In last week’s Minor Accomplishments, I highlighted Mike Olt, his .304/.404/.576 slash line, and his 12 homers. Well, in only a week’s time Olt’s already-impressive numbers have became drastically more impressive. After blasting six more homers, he’s raised his SLG to .624 and his RBI total now sits at 48. He’s hotter than any hitter in the minors right now and he’s surely forcing the Rangers to consider their options regarding his future. We’ve discussed this plenty, but with Beltre locked up for the long term, Olt’s path to the majors as a 3B is thoroughly blocked. Frisco has been giving him some time at 1B, and given Mitch Moreland’s struggles, Texas could absolutely consider using him there. All along, however, I’ve looked at Olt as a valuable chip to be used in a potential trade. Recent uncertainties in the Rangers’ rotation have me thinking they’ll most certainly dangle Olt as trade bait in the coming months.
Trevor Bauer | RHP, D’Backs
Bauer lasted 7 inning in his most recent Triple-A start, walking two while whiffing 11. Arizona GM Kevin Towers recently noted that there’s really nothing left for Bauer to prove in the minors, but also that an opportunity will have to present itself before a call-up would take place. Those stashing him should continue to hold as this waiting game carries on.
Julio Teheran | RHP, Braves
Tim Hudson’s been scratched from his scheduled start for Sunday. Braves top prospect Julio Teheran will take the hill instead. Hudson is nursing a sore ankle and is expected only to miss one start, so don’t go scooping Teheran just yet. But if you have the flexibility, a speculative add might be within reason. Mike Minor’s been trash most of the year, and an solid outing from Teheran might earn him Minor’s spot in the rotation.
Wil Myers | OF, Royals
Myers hit a grand slam off of Roy Oswalt earlier in the week, and through 89 PA at Triple-A he’s collected 15 XBH (8 HR). That’s in addition to the 13 bombs he hit at Double-A to start the year. I’ve been thinking that a late July promotion seemed in order for Myers, but he could make it by late June if this pace continues.
Jake Odorizzi | RHP, Royals
Odorizzi’s posted a 2.22 ERA through 28 IP at Triple-A Omaha. He struck out 10 in his most recent outing, and he’s truly been a sign of hope for Royals fans who’ve watched top-prospect Mike Montgomery struggle for the past year and a half.
Nick Castellanos | 3B, Tigers
After batting .405/.461/.503 through 55 games at High-A Lakeland, the Tigers decided they’d seen enough of Castellanos in A-ball and bumped him up to Double-A Erie. The 20-year-old has collected five hits through his first 17 PA at the new level. It’s too soon to say that he’s continuing his dominance at the plate, but I’m confident that he’ll fare just fine versus Eastern League arms.
Jackie Bradley | OF, Red Sox
Bradley is a defense-first prospect, but his .379/.488/.581 line at High-A could fool you into thinking otherwise. He leads the minors in OBP by a comfy margin, and it shouldn’t be long before the Red Sox move him up to Double-A.
Billy Hamilton | SS, Reds
In all likelihood, he’ll have 70+ steals by the time you’re reading this. Nothing new, here.
Oscar Taveras | OF, Cardinals
A week ago, it seemed like Taveras was slumping a bit. Then he went 5 for 5 with a homer on Monday, and followed it with another bomb on Tuesday. The 19-year-old is .315/.371/.575 in the Texas League and has established himself as one of the top hitting prospects in the game.
Mark Appel | RHP, Pirates
After being drafted at #8 overall on Monday, Appel took the bump for Stanford on Friday and was knocked around by Florida State hitters in a super regional matchup. He was pulled in the fourth as the Seminoles went on to a 17-1 victory.
Domonic Brown | OF, Phillies
With four homers over his last 10 games, Brown is starting to heat up at Triple-A Lehigh Valley. On the season, he’s hitting an unimpressive .270/.318/.428, but the toolsy outfielder could catch fire in a hurry. Perhaps there is hope still left for Brown.
