Atlanta Braves Minor League Weekend Wrap Up: July 4

Mar 12, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (87) tries to bunt during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albies (87) tries to bunt during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
6 of 8
Next
Jun 21, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders outfielder Tyler Nesslony (10) singles in the second inning against the Florida Gators in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 21, 2016; Omaha, NE, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders outfielder Tyler Nesslony (10) singles in the second inning against the Florida Gators in the 2016 College World Series at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Braves Minor League Weekend Wrap Up

Transactions

6/30 C Jordan Pacheco placed on DL by Gwinnett
6/30 IF Sean Kazmar activated from DL by Gwinnett
6/30 IF Levi Hyams promoted from Mississippi to Gwinnett
6/30 2B Ozzie Albies demoted from Gwinnett to Mississippi
6/30 RHP Caleb Dirks assigned to Mississippi
6/30 LHP Philip Pfeifer assigned to Carolina
6/30 C Brett Cumberland assigned to Danville
6/30 RHP Sean Ratcliffe released by Danville
7/1 LHP Drew Harrington assigned to Danville
7/1 RHP Ryan Schlosser demoted from Danville to GCL
7/1 RHP Gabriel Henry released by GCL
7/1 LHP Felix Falcon released by GCL
7/1 RHP Carlos Portuondo assigned to GCL
7/1 RHP Bryse Wilson assigned to GCL
7/2 RHP Maikel Cleto assigned to Gwinnett Braves
7/2 RHP Casey Kelly demoted from Atlanta to Gwinnett
7/2 RHP Lucas Harrell promoted from Gwinnett to Atlanta
7/2 LHP A.J. Minter promoted from Carolina to Mississippi
7/2 RHP Victor Mateo placed on DL by Mississippi
7/2 RHP Chad Sobotka promoted to Carolina from Rome
7/2 LHP Chase Johnson-Mullins placed on restricted list
7/2 IF Gordon Beckham sent on rehab assignment to Carolina
7/2 OF Tyler Neslony assigned to Danville
7/2 RHP Jacob Webb promoted from Danville to Rome
7/2 LHP Eric O’Flaherty sent on rehab assignment to GCL
7/3 OF Ronnier Mustelier promoted from Gwinnett to Atlanta
7/3 SS Daniel Castro activated from DL to Gwinett

Hitter of the week: The Braves just had their international free agent signing period for this July 2nd period, and the amount of players signed was tremendous. Last season, there was a focus on two primary players. One of those was shortstop Derian Cruz, who is playing with the GCL Braves this season. This week, Cruz displayed not only his speed, but also the tremendous bat speed he has and the power he can generate as he went .455/.455/.727 with 3 runs, 3 doubles, a home run, 4 RBI, 2 stolen bases, and a 0/4 BB/K ratio.

Honorable mention: Throughout the season, Matt Tuiasosopo has been the organization’s leader in home runs. When Carlos Castro became the first player in the Braves org to hit double digits in home run, Tuiasosopo responded with two home runs in his next two games. His line for the week was solid, with .357/.471/.857 with 4 runs, a double, 2 home runs, 2 RBI, and a 2/5 BB/K ratio.

Pitcher of the week: One of the more underappreciated performances in the minor leagues this year has been the work that Rob Wooten has done out of the bullpen for Gwinnett this season. This week got plenty of light shone onto Wooten, however, as he came in for a spot start for Gwinnett on Thursday and just happened to throw 6 no-hit innings – actually perfect innings if it weren’t for an error by one of his fielders. He made one relief appearance earlier in the week, and his total line for the week was 7 innings, one hit, one run, no walks, and 9 strikeouts.

Honorable mention: Rome had four starters put up a game score of at least 75 this week, but perhaps the most unexpected of their starters to put up a great start put up the best one of the week. Ricardo Sanchez had the best game score of the week in the entire system with an 81 game score, throwing 7 innings, allowing one run on one hit and a walk, striking out 11.

Next: Gwinnett Braves

Mar 1, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; First base umpire Gary Cederstrom (left) watches as Atlanta Braves designated hitter Matt Tuiasoosopo dives into first base as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Freddie Freeman (34) waits for the ball during the third inning of a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; First base umpire Gary Cederstrom (left) watches as Atlanta Braves designated hitter Matt Tuiasoosopo dives into first base as Baltimore Orioles first baseman Freddie Freeman (34) waits for the ball during the third inning of a spring training baseball game at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

AAA Gwinnett Braves (37-47)

Thursday

The Braves hurled a combined no-hitter against Louisville on Thursday, with only an error by Sean Kazmar keeping the game from being a perfect game. Rob Wooten made a spot start, only the second start of his 8-year career. He ended up going 6 innings, without allowing a hit or a walk, striking out 8. Matt Marksberry followed with 2 innings without a hit or a walk, striking out 2. Jose Ramirez closed out the game with an inning with no hits nor walks, striking out 1.

Sean Kazmar had three singles. Matt Tuiasosopo had a home run, a single, and a walk. Blake Lalli had two singles and a walk. Rio Ruiz had a double, a single, and a stolen base. Reid Brignac had a single and 2 walks.

Friday

Gwinnett defeated Louisville 5-3 Friday. Ryan Weber got the start for Gwinnett, going 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 6 hits and a walk, striking out 2. Ronnier Mustelier had two singles and a walk. Matt Lipka and Anthony Recker each had a double and a single. Matt Tuiasosopo hit a home run. Mel Rojas stole a base.

Saturday

Louisville used 3 runs in the 6th inning to defeat the Braves 3-2. Manny Banuelos made his best start of the season, going 5 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and a walk, striking out one. Matt Lipka had three singles. Mel Rojas had two singles. Reid Brignac and Rio Ruiz each had a single and a walk. Anthony Recker and Levi Hyams each had a double.

Sunday

Gwinnett was defeated by Louisville on Sunday in a rain-shortened game, 2-1. Chris Ellis went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Daniel Castro had two singles. Rio Ruiz had a single and a walk.

Leaders

BA: Sean Kazmar .283
OBP: Reid Brignac .372
HR: Matt Tuiasosopo 11
SB: Reid Brignac 4
W: Aaron Blair 3
SV: Jose Ramirez 4
SO: Jose Ramirez 36
ERA: Rob Wooten 2.08

Video Highlights

Next: Mississippi Braves

Mar 12, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albiies (87) tries to bunt during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA; Atlanta Braves shortstop Ozzie Albiies (87) tries to bunt during the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Washington Nationals at Champion Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

AA Mississippi Braves (39-40)

More from Tomahawk Take

Thursday

Mississippi scored in the top of the 9th to send the game into extra innings, and they scored in the top of the 10th to defeat Jackson 6-5. Victor Mateo got the start, going 4 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 5 walks, striking out 2. Dansby Swanson had a triple and three singles. Ozzie Albies had three singles. Dustin Peterson and Johan Camargo each had a single and a walk. Willians Astudillo had a home run. Connor Lien had a stolen base.

Friday

Mississippi took a pitcher’s duel on Friday, defeating Jackson 3-1 behind another excellent start from Robert Whalen. Whalen went 7 innings, allowing one run on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 7. Dustin Peterson had two singles and a walk. Dansby Swanson had two singles. Jordy Lara had a single and a walk. Ozzie Albies stole a base.

Saturday

Mississippi tied the score in the top of the 9th to send the game into extra innings, but they fell to Jackson in 12 innings, 7-6. Lucas Sims made the start and went 5 innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks, striking out 7. Johan Camargo had two doubles and a single. Ozzie Albies had a double and two singles. Dustin Peterson had three singles. Dansby Swanson had two walks. Joey Meneses had a single and a walk.

Sunday

Mississippi was shut out on Sunday by Jackson 7-0. Sean Newcomb had some big struggles, going 4 innings, allowing 5 runs on 8 hits and 5 walks, striking out 1. Ozzie Albies had a double and a single. Willians Astudillo and Matt Kennelly each had two singles.

Leaders

BA: Ozzie Albies .382
OBP: Ozzie Albies .447
HR: Dustin Peterson and Jake Schrader 7
SB: Four with 3
W: Robert Whalen 6
SV: Madison Younginer 8
SO: Robert Whalen 83
ERA: Robert Whalen 2.34

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 (31-50)

Thursday

The Lynchburg offense came out strong on Thursday, defeating Carolina 9-1. Caleb Beech made the start, going 5 2/3 innings, allowing 6 runs (5 earned) on 9 hits and no walks, striking out 3. Sal Giardina had two singles and a walk. Stephen Gaylor had a double and a single. Braxton Davidson had a single and a walk. Tanner Murphy had two walks.

Friday

Lynchburg again jumped all over the Carolina starter, defeating the Mudcats 7-3. Ryan Clark went 4 2/3 innings, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 5 walks, striking out 4 as his record on the season went to 0-10. He’s had some rough luck in that record, though he’s not helped himself all that much either. Joseph Daris had a double and a single. Isaias Tejada had a double and a walk. Stephen Gaylor had a single and a walk, along with his 14th stolen base. Tanner Murphy had two walks. Jose Fernandez had a stolen base.

Saturday

Due to the fog, the game with Lynchburg was completed early, with the Mudcats on the short end, 3-1. Max Povse went 6 innings, allowing 3 runs on 6 hits and 2 walks, striking out 11. Gordon Beckham had a double, a single, and a walk. Omar Obregon had a double and a walk. Tanner Murphy had a home run. Isaias Tejada had a double.

Sunday

Lynchburg narrowly defeated Carolina for the series sweep on Sunday, winning 2-1. Enderson Franco went 5 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits and a walk, striking out 1. Omar Obregon and Gordon Beckham each had a single and a walk. Tanner Murphy had a home run.

Leaders

BA: Ryan Gebhardt .293
OBP: Ryan Gebhardt .347
HR: Tanner Murphy 6
SB: Stephen Gaylor 14
W: Three with 5
SV: Chase Johnson-Mullins 8
SO: Max Povse 91
ERA: Sean McLaughlin 1.51

Video Highlights

Next: Rome Braves

Embed from Getty Images

Rome Braves (33-47)

Thursday

Lexington put up 4 in the first inning, and they came back to score one in the 7th to defeat Rome 5-4. Touki Toussaint got the start and settled in after a rough first inning, but he only was able to get through 4 innings due to pitch count, allowing 4 runs on 5 hits and 4 walks, striking out 8. He nearly had himself out of the first inning with just one run of damage before Xavier Fernandez caught a pitch just perfectly for a 3-run home run.

Carlos Castro hit two home runs on the day to give him 10 on the season. Leudys Baez had a home run and a single. Ray-Patrick Didder had a double and a single.

Friday

The Braves got arguably the best start of his career from Ricardo Sanchez to stifle Lexington 3-1. Sanchez went 7 innings, with a solo home run being the only run or hit he allowed, walking one and striking out 11. Austin Riley had a single and a walk. Lucas Herbert had a home run. Justin Ellison stole a base.

Saturday

Rome fell to Lexington in spite of yet another incredible start from their starter, as Lexington won 2-1. Patrick Weigel went 7 innings, allowing 1 run on 2 hits and a walk, striking out 11. Bradley Keller had a double and a single. Austin Riley had a double and a walk.

Sunday

Rome was shut out by Lexington 8-0. Mike Soroka got the start, going 5 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits and 4 walks, striking out 6. Rome could manage only a mere two hits and two walks on the entire day against Lexington pitching.

Leaders

BA: Luke Dykstra .315
OBP: Ronald Acuna .389
HR: Carlos Castro 10
SB: Ray-Patrick Didder 20
W: Max Fried 6
SV: Oriel Caicedo 3
SO: Patrick Weigel 94
ERA: Patrick Weigel 2.68

Highlight Videos

Next: Danville Braves

Embed from Getty Images

Danville Braves (4-7)

Thursday

Danville had a 3-0 shut out over Johnson City on Thursday. Kolby Allard was tremendous in his start, going 6 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and a walk, striking out 5. Marcus Mooney had a double and a single. Brett Cumberland had a double and a walk in his first game with Danville. Matt Hearn had a single and a walk. Jared James had a double.

Friday

Danville was on the short end of a pitcher’s duel on Friday, losing 1-0 to Johnson City. Luis Mora got the start and went 6 innings, allowing 1 run on 3 hits and no walks, striking out 6. Marcus Mooney had two singles and a steal. Jared James had a single and a walk.

Saturday

Danville was shut out by Burlington 2-0. Jhon Martinez made an excellent start, going 6 innings, allowing one run on 6 hits and a walk, striking out 2. Isranel Wilson had two singles and a double. Jared James had a double and a single.

Sunday

Burlington defeated Danville on Sunday 3-2. Jaret Hellinger pitched a solid game for the Braves, going 5 innings, allowing 2 runs (1 earned) on 2 hits and 3 walks, striking out 5. Tyler Neslony had two singles in his debut for Danville.

Leaders

BA: Jared James .324
OBP: Jared James .452
HR: Isranel Wilson and Ryan O’Malley 1
SB: Marcus Mooney 2
W: Four with 1
SV: Three with 1
SO: Three with 11
ERA: Four 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 (3-5)

Thursday

The Braves defeated the Yankees West squad 3-1 on Thursday. Alan Rangel continued his excellent start to the season, pitching 5 shutout innings, allowing 2 hits and a walk, striking out 4. Randy Ventura had two singles and a walk with two stolen bases. Gabe Howell had a single and a walk. Gordon Beckham, Ruben Perez, and Alex Aquino each had a double.

Friday

The Phillies scored late to nip the Braves 3-2. Jesus Heredia got the start, and he went 4 innings, allowing 2 runs on 4 hits and 3 walks, striking out 4. Anthony Concepcion had a single and a walk. Derian Cruz hit a solo home run. Jackson Pokorney had a double. Gabe Howell and Randy Ventura each had a stolen base.

Saturday

The Braves were shut out by the Phillies 4-0 on Saturday. Eric O’Flaherty started the game with a rehab inning, allowing one run on 2 hits, striking out 2. Dilmer Mejia came in for O’Flaherty in the 2nd, and he pitched well, going 5 innings, allowing 3 runs (2 earned) on 6 hits and 1 walk, striking out 5. Derian Cruz had a double and a single. Anthony Concepcion had a double. Christian Pache had a stolen base.

Sunday

The Braves had the day off

Leaders

BA: Derian Cruz .406
OBP: Anthony Concepcion .500
HR: Derian Cruz 1
SB: Randy Ventura 5
W: Three with 1
SV: Brandon White and Ramon Taveras 1
SO: Alan Rangel 12
ERA: Six 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 (10-14)

Thursday

The Brewers hit the Braves hard on Thursday, defeating them 9-2. Albinson Volquez went 1 1/3 innings on the start, allowing 6 runs on 5 hits and 2 walks, striking out 2. Reilys Blanco and Danyer Salazar each had a single and a walk. Ildion Martina had a double. Eudis Lora had a stolen base.

Friday

The Braves used good pitching to defeat the Brewers 3-1 on Friday. Carlos Lopez got the start and went 2 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing a hit and 4 walks, striking out 1. Reilys Blanco had a single and two walks. Eudis Lora had a single and a walk.

Saturday

Saturday’s game with Yankees2 was delayed due to rain.

Sunday

The Braves had Sunday off

Next: Braves Minor League Database

Leaders

BA: Reilys Blanco .284
OBP: Carlos Centeno .411
HR: Luis Ovando 1
SB: Shean Michel 5
W: Jhoniel Sepulveda and Kelvin Rodriguez 2
SV: Four with 1
SO: Gregory Bautista 18
ERA: Carlos Lopez 1.13

Next