Minor League releases

This is a tough time of year as minor-league players start to get rotated out of the system. Brian McTaggart tweeted that the Astros have released:

Jean Batista - international free agent signed in 2011. Hit .287/.307/.458 in 145 games over three seasons, and only played in 95 games over 2012/2013.

Ryan Connolly - undrafted free agent signed in June 2013. He was 1-2 with a 5.22 ERA/1.67 WHIP, with 20K:12BB in 29.1IP for Greeneville last season.

Zachary Dando - 2011 32nd Round pick. In 58 games (one start), Dando allowed a 3.56 ERA/1.25 WHIP, but only threw 101IP in three seasons between the GCL Astros, Greeneville, and Tri-City.

Alex Gillingham - Acquired from Colorado in the Wilton Lopez trade. Gillingham was the Rockies' 11th Round pick in 2011, but only threw eight innings for Lancaster in 2013.

Kyle Hallock - 2011 10th Round pick out of Kent State. Hallock made 59 appearances, everywhere from Tri-City in 2011 to Oklahoma City in 2013 with a career 5.63 ERA/1.55 WHIP. He got knocked around in Lancaster and Corpus (over 6.00 ERA in both places) before allowing 17H/8ER with 6K:8BB in 19.1IP for OKC.

Parker Hipp - undrafted free agent signed in 2013. Hit .159/.280/.190 in 24 games (75 PAs) for Greeneville in 2013.

Angel Ibanez - 2012 28th Round draft pick out of UT Pan-Am. In 93 games for Greeneville in 2012/13, Ibanez hit .256/.307/.309 with 63K:25BB in 376 PAs.

Euris Quezada - Signed as an international free agent prior to 2009. In parts of five seasons with the Astros organization (never rising above Low-A), Quezada had a 5.52 ERA/1.56 WHIP, with 138K:72BB in 190.2IP.

Blair Walters - Acquired in the Brett Myers trade with Chicago in July 2012. Walters struggled at High-A Lancaster, posting a 7.37 ERA/1.79 WHIP in parts of two seasons. He did pitch one game for OKC, allowed 4H/2ER, 4K:3BB in 4.1IP.


Blair Walters:

Would like to say Thank you to the Astros Organization for giving me to pursue my dream of playing baseball. It was a good run.
— Blair Walters (@bwalters34) March 18, 2014

PreStros Morning Report: August 13

Oklahoma City (69-55), 2.0 up

The RedHawks dropped their fourth straight game (and are 1-5 on this eight-game road trip) in a 13-6 loss at Tucson. Asher Wojciechowski allowed 8H/7R (6ER), 4K:2BB, WP, HBP in 5IP; Rhiner Cruz gave up 2H/3ER, 0K:1BB; Wade LeBlanc threw 1.2IP, allowing one of Rhiner Cruz's runs in an odd 0H/0ER, 0K:0BB outing. Jose Cisnero gave up 4H/3ER, 2K:1BB and Pat Urckfitz got the last out of the game.

Trevor Crowe (2B) and Brandon Laird had three hits each; Carlos Perez was 2x4 with an RBI; George Springer was 1x4 with his 13th homer for OKC (32nd overall) with a walk and two strikeouts. Jon Singleton was 1x4 with a double, RBI, BB.

Man of the Match: How about George Springer?

Corpus (30-21, 1GB) 72-49 overall

NW Arkansas scored the final eight runs of the game in a 10-1 beatdown of Corpus. NW Arkansas' Lane Adams had three homers and 7RBI, so that didn't help anything. Mike Foltynewicz allowed 6H/3ER, 2K:3BB in 5.1IP; Theron Geith gave up 2H/2ER, 1K:1BB in 1IP and Cameron Lamb allowed 5H/5ER, 0K:3BB, 2HR in the final 1.2IP.

Preston Tucker (2B, BB), Erik Castro (RBI) and Jonathan Meyer (2B, BB) had two hits each. And that's pretty much all there is to say about losing 10-1 with nine hits, two doubles, and a 1x11 w/RISP night.

Man of the Match: Uhh. Erik Castro?

Lancaster (32-19, 5.5 up), 71-50 overall

Lancaster let a 4-0 lead get to 4-4 in the top of the 5th, but came back with five runs in the bottom half of the inning, going on to beat Inland Empire 11-5.  Luis Cruz allowed 7H/4ER, 8K:1BB in 7IP; Kenny Long allowed 3H/1ER, 2K:0BB.

Dan Gulbransen was 3x5 with a double and a three-run homer to finish with 4RBI; Nolan Fontana was 1x4 with a walk and a grand slam. Delino DeShields was 2x5 with a double, RBI, and his 43rd stolen base of the season. Jesse Wierzbicki was 0x2 but drew three walks.

Man of the Match: Dan Gulbransen

Quad Cities (30-19, 1.5 GB) 68-50 overall

Mark Appel had a rough start as Wisconsin got out to 7-0 lead after four innings, beating Quad Cities 9-1. Appel gave up 9H/7ER, 2K:0BB in what was easily his worst start of his young career. Mitchell Lambson allowed 2H/0ER, 3K:1BB in 3.2IP and Jamaine Cotton allowed two unearned runs in the 8th and 9th.

Austin Elkins got two of the River Bandits' four hits, with a double and an RBI. Danry Vasquez was 1x4 with an outfield assist.

Man of the Match: Austin Elkins

Tri-City (32-22, 1.5 up)

Last night was the New York-Penn League All-Star Game, in which the ValleyCats played for the National League team to keep the leagues balanced at seven teams each (how's that for irony?). The American League won 4-3. The ValleyCats' Michael Feliz threw a perfect inning, striking out two; Chris Cotton allowed 1H/1ER, 1K:0BB in 1IP. Chan Moon was 1x2 with a run scored.

Greeneville (33-19), 3.5 up

Greeneville had a 2-1 lead after an inning and a half, and then Johnson City went off and scored nine of the next ten runs in a 10-3 win over the Gastros. Frederick Tiburcio allowed 9H/6ER, 2K:2BB in 3IP; Kevin Ferguson allowed 5H/4ER, 1K:1BB, 2HR in 2IP; Christian Garcia (2IP) and Ryan Connolly (1IP) each had scoreless outings.

Chase McDonald was 1x2 with two walks; Angel Ibanez and Wallace Gonzalez each added a double. Tanner Mathis and Ibanez had your RBIs.

Man of the Match: Chase McDonald

GCL Astros (22-24, 7GB)

A 4-3 lead turned into a GCL Astros' 6-4 loss to the GCL Tigers yesterday. Kent Emanuel threw 2IP, 1H/0ER (running his three-game pro career to 6IP, 6H/0ER, 4K:0BB). Austin Nicely had a 3.1IP, 3H/4ER, 3K:4BB outing. Devonte German took the BS/L with 2H/1ER, 0K:1BB in 0.2IP; Justin Hess allowed 3H/1ER in 1.1IP and Javier Lozano got the final two outs of the game.

Luis Reynoso was 2x4 with a walk; Jean Batista was 2x4 with a three-run homer and four total RBI. Yonathan Mejia and Jose Solano each had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

PreStros Farm Report: August 16

Little late on this today. So let's do this...

Oklahoma City (65-60)

Oklahoma City's short-lived win streak (2 games) came to an end with a 5-1 loss to Fresno last night. Rudy Owens took the loss with 5.2IP, 5H/2ER, 2K:2BB to lower his ERA to 5.53, throwing 102 pitches (61 strikes). Brian Sanches got four outs with seemingly no trouble, and Garrett Mock gave up 3H/3ER, 3K:2BB in 2IP.

The RedHawks got five hits, none with runners in scoring position, and only one extra-base hit - a double by Jimmy Paredes.

Man of the Match: Rudy Owens, I guess.

Corpus (69-53)

With a 5-1 win last night at Arkansas, the Hooks improved to 69-53 overall, and 32-20 in the 2nd half, maintaining a 5-game lead over San Antonio. Bobby Doran threw 7IP, allowing just 3H/1ER, 6K:2BB. Jake Buchanan closed it out with the final six outs, allowing a hit and a walk.

Bobby Borchering (2B, 3B, BB, 2RBI) and Ben Orloff (2B) had your multi-hit games. Austin Wates (SB) and Drew Locke (HR, 2RBI) provided the rest of your offense. George Springer went 0x5 with 3K, to give him a .077/.200/.154 line in four games since being called up to Corpus.

Man of the Match: Bobby Doran

Lancaster (62-60)

Nick Tropeano had a solid start, but three errors contributed to three unearned runs for a 5-4 loss to High Desert. Tropeano threw 6.2IP, 7H/3R (1ER), 5K:0BB, 2WP; Chia-Jen Lo struck out three, giving up a hit in 1IP; Kenny Long struck out the only batter he faced, and Andrew Robinson took the loss by allowing 0H/1R (0ER), 0K:1BB.

The JetHawks had their chances, but went 1x11 w/RISP. Jio Mier was 2x3 with a double and a walk; Telvin Nash hit his 25th homer of the year in the 6th inning; Delino DeShields was 1x2 with a double, two walks, an error and was thrown out trying to steal 3rd.

Man of the Match: Nick Tropeano.

Lexington (67-55)

Lexington managed three hits, no runs, and two errors in a 5-0 loss at Rome. Luis Ordosgoitti threw 5.2IP, 7H/5R (3ER), 3K:3BB; Mitchell Lambson threw 1.1IP, giving up a hit, and Dayan Diaz threw a perfect inning.

Chan Moon went 2x3 with a walk and a stolen base; Justin Gominsky had your other hit, to go along with two walks, a pickoff, and a caught stealing. Jordan Kreke and Zach Johnson also drew walks.

Man of the Match: Chan-Jong Moon.

Tri-City (42-14)

Another night, another win for the ValleyCats who move to 28 games over .500 after 56 games. Lance Day improved to 5-0 after giving up five hits and one earned run in 5.1IP; Euris Quezada, Scott Zuloaga, Jamaine Cotton, and Blake Ford (with his 14th save) held Brooklyn to three hits and a walk over the final 3.2IP.

Jean Carlos Batista was 2x3 with a double in his first game at Tri-City (having been called-up from Greeneville); Dan Gulbransen and Emilio King (2-run HR) had 2RBI each.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista!

Greeneville (30-26)

Bristol scored three in the top of the 5th, which was all they needed for a 3-2 win over Greeneville, despite the Gastros out-hitting Bristol 8-4. Michael Feliz allowed 2H/3ER on four walks, but he also struck out eight Bristols in 4.2IP. Christian Garcia threw three scoreless innings, and J.J. Jankowski struck out two of the four batters he faced.

Mike Martinez and Ariel Ovando were both 2x4, with Ovando plating a run. Carlos Correa was 1x4 with an RBI triple (and is now hitting .412/.500/.647 in five games with Greeneville). Angel Ibanez, Marc Wik, and Ricky Gingras also added hits while D'Andre Toney drew a walk and stole his 12th base.

Man of the Match: Ariel Ovando.

GCL Astros (25-26)

Suspended due to lightning.

PreStros Farm Report: August 8

PreStros: August 8

Oklahoma City (63-55) 

The RedHawks continued their slump and have now lost 10 of their last 11 games after losing to Sacramento (LAA) 8-7 in 10 innings.

Fernando Abad threw 3.2 innings and gave up 3 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Brian Sanches pitched .1 innings and allowed 2 R on 3 H. Mark Hamburger went .2 innings, allowing 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Garrett Mock threw 1.1 innings, giving up 2 R on 3 H with 2 K. Hector Ambriz threw 2 innings and allowed 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Jose Valdez pitched 1.1 innings, allowing 1 unearned R on 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K.

C-Jason Castro was 1x3 with 1 BB and 1 HR. 3B-Matt Dominguez was 4x4 with 1 2B, 3 R, and 1 RBI. 2B-Angel Sanchez was 2x4 with 1 BB and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Matt Dominguez

*Notes: Angel Sanchez is hitting .452 over his last eight games. Brian Bixler is hitting just .091 since returning to OKC. The RedHawks have given up at least five runs in 20 of the last 25 games and their team ERA of 5.35 is the worst in the minors.

Corpus Christi (66-49) 

The Hooks were shutout by Arkansas (LAA) 4-0.

Paul Clemens threw 6 innings and gave up 1 R on 3 H and 3 BB with 5 K. Arcenio Leon went 1 inning, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 1 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Alex Sogard pitched 2 scoreless innings with 2 K.

SS-Andrew Simunic was 2x4.

Man of the Match: Paul Clemens

*Notes: The Hooks had the league’s best record in June (18-8) and July (20-10).

Lancaster (59-56) 

The JetHawks gave up four runs in the eighth to lose to High Desert (SEA) 8-6.

Blair Walters threw 5 innings and gave up 4 R on 6 H with 6 K. Jorge De Leon pitched 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 H and 1 K. Pat Urckfitz went .2 innings, allowing 3 R on 3 H with 1 K. Andrew Robinson took the final inning and gave up 1 R on 1 H.

SS-Alex Todd was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 1 HR, and 2 RBI. 1B-Erik Castro was 1x5 with 1 HR and 4 K. 3B-Jonathan Meyer was 3x4 with 1 HR and 2 R. C-Carlos Perez went 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Alex Todd

*Notes: The JetHawks batters take up three of the top five spots on the leaderboard for most strikeouts. Telvin Nash leads the league with 151, George Springer is tied for third with 131, and Erik Castro is fifth with 127.

Lexington (65-50) 

Lexington continued their assault on the Sally League as they beat West Virginia (PIT) 6-3, their seventh win in eight games.

Luis Cruz went 6 innings, giving up 3 R on 7 H and 1 BB with 5 K. Evan Grills threw 2 scoreless innings with 1 BB. Dayan Diaz pitched 1 scoreless inning for this 18^th save.

2B-Delino DeShields was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 SB, and 2 R. DH-Brandon Meredith was 2x4 with 1 2B and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brandon Meredith

*Notes: Brandon Meredith has quietly moved up to 12^th in the South Atlantic League in OPS (.906).

Tri-City (36-14) 

The ValleyCats lost a heartbreaker after going into the bottom of the ninth with a 2-0 lead before falling 3-2 to Aberdeen (BAL).

Aaron West threw 7 scoreless innings with 6 H and 8 K. Juan Minaya threw .1 innings with 2 BB. Jamaine Cotton pitched .2 innings with 1 H. Blake Ford took the loss in .1 innings, allowing 3 R (2 earned) on 2 H and 1 BB.

1B-Jesse Wierzbicki was 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R. DH-Jobduan Morales was 2x3.

Man of the Match: Aaron West

*Notes: The ValleyCats have seven players named to the NYPL All-Star team. Andrew Aplin and Tyler Heineman were named as starters. Austin Elkins, Jobduan Morales, Aaron West, Brian Holmes, and Blake Ford also made the team. Morales will be competing in the Home Run Derby with Aplin as an alternate.

Greeneville (26-23) 

The Astros brought out the whoopin’ sticks to beat Pulaski (SEA) 9-4.

Francis Ramirez threw 5 innings and gave up 2 R on 5 H and 2 BB with 4 K. Brad Propst pitched 1 inning, allowing 1 R on 1 H and 1 BB. Jordan Jankowski threw 1 scoreless inning with 1 K. Andrew Walter pitched 2 innings and gave up 1 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

3B-Angel Ibanez was 2x5 with 1 2B, 2 R and 1 RBI. 2B-Brian Blasik was 4x4 with 1 BB and 3 R. SS-Jean Batista went 2x4 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 4 RBI. RF-Ariel Ovando was 2x5 with 2 RBI. DH-Terrell Joyce was 2x5 with 1 2B and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

*Notes:

GCL Astros (21-23) 

The Astros held off a late charge by the Cardinals to win 6-5.

Raul Rivera went 5 innings, allowing 1 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Ricardo Batista threw 1 scoreless inning. Gera Sanchez pitched 1 inning, allowing 2 R on 5 H. Erick Gonzalez pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

SS-Carlos Correa was 3x5 with 1 3B, 2 R, and 2 RBI. DH-Rio Ruiz was 3x5 with 1 SB (of home!), 1 R, and 2 RBI. 3B-Darwin Rivera was 2x5. C-Alfredo Gonzalez was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Carlos Correa

*Notes:

DSL Astros (17-39) 

Postponed

*Notes: 

PreStros Farm Report: July 27

PreStros: July 27

Oklahoma City (61-45) 

The RedHawks were shutout by Iowa (CHC) 5-0.

Jarred Cosart left after 3.2 innings, allowing 3 R on 4 H and 1 BB with 5 K. Jake Buchanan threw 3.1 innings and gave up 1 unearned run on 5 H and 1 BB with 4 K. Aneury Rodriguez pitched 2 innings and allowed 1 R on 1 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

LF-Fernando Martinez was 2x3 with 1 BB and 1 2B.

Man of the Match: Fernando Martinez

*Notes: Jarred Cosart left the game with what early indications are saying was a blister issue.

Corpus Christi (60-44) 

The Hooks scored four in the bottom of the ninth to beat Midland (OAK) 6-5.

Paul Clemens threw 6.2 innings and gave up 4 R on 7 H and 1 BB with 7 K. Alex Sogard pitched 2.1 innings, allowing 1 R on 1 H with 1 K.

RF-Drew Locke was 1x3 with 1 BB and 2 R. DH-Adam Bailey went 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 HR, and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Adam Bailey

*Notes: The Hooks are 34-17 at home this season.

Lancaster (55-49) 

Newly acquired Blair Walters received a rude introduction to the California League as the JetHawks lost to Inland Empire (LAA) 15-1.

Walters went 2.1 innings and gave up 9 R on 10 H and 2 BB. Jorge De Leon threw 2.2 innings and allowed 5 R on 4 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Chia-Jen Lo pitched 2 scoreless innings with 1 K. Jose Trinidad threw 2 innings, allowing 1 R on 1 H with 1 K.

DH-Erik Castro was 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Erik Castro

*Notes: The JetHawks are in line to take the South Division Wild Card spot.

Lexington (56-47) 

Suspended

*Notes: Luis Cruz is 4-0 with a 1.38 ERA at home. Delino DeShields has reached base safely in 26 consecutive games, including a current nine game hitting streak.

Tri-City (28-11) 

The ValleyCats took both games of a double header against Hudson Valley (TB), winning the first 4-2 and the second 7-0.

Game 1

Aaron West went 6.1 innings, allowing 2 R (1 earned) on 7 H and 2 BB with 8 K. 1B-Jesse Wierzbicki was 2x4 with 2 R. C-Jobduan Morales went 3x3 with 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jobduan Morales

Game 2

Brian Holmes threw 7 innings, allowing just 1 H with 6 K. SS-Joe Sclafani was 2x3 with 1 BB, 2 R, and 2 RBI. CF-Andrew Aplin was 2x4 with 2 R and 1 RBI. 1B-Jesse Wierzbicki went 2x4 with 1 3B and 2 RBI. 3B-Ryan Dineen was 2x4 with 1 RBI. LF-Jarrod McKinney was 2x2 with 1 BB, 1 3B, and 2 R. RF-Emilio King was 2x3 with 1 3B, 1 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brian Holmes

*Notes:

Greeneville (21-15) 

The G-Stros won a wild, offense driven game against Elizabethton (MIN) 12-9.

Frederick Tiburcio threw 5 innings and gave up 4 R (3 earned) on 4 H and 4 BB with 6 K. Zach Dando pitched 2 innings with 1 H and 1 K. Michael Dimock got .1 innings, giving up 5 R on 3 H and 2 BB with 1 K. Scott Zuloaga threw .1 innings with 1 H and 1 BB. Jordan Jankowski went 1.1 innings with 2 K.

CF-D’Andre Toney was 2x6 with 1 R and 1 RBI. 2B-Brian Blasik was 2x5 with 1 BB, 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. 1B-Jean Batista was 2x5 with 1 HR and 4 RBI. RF-Ariel Ovando was 2x5 with 1 HR. 3B-Angel Ibanez went 3x5 with 2 R. SS-James Howick was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, and 3 R. DH-Ricky Gingras was 3x5 with 1 R and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

*Notes: The G-Stros are now 3.5 games back in the Appy League West Division.

GCL Astros (18-17) 

The Astros beat the Nationals 8-3

Reymin Guduan threw 3 scoreless innings, allowing 2 H and 2 BB with 4 K. Rodney Quintero pitched 1 inning with 1 H. Jandel Gustave went 4 innings, giving up 3 R on 3 H and 3 BB. Gera Sanchez pitched the final inning with 1 H and 1 K.

DH-Yonathan Mejia was 2x5 with 2 RBI. 2B-Juan Santana was 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. C-Jon Carnahan was 2x4 with 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Reymin Guduan

*Notes:

DSL Astros (16-31) 

The Astros won a come from behind victory over the Royals 6-5.

Francisco Baso threw 1 inning with 2 H and 1 K. Rayderson Chevalier pitched 4.1 innings and gave up 5 R (3 earned) on 4 H and 4 BB with 4 K. Yonquelys Martinez had 2 BB. Juan Delis threw 2.2 innings, allowing 1 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Rauldison Rodriguez pitched the final inning with 1 BB and 1 K.

LF-Cristian Murillo was 2x4 with 1 2B and 2 R. 1B-Hector Roa was 2x3 with 1 SB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. DH-Brauly Mejia was 2x4 with 2 R. C-Pedro Coa went 2x3 with 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Pedro Coa

*Notes: 

PreStros Farm Report: July 20

PreStros: July 20

Oklahoma City (58-41) 

OKC couldn’t touch top pitching prospect Shelby Miller as they lost to Memphis (STL) 8-1.

Brett Oberholtzer went 6 innings and gave up 6 R on 7 H with 7 K. Jonnathan Aristil threw the last 2 innings and allowed 2 R (1 earned) on 1 H with 2 K.

2B-Jimmy Paredes was 2x4 with 1 R.

Man of the Match: Jimmy Paredes

*Notes: Seven of the RedHawks last 10 wins have been by one run. JB Shuck has a 10 game hitting streak. Jimmy Paredes is hitting .519 since returning from paternity leave.

Corpus Christi (53-40) 

The Hooks used a grand slam by Andy Simunic to beat Frisco (TEX) 7-5.

Rob Rasmussen threw 6 innings, allowing 3 R on 5 H and 1 BB with 6 K. Josh Zeid pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 R on 4 H with 2 K. Jason Stoffel threw 1 scoreless inning with 1 H.

3B-Andy Simunic was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 HR, and 5 RBI. LF-Jake Goebbert was 2x4 with 1 3B and 2 R. DH-Adam Bailey went 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R. C-Rene Garcia was 2x4 with 1 2B and 1 R.

Man of the Match: Andy Simunic

*Notes: Chris Wallace was promoted to OKC and Ben Heath was brought up from Lancaster to replace him.

Lancaster (52-46) 

The JetHawks got six scoreless innings in relief by David Martinez to beat Rancho Cucamonga (LAD) 8-2.

Ruben Alaniz threw 3 innings, giving up 2 R on 3 H and 2 BB with 2 K. David Martinez went 6 scoreless innings, allowing 7 H and 1 BB with 3 K.

CF-George Springer was 3x5 with 3 SB, 1 R, and 3 RBI. RF-Domingo Santana was 1x5 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. 2B-Kike Hernandez went 1x5 with 1 HR and 2 RBI. SS-Alex Todd was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 2B, and 2 R.

Man of the Match: George Springer

*Notes: The JetHawks are currently in position to advance to the playoffs as the wildcard from the South Division.

Lexington (51-46) 

Lexington won a rain-shortened game against Greenville (BOS) 7-4 in seven innings.

Juri Perez threw 5.1 innings, allowing 4 R (1 earned) on 3 H and 3 BB with 7 K. Tommy Shirley went the final 1.2 innings with 1 BB and 2 K.

2B-Delino DeShields was 2x3 with 1 BB, 2 SB, 1 2B, and 2 R. DH-Ruben Sosa was 3x4 with 2 R and 1 SB. 1B-Zach Johnson went 2x4 with 2 2B, 1 R, and 3 RBI. LF-Brandon Meredith was 1x3 with 1 BB, 1 SB, 1 2B, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Zach Johnson

*Notes: Matt Duffy has been hit by a pitch 23 times this season, tops in the Sally League.

Tri-City (24-8) 

The ValleyCats shutout Vermont (OAK) 6-0.

Aaron West threw 7 shutout innings, allowing just 2 H with 7 K. Jamain Cotton threw 2 perfect innings to finish out the game.

CF-Andrew Aplin was 2x5. LF-Jarrod McKinney was 1x3 with 2 BB and 2 R. RF-Preston Tucker was 2x5 with 1 HR and 5 RBI.

Man of the Match: West/Tucker

*Notes: Austin Elkins’ nickname is Catfish.

Greeneville (19-11) 

The G-Stros were swept in last night’s double header, losing the first game 2-0 and the second 2-1.

Game 1

Frederick Tiburcio threw 6 innings, allowing 2 R (1 earned) on 3 H and 2 BB with 3 K. 2B-Jean Batista was 1x2 with 1 BB and 2 SB.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

Game 2

Chris Lee threw 2 innings, allowing 2 unearned runs with 2 H and 2 BB. Andrew Walter pitched 3 scoreless innings with 1 H and 3 K. Mike Hauschild went 1 inning with 1 H and 1 K. 3B-Angel Ibanez was 2x3. LF-Marc Wik was 1x3 with 1 SB.

Man of the Match: Andrew Walter

*Notes: The G-Stros pitchers have struck out 290 in 273 innings.

GCL Astros (13-16) 

The Astros rally fell short as they lost to the Nationals 8-7.

Edison Frias threw 3.2 innings and gave up 6 R (3 earned) on 7 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Ambiorix De Leon pitched 1 inning, allowing 2 unearned runs on 2 H with 1 K. Agapito Barrios went the final 4.1 innings with 4 H and 2 K.

SS-Carlos Correa was 2x5 with 1 2B and 1 SB. DH-Rio Ruiz was 3x5 with 1 3B and 2 R. LF-Edwin Gomez went 2x4 with 1 R. 2B-Juan Santana was 2x3 with 1 2B, 2 R, and 1 RBI. C-Alfredo Gonzalez was 2x4 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Alfredo Gonzalez

*Notes: 10 of Carlos Correa’s 15 hits have been doubles.

DSL Astros (12-28) 

The Astros scored were shutout by the A’s 5-0.

Elieser Hernandez lasted 6 innings and gave up 4 R on 8 H with 3 K. Luis Abad threw 2 innings, allowing 1 R on 1 H with 2 K.

LF-Mesac Laguna went 2x4. DH-Johan Tomas De La Cruz was 1x3 with 1 BB.

Man of the Match: Mesac Laguna

*Notes: The Astros have just one player with an OPS over .650 (Mesac Laguna, .702).

PreStros Farm Report: July 17

PreStros: July 17

Oklahoma City (56-40) 

OKC rallied back from a four run deficit to beat Omaha (KC) 7-6 in 10 innings.

Paul Clemens went 4.1 innings and gave up 6 R on 8 H and 2 BB with 5 K. Mickey Storey threw 1.1 scoreless with 3 H and 1 K. Xavier Cedeno went 1 scoreless with 1 K. Juan Abreu pitched 2.1 innings with 3 K. David Carpenter threw 1 inning with 1 H and 1 K.

CF-Brandon Barnes was 2x5 with 1 3B, 1 HR, and 2 R. 2B-Jimmy Paredes was 3x5 with 1 R and 1 RBI. 1B-Brett Wallace was 3x5 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI.

Man of the Match: Brett Wallace

*Notes: The RedHawks are now 25-24 on the road and have won 8 of their last 11 away games. OKC only has one more day game scheduled the rest of the season.

Corpus Christi (53-40) 

The Hooks scored early and often on their way to beating Midland (OAK) 9-3.

Jose Cisnero pitched 6.2 innings, allowing 2 R on 4 H and 4 BB with 8 K. Arcenio Leon threw 1.1 innings and gave up 1 R on 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Josh Zeid pitched 1 scoreless inning with 1 H and 1 K.

CF-Austin Wates was 2x5 with 1 BB and 1 R. 3B-Andy Simunic was 2x5 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. 2B-Jose Martinez went 2x4 with 2 BB, 1 HR, 2 R, and 3 RBI. 1B-Jon Singleton was 2x4 with 1 BB, 1 2B, and 2 RBI. C-Chris Wallace went 2x3 with 2 BB, 2 R, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jose Martinez

*Notes: Sunday’s one-hitter by the Hooks was their first in club history. Corpus is 35-15 since May 21.

Lancaster (50-45) 

After falling two runs behind in the first inning, the JetHawks chipped away at San Jose (SFG), eventually coming away with the 4-3 victory.

Bobby Doran went 6.1 innings and allowed 2 R on 4 H and 3 BB with 4 K. Pat Urckfitz threw 2.2 innings, allowing 1 R on 2 H with 2 K.

1B-Erik Castro was 0x1 with 3 BB. C-Roberto Pena was 2x4 with 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Roberto Pena

*Notes: The JetHawks are currently in position to advance to the playoffs as the wildcard from the South Division. Brian Streilein was released Tuesday.

Lexington (50-45) 

Lexington battled back from a 5 run deficit to beat Hagerstown (WSH) 10-7.

Luis Ordosgiotti went 5 innings and gave up 5 R on 8 H and 2 BB with 5 K. Tommy Shirley threw 2.2 innings, giving up 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Dayan Diaz pitched 1.1 scoreless innings with 2 BB.

1B-Zach Johnson was 2x5 with 1 2B and 1 R. 3B-Matt Duffy was 2x3 with 1 BB, 1 R, and 1 RBI. DH-Brandon Meredith was 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Mike Kvasnicka was 2x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Mike Kvasnicka

*Notes: The Legends have won seven of their last eight. Delino DeShields is hitting .368 with five home runs and 21 steals in the second half of the season.

Tri-City (21-8) 

The ValleyCats suffered a rare loss 3-2 to Lowell (BOS).

Joe Bircher went 6 scoreless innings, allowing 5 H and 1 BB with 3 K. Jeremiah Meiners threw 1.2 innings and gave up 1 R on 1 H and 2 BB with 3 K. Jamaine Cotton pitched .1 innings, giving up 2 R (1 earned) on 2 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Kenny Long threw 1 inning with 1 K.

C-Jobduan Morales was 2x3 with 1 2B, 1 HR, and 2 RBI.

Man of the Match: Joe Bircher

*Notes: Austin Elkins’ nickname is Catfish.

Greeneville (18-9) 

The G-Stros out muscled Pulaski (SEA) to win 13-8 as the two teams combined for 30 hits.

Richard Rodriguez threw 3 innings, allowing 1 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 2 K. Christian Garcia pitched 2 innings and gave up 2 R on 3 H with 1 K. Tanner Bushue went 1 inning, giving up 3 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 1 K. Euris Quezada threw 3 innings, allowing 2 R on 3 H and 1 BB with 4 K.

CF-D’Andre Toney was 3x4 with 1 BB, 1 HR, 3 R, and 2 RBI. 2B-Brian Blasik was 3x5 with 1 2B, 1 R, and 2 RBI. DH-Terrell Joyce went 2x4 with 2 2B, 1 R, and 1 RBI. RF-Ariel Ovando was 2x4 with 1 2B and 2 R. 1B-Jean Batista went 3x5 with 2 2B, 1 HR, 3 R, and 2 RBI. C-Ernesto Genoves was 2x4 with 2 2B, 1 BB, 3 R, and 1 RBI.

Man of the Match: Jean Batista

*Notes: Greeneville has won five in a row and seven of their last eight to pull within half a game of the West Division lead.

GCL Astros (12-14) 

The Astros gave up a late lead as they lost 5-3 to the Cardinals.

Jose Valdez threw 1 scoreless inning with 3 K. Enderson Franco threw 3.2 innings and gave up 2 R on 7 H and 3 BB with 1 K. Ricardo Batista pitched 2.1 scoreless innings with 1 H and 3 K. Juan Mojica went .2 innings, giving up 3 R on 2 H and 2 BB with 2 K. Erick Gonzalez got one out.

CF-Brett Phillips went 2x4 with 1 2B. RF-Teoscar Hernandez was 1x4 with 1 HR. C-Kenny Diaz was 2x3 with 1 RBI and was 2x2 catching attempted stealers.

Man of the Match: Kenny Diaz

*Notes: Despite hitting just .167 so far, Carlos Correa is tied for third in the league in doubles (8).

DSL Astros (12-25) 

The Astros scored first, but ultimately lost 6-1 to the Rays.

Edwin Villarroel lasted 6.1 innings, allowing 2 R on 6 H and 3 BB with 3 K. Yonquelys Martinez threw 1.2 innings and gave up 4 R on 6 H with 3 K.

1B-Mesac Leguna was 1x4 with 1 HR. 3B-Randy Cesar was 1x3 with 1 BB.

Man of the Match: Mesac Laguna

*Notes: Just 37 games into the season, the Astros are 15 games back in the Boca Chica Northwest Division.

Former/future Astros on film

Astros fans may be interested to know about a pair of documentaries that have made their debut this week.

First, MLB Network last night debuted The Life and Death of Darryl Kile (preview here). It was 10 years ago last month that the former Astros pitcher passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly of a heart attack during the 2002 season. David Barron of the Chronicle and Christine Coleman of Aerys Sports both shared their thoughts on the documentary. It will air again at 4:00 pm CT tomorrow on MLB Network.

Second, today is the theatrical premiere of Ballplayer: Pelotero, which follows the journey of two 16-year-old Dominican baseball players as they are recruited and signed by MLB teams. One of the two is is Jean Carlos Batista, now a shortstop for the Greeneville Astros. Farmstros saw the film and provided a nice rundown over here.

Disclaimer that I haven't seen either of these yet myself, but you can read perspectives from those who have at the links above.

Tranzactionz

To finish up yesterday's round of tranzactionz, we have the following:

August 12

Dan Adamson and Alex Todd assigned to Lancaster, Adamson from Lexington, Todd from Greeneville.

Jean Carlos Batista assigned to Greenville from the GCL Astros.

Wladimir Sutil (leg) placed on DL for Corpus

Eddie's Farm: July 5

Oklahoma City (36-50)

OKC scored the final three runs of the game, including a game-winning RBI by Robinson Cancel for a 7-6 win over Iowa. Nelson Figueroa threw 5.2IP, allowing 12H/6R (5ER), 2K:1BB, while Mickey Storey (1.1IP and Sam Gervacio (2IP) held Iowa hitless over the final ten outs.

Luis Durango was 2x3 with two walks and an RBI (hitting .308/.550/.308 since coming over from Tucson). Humberto Quintero was 2x4 and Robinson Cancel ended up 2x5 with 3RBI on the night. J.B. Shuck was 1x2 with 2BB, and Koby Clemens and Anderson Hernandez each had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Robinson Cancel

Corpus (30-52)

The flip-side of the OKC game is Corpus, who allowed six of the final seven runs for a 7-6 loss at NW Arkansas. Jonnathan Aristil threw well enough, allowing 5H/2ER, 4K:2BB, HBP in 5.1IP, but the bullpen nutted it. Blake King allowed 1H/2ER, 1K:2BB in 0.2IP; Kyle Greenwalt allowed 4H/3ER, 3K:1BB in 2.2IP, and Henry Villar gave up the game-winner, charged to Greenwalt.

J.D. Martinez was 1x2 with a homer and three walks; Chris Wallace, Brandon Wikoff, and Jimmy Van Ostrand (2RBI) had a hit, walk, and an RBI; Jake Goebbert was 2x4 with a double and an RBI.

Man of the Match: J.D. Martinez - on base four times and scored once.

Lancaster (31-52)

It was a scoreless duel until the 6th, when Bakersfield scored in three of the final four innings for a 3-0 win over Lancaster. Zach Grimmett allowed 6H/2ER, 5K:3BB, 2WP in 7.2IP, and Shane Wolf allowed 2H/1ER, 1K:1BB in 1.1IP.

Jay Austin was 2x4, Kody Hinze got a double in what will be his final game in Lancaster. Jose Carlos Thompson, Jordan Comadena, and David Flores had your other hits as the JetHawks struck out ten times (with no walks) and were 0x6 w/RISP.

Man of the Match: Zach Grimmett.

Lexington (40-43)

The Legends scored two in the 6th, and that was all they needed for a 2-0 win over West Virginia, despite getting out-hit 5-4, and committing four errors. Carlos Quevedo allowed 3H/0ER, 3K:2BB in 7IP, and Brian Streilein got his 5th save of the season with 2H/0ER, 0K:1BB in 2IP.

Delino DeShields had two of the four hits (and one of the four errors), while it was Adam Bailey's two-run homer that provided all of the scoring. Mike Kvasnicka had a hit and a walk.

Man of the Match: Adam Bailey

Tri-City (7-11)

Vermont scored four runs in back-to-back innings, and Tri-City answered with four of their own in the bottom of the 9th, but fell short 12-8. Euris Quezada allowed 7H/4ER, 2K:1BB, 2WP in 4IP; Kristian Bueno gave up 3H/4R (3ER), 0K:2BB in 1IP; Garrett Bullock allowed two runs in 1IP, Joan Belliad allowed two runs - one earned - in 0.1IP, and Travis Blankenship was the pitcher of the night with 0H in the final 2.2IP.

Brandon Meredith was 4x4 with a double and a triple, swinging the big bat. John Hinson and Matt Duffy had two hits each, while Jacke Healey hit his first homer of the year - a two-run shot.

Man of the Match: Brandon Meredith

Greeneville (5-9)

Postponed: Double-header to be played today.

GCL Astros (3-10)

The GCL Marlins scored four in the top of the 10th for a 9-6 win over the GCL Astros. Frederick Tiburcio got the start, allowing 7H/4R (3ER), 6K:1BB; Evan Grills allowed a hit in 2IP; Krishawn Holley allowed a run in 1.2IP, Blake Ford got tagged with four unearned runs in the 10th, and Zach Hardoin got the final out.

Jean Carlos Batista was 4x5 with a double, two triples, and an RBI. Joe Witkowski and Yonathan Mejia got a hit and an RBI.

Man of the Match: Jean Carlos Batista

More on this Jean Carlos Batista fella

DPL Baseball has this report on the 17-year old switch-hitting shortstop:

Jean Carlos is 6'2, 175lb, Lg frame, athletic wiry body. The switch hitter shows a compact swing from both sides of the plate, although he has more power from the left side. After 14 weeks in the DPL he's leading Los Potros with a .313 avg. Defensively he shows good foot work and fields the ball cleanly. His arm strength is plus and shows enough range to stay at the position. Jean Carlos ran a 6.9 at our last showcase but has improved his speed during the last few weeks.

Our buddy Street found this SI Teen article about the documentary "Long Hard Road to the Show," in which Batista is mentioned prominently:

Among those on the field is another player featured in the film: Jean Carlos Batista, a 16-year old switch-hitting shortstop whom Jacobo compares to a young Carlos Beltran.

That's nice.

Astros sign Dominican prospect

(captip to MLBTR) The Astros have signed Dominican shortstop Jean Carlos Batista, pending MLB approval:

The switch hitting SS has agreed to terms with the Houston Astros, the contract is still pending MLB approval. Batista was a self-proclaimed captain of Los Potros, not by words but by action. He led his team in every offensive category for more than 3/4 of games played, as well as leading the league in avg. His defensive play wasn't over showed by any SS in the DPL making routine plays and flashy tough plays look easy. Batista will be starting his milb career in the Dominican Summer League this June.

More on Batista later this morning.