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Hot hitters. Big strikeouts, low WHIP. Here are your weekly three prospects to watch from Minor League Ball.
Luis Urias, 2B, El Paso Chihuahuas (San Diego Padres)
Urias, the Padres 21-year-old infield prospect, has had a scorching hot August. Heading into Sunday, he’s slashing .435/.478/.710 with a 1.188 OPS. Urias is hitting everything thrown his way of late, four 3-hit games in his last five.
Luis Urias Triple
— Josh (@purpl3m) August 19, 2018
(shoulda been gone, cycle watch though) pic.twitter.com/TGXAsOUI13
Much of what we know about Urias is still the same. He’s transitioned to second from shortstop and seems to be handling it ok with better range and throws. His plate awareness is still great (64 walks, 106 strikeouts in 424 at bats) and he’s found some more pop this year, although that could be a direct result of the Pacific Coast League. It’s always fun to watch Urias at the plate, when he’s in a zone like this, it’s that much better.
Victor Robles, OF, Syracuse Chiefs (Washington Nationals)
Remember this guy? He was all the talk in the Nationals system until this Juan Soto guy started doing silly things as a 19-year-old.
Good things come to those who wait, and Victor Robles has shown plenty of patience. More than four months after his first four-hit game, the top #Nationals prospect picks up another for @SyracuseChiefs.
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) August 19, 2018
: https://t.co/9YpKE6h4Ce pic.twitter.com/uWSxuHnZjO
Robles is finally back on the field in Syracuse the numbers aren’t eye-popping a 4-for-6 night Saturday may be the start of something big. We know the deal with Robles pre-injury, he shows quality tools and skills across the board, he just needs to get back in the groove. It would be nice to see that happen before the season is over.
Taylor Widener, Jackson Generals (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Widener has been solid all year, but he’s been lights out his past two starts. The righty out of South Carolina has gone 13 innings, allowing just six hits and no earned runs while striking out 16 and walking none. Amongst both the strikeout and WHIP leaders in all of the minors this season, Widener is certainly enjoying a career-year.
The @SLeagueBaseball strikeout leader was at it again. #Dbacks No 4 prospect Taylor Widener recorded a career-best 13 strikeouts in a complete game for @jacksongenerals. https://t.co/dXOpiz8Eyl pic.twitter.com/GxEncmK9B4
— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) July 8, 2018
Widener was one of the more exciting Yankees pitching prospects, but the system is deep in pitching. Widener became the big piece in the Brandon Drury deal (who eventually was part of the deal that landed J.A. Happ) and he is proving to be worth the return and more. He’s slated to pitch against the Smokies this week, so keep an eye out.
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