Akron): 2-for-4, R, 2B, E2 INT - Make it back-to-back series finales that have been positive for Cozart with multi-hit games in each of his last three Sunday contests.
Ralphy Velazquez (LF, Akron): 1-for-2, R, RBI, 2 BBs - The 20-year-old reached base three times and his single in the fifth gave the RubberDucks a 2-0 lead. He has now reached base safely in 10-of-11 games in Akron and has RBIs in six of those.
Angel Genao (SS, Akron): 1-for-3, R, 2B, BB - Nine of Genao’s last ten games have seen the 21-year-old record a hit, but this was his first extra-base hit of the series and his 16th of 2025.
Steven Perez (RP, Akron): S (1), 0.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BBs, K - Perez entered and struck out the would-be go-ahead run for the Fisher Cats to close the series with a win.
Bennett Thompson (DH, Lake County): 2-for-4, 2B, BB - Thompson reached base three times and had a double in the loss. Over the last six games, the 22-year-old has five doubles and is 12-for-33 (.364 batting average) overall with the Captains.
Garrett Howe (2B, Lake County): 2-for-4, R - Howe was successful in turning the lineup over with a pair of singles in the nine-hole. This is his second multi-hit game out of nine in High-A.
Juneiker Caceres (LF, Lynchburg): 1-for-3, R, RBI, 3 BBs - The 18-year-old has a hit in six of his last seven games and reached base four times in total on Sunday with the help of three walks. Caceres’ single in the fourth came in the midst of a four-run inning.
Riley Nelson (1B, Lynchburg): 1-for-4, 2B, 2 RBIs, HBP - Nelson continued the hot start to his professional career with an RBI double and he drove in a run on a groundout with an error that plated the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth.
Aaron Walton (CF, Lynchburg): 1-for-5, 2 RBIs, OF assist - An RBI single by Walton saw two runs come across to score for the Hillcats and he is batting .310 in seven games.
Yaikel Mijares (2B, Lynchburg): 0-for-0, 2 R, RBI, 4 BBs, CS - Mijares caused chaos with four walks and he was able to take advantage of opportunities with runners in scoring position with his patience for an RBI as well.
Dean Curley (SS, Lynchburg): 1-for-4, CS, E6F - Curley recorded his first career hit when he entered for Welbyn Fransisca in the second inning.