Set to begin their campaign as defending California League champions, the High-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes have officially announced their 2019 Opening Day roster.
Among the most notable prospects to make the cut include offseason addition Jeter Downs, who enters his first year in the Dodgers organization. He was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds in a seven-player trade that saw Yasiel Puig, Matt Kemp, Alex Wood and Kyle Farmer head the other way.
The No. 32 overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft, Downs spent the previous season with the Reds’ Low-A affiliate Dayton Dragons. In 120 games, he compiled a .257/.351/.402 slash line with 23 doubles, two triples, 13 home runs, 47 RBI and 37 stolen bases across 524 plate appearances.
Returning to the Quakes for a second consecutive season is Connor Wong, who looks to build off an excellent 2018 campaign. In 102 games, he hit .269/.350/.480 with 20 doubles, two triples, 19 home runs and 60 RBI over 431 trips to the plate.
Though he logged the bulk of his defensive innings at catcher, Wong additionally saw time at second base and third base during the 2018 season. He has embraced the Dodgers’ value on versatility, which could bode well for his future in the organization.
Other notable Dodgers prospects included on the Quakes’ Opening Day roster are Michael Grove, Jeren Kendall, Gerardo Carrillo and Edwin Uceta, who were all featured on MLB Pipeline’s top-30 prospects list for the organization.
The Quakes begin their 2019 season on Thursday against the Stockton Ports. Mark Kertenian enters his first season as Quakes manager, who most recently held the same position for the Arizona League Dodgers last year.
Pitchers (15): Gerardo Carrillo, Leo Crawford, Max Gamboa, Victor Gonzalez, Michael Grove, Wes Helsabeck, Dan Jagiello, Chris Mathewson, Wills Montgomerie, Ryan Moseley, Logan Salow, Sven Schueller, Jordan Sheffield, Edwin Uceta, Bryan Warzek
Catchers (3): Steve Berman, Jordan Procyshen, Connor Wong
Infielders (6): Marcus Chiu, Jeter Downs, Deacon Liput, Devin Mann, Brandon Montgomery, Nick Yarnall
Outfielders (5): Donovan Casey, Starling Heredia, Jeren Kendall, Brayan Morales, Carlos Rincon
