This Week in the Minors is our weekly look at notable performances from all over the system, from big-name prospects and less-heralded guys alike. The mission is to answer this simple question: “Who had a good week?”
Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (26-30, 8.5 games back)
The Storm Chasers lost 5 of 6 at home to the Memphis Redbirds. On the mound, Mitch Spence had a very rough two starts. In total, he went 8.2 innings, allowing 22 hits, 15 runs, 4 homers, walking 1 and striking out 7. On the positive side of things, Ryan Ramsey had a quality start. The 25-year-old
lefty, and 2022 13th round pick by the Royals, went 6.1 innings, allowing 5 hits, 2 runs, walking 2 and striking out 6.
At the plate, Brett Squires, who has been a name of discussion the last couple of weeks, went 5-for-20 with two more homers and a double. Kameron Misner was 7-for-22 with a homer and four walks. Abraham Toro went 9-for-17 with three doubles.
The Storm Chasers hit the road this week to take on the Columbus Clippers. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals (22-28, 9.5 games back)
The Naturals got swept in their 6-game series in Tulsa, against the Drillers. At the plate, it was a tough week for all the hitters. Spencer Nivens was 5-for-13, Colton Becker was 4-for-15 with a homer and a double.
On the bump, Ethan Bosacker had a good start, he went 5 innings, allowing 6 hits, 1 run, and a pair of strikeouts. Caden Monke threw 3.1 scoreless innings in two appearances. Justin Lamkin didn’t appear this week, no word on if it was an injury or managing his innings. Hopefully we will know soon, as he is moving quickly through the organization.
The Naturals are back home this week for the Midland RockHounds, the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Quad Cities River Bandits (22-26, 8.5 games back)
The River Bandits split their 6-game series against Cedar Rapids. Jordan Woods and Max Martin were both promoted from Columbia last week. Martin threw a scoreless inning and a third in his only appearance of the week, striking out 3 batters, he also took the win. Woods, went 4 innings, allowing 7 hits, 3 runs in his one start of the week. Both pitchers were dominating in Low-A ball. David Shields threw 5 innings of 2 run ball in his only start of the week. Josh Hansell threw 4 scoreless innings over 2 appearances with 4 strikeouts.
At the plate, Blake Mitchell was 5-for-20 on the week, with a double and two homers. On the season, Mitchell is slashing .201/.424/439. Tyriq Kemp was 4-for-21 with 5 stolen bases. Outfielder Nolan Sailors hit a pair of doubles and triples and stole 5 bases as well.
The River Bandits play a seven-game series at home against the South Bend Cubs, with a doubleheader on Friday because of an earlier season rain out.
Columbia Fireflies (23-28, 6 games back)
The Fireflies split their 6-game series against the Charleston RiverDogs. Right hander Luis Valdez got promoted last week. The 21-year-old from Nizao, Dominican Republic came up from rookie ball in Arizona. In his one appearance last week, he allowed 2 hits and 2 runs in just 2/3 of an inning. Kendry Chourio went 5 innings, allowing 1 run and 6 hits, while striking out 3 in his lone start of the week. Michael Lombardi threw 3 scoreless innings as well.
Yandel Ricardo was smashing the ball all week, hitting .471, with two doubles and a homer, while stealing 4 bases. Sean Gamble continues to heat up, going 4-for-16 on the week, with a homer and triple. After a brutal start to the season, the 19-year-old outfielder is starting to find a rhythm the last two weeks. Josh Hammond went 6-for-22 with a double.
The Fireflies are on the road this week, playing the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
