High-A Rancho Cucamonga
Hitter of the Month – Will Smith
The Dodgers had three first-rounders a year ago, and Smith was taken with their second selection. He struggled down the stretch in his debut, likely tiring after playing more baseball than he ever had.
The 22-year-old backstop hit just .216 in 25 games with the Quakes last year. This season, he’s been much better offensively. Smith hit four home runs in 55 games during his debut season and has already matched that mark in 20 contests this year.
He’s shown off his speed, stealing five bases in six tries. And if that wasn’t enough, the No. 14 prospect has shown a lightning-quick release behind the plate that’s enabled him to nab nine of 20 potential base stealers.
Pitcher of the Month – Walker Buehler
When Buehler returned from Tommy John surgery last year, the Dodgers wanted to take special care of his right arm. He made just five appearances before heading to Instructional League and pitched about 20 total innings.
This season, Buehler is still on a strict innings limit, but what he’s done has been remarkable. He’s allowed just five hits in 12.2 innings, two runs (only one of which was earned) and he’s struck out 19, including eight in a row in his second start of the season.
He was the organization’s No. 3 prospect heading into the season, but he may well be No. 1 when it ends.
Top 50 Update
No. 1 prospect Yadier Alvarez made his debut in Lancaster against the Colorado Rockies’ California League affiliate, and got blown up. Alvarez has pitched far better in his last two outings, including a dominant four inning, seven strikeout performance last Thursday.
No. 10 prospect Mitch White pitched the first four innings of a seven-inning, combined no-hitter on Opening Day. Like Alvarez, he’s gotten knocked around in Lancaster but has looked great everywhere else.
No. 11 prospect Yusniel Diaz got off to a hot start in his second stint with the Quakes but has cooled off considerably, going 2-for-his-last-18.
No. 15 prospect DJ Peters was the opposite of Diaz, starting off cold, and since destroying the baseball. He’s homered in four of his last seven games and is hitting .309 in 22 games.
No. 20 prospect Dennis Santana has been one of the best pitchers in the California League, with his 1.17 ERA ranking second in the circuit.
No. 22 prospect Drew Jackson looks much improved at the plate, hitting .273 with four home runs and 16 walks, while playing an impressive shortstop to boot.
No. 24 prospect Omar Estevez got off to a rough start to the season, hitting .233 before landing on the disabled list with a hand injury.
No. 29 prospect Caleb Ferguson showed pinpoint control last season, walking just five batters in 66.1 innings. But he’s walked 13 batters in 17.2 innings so far this season.
No. 31 prospect Ariel Sandoval broke out with 14 homers a year ago, but has hit just one in the first month while striking out in a third of his at-bats.
CONTINUE READING: Update on Gavin Lux and Great Lakes Loons
