Low-A Great Lakes
Hitter of the Month – Carlos Rincon
While players like Yadier Alvarez, Omar Estevez, Starling Heredia and Ronny Brito got the big bonuses during the Dodgers’ 2015 international spending spree, Rincon settled for a paltry $325,000 as a 17-year-old outfielder with power potential.
The following summer, he set the Dominican Summer League on fire, hitting .364 with six home runs in 26 games. The Dodgers brought Rincon to the states and he clubbed another seven homers in one month with the Arizona League club.
His power output has remained steady with the Loons, where he hit six homers in April while batting .343.
Pitcher of the Month – AJ Alexy
The Dodgers took Alexy last year in the 11th round and signed him for just under $600,000, similar to the deal they made with Joc Pederson out of high school. Like many of the Dodgers’ young arms, Alexy’s innings have been strictly monitored.
He threw just 13.2 innings in his debut, after a laborious senior season which saw him overworked by his high school coach. So far this season, Alexy has averaged just over three innings per start, but he’s been dominant.
In 12.2 innings, he’s allowed just four hits, one walk and one run while striking out 19 batters, numbers nearly identical to Walker Buehler. The stuff may not be as good, but the production has been.
Top 50 Update
No. 9 prospect Gavin Lux joined the Loons late but started strong, walking six times and stealing three bases in his first three games. Since then, he’s gone 2-for-23.
No. 16 prospect Dustin May had a disaster start his first time out for Great Lakes, but has allowed just two earned runs in his last four games.
No. 17 prospect Jordan Sheffield has had an up and down season thus far, posting a 4.20 ERA with 14 strikeouts in 15 innings over four starts.
No. 19 prospect Keibert Ruiz may be a little shell-shocked, moving from Rookie-level Ogden to Great Lakes, where he’s hitting .237 early on and has thrown out just three of 18 attempted base stealers.
No. 30 prospect Brendon Davis returned to Great Lakes after struggling there last year and has been one of the league’s best hitters, with his .904 OPS ranking 12th in the Midwest League.
No. 33 prospect Mitch Hansen joined the team late as well and, like Lux, has struggled to get going. He’s hitting just .185 through his first 15 games.
No. 38 prospect Oneil Cruz turned heads during Instructs last year and was a surprise addition to the Loons’ roster. He’s had trouble adjusting to the cold weather, batting .133 in April.
No. 40 prospect Cody Thomas has also had problems getting his bat going, as his average is at .190 though he does have four home runs.
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