Bus Leagues Express: July 17

Top stories

MiLB recognizes Player of the Week recipients: Every Monday, MiLB acknowledges each league’s Player of the Week recipients. This week’s honorees include Modesto’s Kyle Parker. Clemson’s former Quarterback is having an outstanding year, and he has a 1.024 OPS in 24 second half games for the Nuts. This week also included Peoria’s Javier Baez. The top Cubs’ prospect is showing great power early in his young career with eight homers in 41 games. Other honorees include Fred Lewis (IL), Michael Taylor (PCL), Daniel Mayora (EL), Joseph Dunigan (SL), Michael Choice (TL), Ty Kelly (Car), Ramon Flores (FSL), Robby Hefflinger (SAL), Matt Snyder (NYPL), Trey Martin (NWL), Jorge Polanco (APP) and Travis Rathjen (PIO).

MiLB recognizes Pitcher of the Week recipients: Every Monday, MiLB acknowledges each league’s Pitcher of the Week recipients. This week’s honorees include three pitches who joined the no-hit club, Akron’s Giovanni Soto, Tampa’s Jose A. Ramirez and Clinton’s Jordan Shipers. In the non-no hitter division, Brooklyn’s Luis Mateo is trying to restore the prospect stock he once had as an amateur. Other honorees include Jeanmar Gomez (IL), Dan Straily (PCL), Matt Magill (SL), Johnny Hellweg (TL), Taylor Rogers (Cal), Cody Martin (Car), Logan Verrett (SAL), Shane Broyles (NWL), Hudson Boyd (APP) and Ali Williams (PIO).

Gose promoted? Just over a week since appearing in the Futures Game, it appears that Anthony Gose could be headed for the majors. Jose Bautista appears to have a hand injury that could keep him out weeks, and the Blue Jays need an outfielder. The speedy Gose was removed from his game in Las Vegas last night after just one at-bat, and there has been no reported injury. Gose is having the best year of his career, batting a career high .293 with a .810 OPS. He’s stealing bases efficiently and taking walks, but most importantly, he’s making much better contact and striking out less. He could probably use some more minor league seasoning, but he should be able to hold his own in the bigs.

Dwyer roughed up in AAA debut: When Mike Montgomery was re-assigned to AA, Omaha needed an arm to replace him in the rotation. Chris Dwyer was promoted to take his place even though he wasn’t pitching that well this year despite his role in a no-hitter earlier this year. He struggled in his first Pacific Coast League go-around, allowing seven runs in 5+ innings in Omaha’s 16-6 loss to Oklahoma City. He allowed two home runs which has frequently been a problem for him because of how much he pitches up in the zone. He started the 6th inning but was taken out after failing to record an out against the first three batters. In that inning, OKC scored 10 runs, seven of which were unearned.

Spokane snaps streak in shutout: As a Rangers affiliate, the Indians have seen a lot of talent pass through in recent years. Players like Robbie Ross, Martin Perez, Neil Ramirez, Jurickson Profar, Mike Olt and Rougned Odor have passed through lately, but only one Rangers top 30 prospect is on the roster this year, pitcher David Perez. Monday, they ended their 10 game losing streak with a 1-0 win over Tri-City. At 9-22, they’re last in the entire league and already 11 games behind. In the win, starter Eric Brooks pitched five scoreless innings and two relievers picked up the rest. The lone run of the game scored on a throwing error.

Kepler’s second home run a grand one: Max Kepler‘s $800,000 signing bonus was the largest ever for a European prospect, but his athleticism and tools were very appealing to the Twins. He’s been coming along slowly, and after another sluggish start this season with Elizabethton, Kepler has been heating up. His grand slam in the second inning in the first game of a doubleheader against Bluefield fueled a seven run inning in the Twins’ 8-0 win. It’s only the second home run of his career, and he’ll have to keep hitting for power to profile in left field, his likely destination. He has a .865 OPS so far this year thanks to a hot July, and he has twice as many walks as strikeouts.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Doug Davis looks to continue success at Omaha

Sugar Ray Marimon hopes to bounce back after rough start

Henry Owens has another chance to continue to baffle everyone

Rusty Shellhorn makes first start for Everett