South Texas- This is a new series that we will be kicking off this summer by taking a look at some of the games top players both from the show and in the minor leagues. We wont get to everyone in every week, mainly because there is about 16 current big leaguers active and 30+ minor leaguers by our count. But just about each week this summer we will highlight some of the top performers. As well as some of the news for these players. Lets dive in to the week of 6/19 to 6/25.
THE SHOW Update
Tim Hill- Bacone (OK)- San Diego Padres
Hill saw the most action this past week working 5.1 innings for the left hander. Hill appeared in back to back days both against the Giants and Nationals, all in all he had a solid week. 5.1 innings pitched, in that time he allowed 6 hits but only gave up 1 run, and struck out 4. Hill’s ERA improved for the year moved to 2.94 and in June he has a 0.82 ERA.
Jacob Webb- Tabor (KS)- Los Angeles Angels
Webb has been lights out for the Angels bullpen in June! This past week Webb put together 3 innings pitched against the Dodgers, Rockies, and White Sox allowing just 1 hit and punching out 4. The Tabor product has a season ERA of 1.59 and has made 11 appearances for the Angels in June. While the Angels are not closer by committee, Webb did earn his first save of the season on June 15th against the Rangers.
Minor League Update
Gary Mattis- Tennessee Wesleyan
Hillsboro Hops- HIGH A - Arizona Diamondbacks
In 35 games this year Mattis has already surpassed his 2022 home run total and tied his RBI production for the year. Last week Mattis went 6 for 16 with 2 doubles, 1 home run, 6 runs batted in, and 2 stolen bases. Mattis is hitting .345 average at home this season.
Kenny Piper- Columbia (MO)
Bowling Green Hot Rods- HIGH A- Tampa Bay Rays
Piper was SOLID this past week going 8-15 all while scoring 7 runs and clubbing 2 homers for 4 runs batted in. The 18th round pick out of Columbia (MO) is hitting .314 average in June with an OPS of .804. On top of that Piper has hit 6 home runs in the month of June for Bowling Green.
Other notable performances-
Liam Doolan- Tennessee Wesleyan- Dodgers- A ball- 6ip 3h 0r 5k
Elih Marerro- STU (FL)- Red Sox- AA- 4-7 3r 2rbi 1sb
Pedro Garcia- GGC- Reds- AA- 3.2ip 1h 0r 6k
Unfortunately with this business comes some ups and downs, the good news with the bad.
Randy Wynne- Missouri Baptist- Reds- Made his big league debut on 6/25 against Atlanta going 2.1 innings pitched allowing just 1 earned run on 3 hits. Unfortunately Wynne was designated for assignment after the game. Wynne went outright through waivers and was assigned to Triple-A Louisville.
Orlando Rodriguez- STU (FL)- Twins- High A- Orlando Rodriguez was lights out for the Cedar Rapids Kernels this past week throwing 8 innings allowing just 2 hits and striking out 4, all on no runs allowed. Unfortunately the 27 year old former Bobcat was released on Monday. Rodriguez was 7-2 this year with a 2.43 earned run average in 40.2 innings pitched with 31 strike outs. Have no doubt that Rodriguez will find himself back on his feet, pitching again soon. Rodriguez led the Midwest League in wins with 7.