Minor League Ball Morning Report: Wednesday, June 20th, 2018

Good morning everyone and welcome to the Minor League Ball Morning Report for Wednesday, June 20th, 2018.

Continuing to experiment with the Morning Report format, here’s a rundown of what each rookie MLB starter did yesterday:

Domingo German, RHP, Yankees: Seven innings, two hits, one run, zero walks, nine strikeouts. He has an 18/2 K/BB over his last three starts. Breakout in progress?

David Hess, RHP, Orioles: 4.2 innings, five hits, five runs, three walks, two strikeouts. ERA now up to 4.82, 20/15 K/BB in 37 innings. Standard issue fifth starter?

Matt Koch, RHP, Diamondbacks 5.2 innings, seven hits, five runs, two walks, no strikeouts. Not one of Koch’s better outings this year. Overall stands at 4.40 in 71.2 innings, 38/17 K/BB. I’d like to see more strikeouts but his control is usually solid and he’s had some very good games. Fourth starter.

Eric Lauer, LHP, Padres Six innings, three hits, no runs, two walks, seven strikeouts. He get hit hard sometimes but when he’s on, he’s quite good. Given his lack of Triple-A experience I think he’s doing pretty well overall. A four/five starter at present, but can be a three in the future, perhaps as soon as next year.

Freddy Peralta, RHP, Brewers Six innings, two hits, zero walks, zero runs, seven strikeouts. Has thrown 15.2 innings so far, with a 25/8 K/BB, only six hits and a 2.30 ERA. At this point I see no reason to think that he won’t keep mowing people down.

Dereck Rodriguez, RHP, Giants Five innings, seven hits, zero walks, three runs, six strikeouts. Through 23.2 innings so far has a 4.56 ERA, 22/6 K/BB, 30 hits allowed. Seems like his true level of ability to me.

Jefry Rodriguez, RHP, Nationals Five innings, four hits, three walks, five runs, six strikeouts. Not a great outing but he’s skipped Triple-A completely so not a surprise really. He can get up to 96-97. Track record is inconsistent and he’s already 24 but strikes me as a late bloomer possibility.

Mike Soroka, RHP, Braves 4.2 innings, eight hits, four runs, two walks, two strikeouts. Worst start so far, though overall numbers remain solid at 3.51 in 25.2 innings, 21/7 K/BB. Like Lauer he has little Triple-A experience and ups-and-downs can be expected, but he should end up being an above-average starter for a long time (assuming the standard health caveats).

*****More highlights can be found in yesterday’s Gameday discussion thread.