Atlanta Braves Minor League Weekend Wrap Up: June 27

Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Aaron Blair (36) delivers a pitch to a New York Mets batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Aaron Blair (36) delivers a pitch to a New York Mets batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
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Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Aaron Blaiir (36) delivers a pitch to a New York Mets batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Aaron Blaiir (36) delivers a pitch to a New York Mets batter in the first inning of their game at Turner Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves Minor League Weekend Wrap Up

Transactions

6/23 – LHP Kolby Allard demoted from Rome to Danville
6/23 – RHP Bladimir Matos promoted from extended spring to Rome
6/23 – OF Connor Lien activated to Mississippi from DL
6/23 – 1B Joey Meneses promoted from Carolina to Mississippi
6/23 – C Joseph Odom promoted from Carolina to Mississippi
6/23 – 2B Jose Fernandez assigned to Carolina
6/23 – C Isaias Tejada assigned to Carolina
6/23 – RHP Ryan Lawlor activated from DL to Carolina
6/23 – RHP Cameron Stanton assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Brandon White assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Evertz Orozco promomted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – OF Elias Arias promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – RHP Luis Mora promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – 3B Ryan O’Malley assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Connor Gilmore assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Jeremy Walker assigned to Danville
6/23 – SS Marcus Mooney assigned to Danville
6/23 – OF J.B. Moss assigned to Danville
6/23 – OF Jose Pina promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – LHP Jhon Martinez promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – RHP Jacob Webb promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – 2B Darien McLemore assigned to Danville
6/23 – LHP Gabino Avalos promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – IF Kevin Josephina promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – 1B Alex Lee assigned to Danville
6/23 – OF Jared James assigned to Danville
6/23 – IF Robert Nesovic promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – LHP Corbin Clouse assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Taylor Cockrell assigned to Danville
6/23 – LHP Zach Rice assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Devan Watts assigned to Danville
6/23 – C Collin Yelich promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – RHP Sean Ratcliffe assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Ryan Schlosser assigne to Danville
6/23 – OF Isranel Wilson promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – LHP Jaret Hellinger promoted from GCL to Danville
6/23 – IF Matt Gonzalez assigned to Danville
6/23 – 1B Ramon Osuna assigned to Danville
6/23 – RHP Dalton Carroll assigned to Danville
6/24 – RHP Matt Rowland assigned to GCL
6/24 – LHP Parker Danciu assigned to GCL
6/24 – IF Gabe Howell assigned to GCL
6/24 – OF Jackson Pokorney assigned to GCL
6/24 – RHP Brandon White assigned to GCL
6/24 – LHP Joey Wentz assigned to GCL
6/24 – LHP Kyle Muller assigned to GCL
6/24 – C Alan Crowley assigned to GCL
6/24 – 1B Griffin Benson assigned to GCL
6/24 – RHP Zach Becherer assigned to GCL
6/24 – LHP Tucker Davidson assigned to GCL
6/25 – RHP Mike Foltynewicz sent to Gwinnett on rehab
6/25 – RHP Aaron Blair demoted from Atlanta to Gwinnett
6/25 – LHP Matt Marksberry promoted from Gwinnett to Atlanta
6/25 – C Jordan Pacheco assigned to Gwinnett

Hitter of the week: When I saw both Joseph Odom and Tanner Murphy assigned to Carolina, I was frustrated as they were both great defenders, and I was hoping to see them both do well in extended playing time in 2016. While Murphy shuffled offensively to start the season, his defense was as stout as ever, and his bat has been waking up with a force recently. This week, he put up the best slugging percentage in the entire system from the catching position as he hit .363/.533/.909 with a double and a home run. In June, he has hit 3 of his 4 home runs, and while he’s not ever going to be a guy who hits for a .300 average, his June line isn’t a crazy line going forward (.222/.364/.463).

Honorable mention: While Dansby Swanson came out of the break well, I will feature a quartet of Rome Braves here. Justin Ellison went .462/.625/.692 with a home run, Austin Riley went .388/.421/.833 with 2 doubles and 2 home runs, Carlos Castro went .363/.417/.727 with a home run, and Alejandro Salazar went .600/.667/.800 on the week as the Rome offense exploded behind their leadership (along with Luke Dykstra continuing to hit). The Rome pitching staff has been solid all season, seemingly waiting for the offense to arrive, and arrive it did this week!

Pitcher of the week: The Braves have been working with their great pitchers to throw low in the zone with movement and dial up their velocity when needed, and it’s been seen with success in Touki Toussaint and Sean Newcomb recently. If this week’s start is any indication, Max Fried may be the next guy to take that leap forward. He worked low in the zone, around the plate, working to create contact and unleashing both his velocity and his top-end curve ball when he needs to dial up, making both unhittable. His start this week was 6 innings, allowing a single run on 6 hits without a single walk, striking out 6.

Honorable mention: The Braves signed Lucas Harrell for Gwinnett, and I was not a fan to say the least, but he has been solid in the rotation in a rotation of struggles for Gwinnett as of recent. He made two starts this week, hurling 11 innings, allowing just one earned run, with a 4/7 BB/K ratio.

Next: Gwinnett Braves

May 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Caseey Kelly (55) is unable to make the out on a bunt by Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Keon Broxton (not pictured) in the 13th inning of their game at Turner Field. The Brewers won 3-2 in 13 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
May 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves relief pitcher Caseey Kelly (55) is unable to make the out on a bunt by Milwaukee Brewers center fielder Keon Broxton (not pictured) in the 13th inning of their game at Turner Field. The Brewers won 3-2 in 13 innings. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

AAA Gwinnett Braves (34-43)

Thursday

A scoreless game through 3 innings turned into a shootout as Indianapolis defeated Gwinnett 9-5 on Thursday. Chris Ellis got the start and threw 4 1/3 innings, allowing 5 runs on 3 hits and 5 walks, striking out 5. Ronnier Mustelier and Rio Ruiz each had three singles. Mel Rojas had a double and a single.

Friday

Gwinnett and Charlotte had nearly the same number of hits on Friday, but Charlotte ended the game shutting out the Braves 5-0. Joel De La Cruz went 8 innings, allowing 5 runs (3 earned) on 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. Ronnier Mustelier had a double and a single.

Saturday

Gwinnett got a tremendous start from Mike Foltynewicz, but the bullpen allowed 6 runs in the 8th inning to allow Charlotte the victory 8-6. Folty went 5 scoreless innings on one hit and no walks, striking out 5. Blake Lalli had a home run, a single, and a walk. Ozzie Albies had two singles and a walk. Anthony Recker had a double and a walk. Reid Brignac had a home run. Matt Lipka had a triple.

Sunday

The G-Braves won 6-0 over Charlotte to close out the weekend. Lucas Harrell went 6 scoreless innings, allowing 6 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Ronnier Mustelier had 4 singles and a walk. Reid Brignac had a single and two walks. Ozzie Albies had a single and a double. Rio Ruiz and Braeden Schlehuber had two singles. Matt Lipka had a single and a walk.

Leaders

BA: Ronnier Mustelier .287
OBP: Rio Ruiz .369
HR: Matt Tuiasosopo 9
SB: Ozzie Albies 8
W: Aaron Blair 3
SV: Jose Ramirez and Brad Roney 2
SO: Joel De La Cruz 44
ERA: Rob Wooten 2.25

Video Highlights

Next: Mississippi Braves

Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansbby Swanson (7) hits an rbi ground out during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2015; Omaha, NE, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores shortstop Dansbby Swanson (7) hits an rbi ground out during the first inning against the Virginia Cavaliers in game three of the College World Series Finals at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports /

AA Mississippi Braves (36-37)

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Thursday

Mississippi’s bullpen threw tremendous innings on Thursday, but 8 runs in the first inning doomed Mississippi to a loss to Jacksonville 8-3. Andrew Thurman got the start and only went 2/3 of an inning, allowing 7 runs on 1 hit and 6 walks, striking out 1. Jed Bradley threw 4 1/3 innings of relief, allowing 1 runs on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Dansby Swanson had a home run and a single. Joey Meneses hit a triple and a single. Johan Camargo had a double.

Friday

The M-Braves defeated Jacksonville Friday 4-2. Victor Mateo got the start and went 5 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 5 hits and 4 walks, striking out 1. Johan Camargo had a triple and a single. Joey Meneses and Dian Toscano each had two singles.

Saturday

Jacksonville held off two late Mississippi rallies to secure a 6-5 win over the Braves. Rob Whalen had his worst start in quite some time, throwing 6 innings, allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 8 hits and a walk, striking out 6. Johan Camargo had 3 singles and a double. Dansby Swanson had two singles and a double. Dustin Peterson had two doubles. Joey Meneses had a triple.

Sunday

Mississippi scored 2 in the bottom of the 8th to take the win 3-2. Lucas Sims had a steadying start Sunday, going 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6. Connor Lien had three singles, a double, and a stolen base. Levi Hyams had a double and a single.

Leaders

BA: Dustin Peterson .277
OBP: Dustin Peterson .341
HR: Dustin Peterson and Jake Schrader 7
SB: Dustin Peterson and Dansby Swanson 3
W: Robert Whalen 5
SV: Madison Younginer 6
SO: Robert Whalen 76
ERA: Robert Whalen 2.43

Video Highlights

Next: Carolina Mudcats

Feb 22, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Braxton Davidson signs autographs during spring training workouts at ESPN
Feb 22, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves outfielder Braxton Davidson signs autographs during spring training workouts at ESPN /

Carolina Mudcats (31-43)

Thursday

Carolina squeaked out a victory in a pitcher’s duel, winning 2-1 over Myrtle Beach on Thursday. Enderson Franco again went deep into the game, throwing 7 innings, allowing 1 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 1. Tanner Murphy had a home run and a single. Reed Harper had a double.

Friday

Myrtle Beach scored on Carolina’s bullpen to defeat the Mudcats 4-3. Matt Withrow went 4 1/3 innings, allowing 2 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2. Stephen Gaylor had a double and a single. Sal Giardina had two singles. Braxton Davison had a home run and a walk. Tanner Murphy had a double.

Saturday

Carolina won big on Saturday, scoring a win 8-1 over Myrtle Beach. Caleb Beech threw very well, going 5 scoreless innings, allowing 5 hits and a walk, striking out 2. Tanner Murphy had a single and three walks. Jordan Edgerton had a double and two singles. Reed Harper had three singles. Erison Mendez had a single and a double. Isaias Tejeda hit a home run in his debut with the Mudcats.

Sunday

Myrtle Beach pushed across a run against typically dominant reliever Sean McLaughlin in the bottom of the 8th to beat Carolina 2-1. Ryan Clark got the start and went 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 4 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Braxton Davidson was the only Brave to reach base twice, with a single and a walk.

Leaders

BA: Ryan Gebhardt .293
OBP: Ryan Gebhardt .347
HR: Braxton Davidson and Tanner Murphy 4
SB: Stephen Gaylor 12
W: Three with 5
SV: Evan Phillips and Chase Johnson-Mullins 8
SO: Max Povse 76
ERA: Sean McLaughlin 1.35

Video Highlights

Next: Rome Braves

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Rome Braves (30-43)

Thursday

The Rome offense exploded for 12 runs in a 12-3 victory over Charleston on Thursday. Max Fried threw a gem, going 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 6 hits and no walks, striking out 6. Justin Ellison and Carlos Castro each had a home run and two singles. Alejandro Salazar had three singles. Jonathan Morales had a double, single, and a walk. Bradley Keller had two singles and a walk. Austin Riley had a home run and a walk.

Friday

Rome again defeated Charleston on Friday, tallying a 3-2 score. Touki Toussaint went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and 3 walks, striking out 6. Luke Dykstra had three singles. Alejandro Salazar had a single, a walk, and a stolen base. Austin Riley hit a home run. Ray-Patrick Didder stole a base.

Saturday

Charleston got to Rome starter Ricardo Sanchez, and while the bullpen shut down the RiverDogs, the Braves couldn’t get enough offense to overcome the early hole, falling 8-5. Sanchez went 5 innings, allowing 6 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks, striking out 5. Yeudi Grullon had three singles and a walk. Austin Riley had a double and two singles. Luke Dykstra had two singles. Jonathan Morales and Carlos Castro each had a double and a walk. Justin Ellison and Leudys Baez had two walks.

Sunday

Rome’s offense was big on Sunday, scoring 11 runs, defeating Charleston 11-5. Patrick Weigel got the start, going 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. Justin Ellison had two singles and two walks. Alejandro Salazar had a triple, single, and a walk. Austin Riley and Leudys Baez each had a double and a single, and Baez added a stolen base. Wigberto Nevarez had a home run. Luke Dykstra had a double. Ray-Patrick Didder stole his 20th base.

Leaders

BA: Luke Dykstra .325
OBP: Ronald Acuna .389
HR: Carlos Castro 7
SB: Ray-Patrick Didder 20
W: Patrick Weigel and Max Fried 5
SV: Oriel Caicedo 3
SO: Patrick Weigel 83
ERA: Patrick Weigel 2.80

Highlight Videos

Next: Danville Braves

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Danville Braves (2-2)

Thursday

Danville’s first game of the season was completed Friday due to weather.

Friday

In the completion of the Thursday game, Danville’s offense exploded for 9 runs in the final two innings to ensure a 14-6 victory in their opener. Jaret Hellinger made the start and went 3 1/3 innings, allowing 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. Isranel Wilson had two doubles, a single, and a walk. Ramon Osuna had a double and two singles. J.B. Moss had three singles. Jared James had two singles and a walk. Elias Arias had a triple and a single. Carlos Martinez had a double and a single.

In the shortened regular Friday game, Danville scored 2 in the first and made it hold up against Pulaski 2-1. Luis Gamez made a tremendous start, throwing 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and no walks, striking out 3. Jared James was the only D-Brave on base twice, walking twice. Kevin Josephina had a double.

Saturday

Danville struck early, but they couldn’t hold back Pulaski as the Yankees won 9-5 Saturday. Kolby Allard went 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and no walks, striking out 6. J.B. Moss and Kevin Josephina each had two singles. Elias Arias had a double.

Sunday

Princeton took Sunday’s game 11-4. Luis Mora got the start and went 3 1/3 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 3 hits and 2 walks, striking out 3. Collin Yelich had a single and a walk. Matt Gonzalez had a double.

Leaders

BA: Kevin Josephina .500
OBP: Kevin Josephina .571
HR: None
SB: None
W: Luis Gamez and Corbin Clouse 1
SV: Zach Rice 1
SO: Kolby Allard 6
ERA: Multiple with 0.00

Next: GCL Braves

Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; American team Carter Kieboom (22) is greeted by Joeey Wentz (17) after scoring a run against the National team during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; American team Carter Kieboom (22) is greeted by Joeey Wentz (17) after scoring a run against the National team during the first inning in the Under Armour All America Baseball game at Wrigley field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

GCL Braves ()

Friday

The Braves opened up the season with a loss 5-4 to the Yankees East squad. Alan Rangel made a tremendous start, throwing 4 innings, allowing 1 solo home run as part of 2 hits and a walk, striking out 8. Anthony Concepcion hit two doubles and a single. Derian Cruz had two singles and a stolen base. Christian Pache and Luis Mejia each had two singles.

Saturday

The Braves bullpen allowed the Yankees East to score 6 runs in the final two innings to lose 8-6. Jesus Heredia went 4 hitless innings, allowing only 4 walks, striking out 2. Jeremy Fernandez had a triple and a single. Anthony Concepcion had a double and a single. Griffin Benson had a double and a walk. Christian Pache and Ruben Perez each had a double. Derian Cruz and Randy Ventura had two steals each.

Sunday

The Braves had the day off

Leaders

BA: Anthony Concepcion .625
OBP: Anthony Concepcion .700
HR: None
SB: Derian Cruz 3
W: None
SV: None
SO: Alan Rangel 8
ERA: 4 with 0.00

Next: DSL Braves

May 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans from the Dominican Republic show their support for the Toronto Blue Jays during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
May 29, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Fans from the Dominican Republic show their support for the Toronto Blue Jays during batting practice before a game against the Boston Red Sox at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /

DSL Braves ()

Thursday

The Braves took an extra inning victory with a run in the 11th inning to defeat the Rockies 1-0. Carlos Lopez started the game for the Braves, throwing 2 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit, striking out 2. Jose Bermudez had a single and two walks.

Friday

The Braves dropped a double header with the Rockies on Friday. In the first game, the Rockies took the victory 4-3 as Servando Hernandez made the start and went 2 innings, allowing one unearned run on one hit, striking out one. Shean Michel and Romer Rojas each had a double.

The Rockies scored 5 in the 3rd inning and never looked back, defeating the Braves 8-4 in the second game. Deyvis Julian threw 2 scoreless innings, allowing no hits and one walk, striking out 2. Luis Ovando had a home run and two singles. Shean Michel had a triple and a walk. Carlos Centeno had two walks. Reilys Blanco had a single and a walk.

Saturday

The Braves scored late, but it was too late by then, as the Tigers defeated the Braves 12-8. Gregory Bautista went 2 innings, allowed 4 runs on 1 hit and 3 walks, striking out 3. Jose Bermudez and Danyer Salazar each had 3 walks. Yoeli Lopez and Luis Ovando each had a single and a walk.

Next: Braves Minor League Database

Leaders

BA: Shean Michel .344
OBP: Shean Michel .416
HR: Luis Ovando 1
SB: Yoeli Lopez and Shean Michel 4
W: Jhoniel Sepulveda and Kelvin Rodriguez 2
SV: Three with 1
SO: Gregory Bautista and Erick Abreu 15
ERA: Carlos Lopez 0.79

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