Eastern League Roundup: Lucas Giolito adapts to Double-A

The latest news around the Eastern League, including a top prospect hitting his stride after a rough introduction to Double-A, Michael Fulmer's continued dominance and more.

Giolito Hitting his Stride

Ranked as MLB's third best prospect, Lucas Giolito dominated in High-A, to the tune of a 2.71 ERA and a 86/20 K/BB ratio in 69 2/3 innings.  He was then promoted to Double-A, where he had a rough start, letting up 10 runs in 10 innings in his first two starts.  Recently, however, Gioloto has only allowed one run in 13 2/3 innings in his last two starts. In his most recent start, he had a gem, striking out 11 in seven innings.  He has twice been selected to go to the Futures Games, and seems to have a bright future ahead of him.

Michael Fulmer's Dominance Continues

Michael Fulmer, the centerpiece of the Yoenis Cespedes deal, is making the Tigers looks good. In his last four starts in Double-A ball,  he hasn't allowed a run. His stock has risen dramatically since the beginning of the year.  In the preseason rankings of MLB, they ranked him 17th in the Mets system. After the trade, he now ranks fourth in the Tigers system. He has a great fastball and slider, with both having the chance to be plus pitches.

J.P. Crawford Slumping in Reading

The Phillies number one prospect J.P. Crawford is slumping in Reading.  Although he was hitting above .300 in late June, he is only hitting .230 in his last 30 games . He is having the most trouble with lefties, hitting only .214. We will have to wait to see if he can handle advanced pitching.

Bradley Zimmer Heating Up

After a little bit of a slow start in Double-A, Indians outfield prospect Bradley Zimmer is heating up. In his last ten games, Zimmer is hitting .378, with four homers. Kyle Zimmer's brother, one can only hope that he does not fall victim to the same injury bug.

Prominent Eastern League Transactions

Edgar de la Rosa assigned to GCL Tigers for rehab assignment

Chance Sisco called up to the Bowie Baysox from Frederick Keys

Prominent Matchups in the Eastern League this upcoming week (August 18-25)

Richmond vs Binghamton (Matt Gage vs Robert Gsellman)

New Britain Rockcats vs Erie Seawolves (Jeff Hoffman vs Unannounced)