The Los Angeles Angels minor leagues combined for an 11-13 record last week. On the season, the Angels organization is 72-91 throughout the four levels. There were, however, superstar-level highlights found on the pitcher’s mound at Double-A. Led by Angels #2 prospect Reid Detmers, the Rocket City Trash Pandas dominated Biloxi. Not surprisingly, the pitching prowess of the Trash Pandas led them to a winning record over the week. While no other team produced a winning record, the bats at Triple-A Salt Lake City remained hot. Plus, some younger top prospects have regained their footing and are beginning to play like the Angels brass know they can. It is all very exciting for Angels fans.
Triple-A: Salt Lake City Bees (17-23)
Last week: 2-4
If the Angels minor leagues are top-heavy, Salt Lake City is the clearest example of it. Although Angels top prospect Brandon Marsh remains sidelined with an injury, the Bees outfield remains productive due to the play of Jo Adell and Scott Schebler. Adell remains the minor league home run leader with 16. As important, he has started to walk more with his move up the lineup to lead-off. Matt Thaiss remains an interesting candidate for a call-up as he has played well at catcher and remains the team leader with a 1.015 OPS. Despite the absence of superstar Mike Trout, the Angels offense continues to produce, meaning these three might be in for a longer wait than they might have anticipated.
With the return of Jose Quintana from the 10-day injured list, the Angels optioned Jaime Barria back to Triple-A. Barria pitched well in his return, giving up one earned run over five innings. Where the Angels really need help, however, is the bullpen. Currently, the best options appear to be lefty Jose Quijada and right-hander Tim Peterson. Quijada has looked strong all season, even in his two appearances in Anaheim. If Tony Watson continues to struggle, he is the best left-handed option the Angels have. Peterson remains productive. In June, he has pitched seven innings, struck out seven, allowed only one run, and posted an excellent 0.71 WHIP. If manager Joe Maddon needs to make a move, these are the guys he should choose.
Double-A: Rockey City Trash Pandas (22-19)
Last week: 4-2
The Trash Pandas have been led on offense by the strong performances of Orlando Martinez and Izzy Wilson. Martinez has raised his season OPS from .786 to .874 over the last week, buoyed by his improving eye at the plate. Wilson had a .500 OBP over the last week as he scored four runs and drove in six. The resurgent Trash Pandas offense has also impressed with their ability to score late.
The trio of Cooper Criswell, Reid Detmers, and Kyle Tyler dominated on the mound last week. Criswell’s historically great start paced the Trash Pandas as he struck out 14 batters over 6 2/3 shutout innings, while only allowing three hits and walking none. Criswell was just the third Angels minor league starter to strike out 14 batters since 2006. Not to be outdone, Detmers matched him in his next start becoming the fourth to accomplish that strikeout total. In the top half of a double-header, Detmers pitched 6 innings, struck out 14, and allowed two runs (on a two-run home run). He also pitched an immaculate first inning, striking out the side on nine pitches. In the second game of the double-header, Kyle Tyler handcuffed Biloxi to the tune of seven innings, two hits, one run, and struck out seven.
As if that wasn’t enough, the Trash Pandas are getting reinforcement in the name of Chris Rodriguez. The Angels #4 prospect was sent down after struggling upon his return from the injured list. There are also talks of Rodriguez getting stretched out in Double-A in the hopes of having him return to a starting pitcher.
High-A: Tri-City Dust Devils (14-27)
Last week: 2-4
The Dust Devils continued to struggle. For every positive that seemed to pop up throughout the week, there tended to be an immediate negative. Hector Yan pitches an amazing game, striking out ten over six shutout innings. Then, Yan gives up eight (five earned) over 3 2/3 innings. Angels #3 prospect Jordyn Adams returns from the injured list, then Adams struggles mightily out of the gate as he tries to regain his timing. Davis Daniel and Ryan Smith even had their impressive seasons slowed over the last week. Daniel only pitched two innings in his last appearance before being removed as a precaution. Smith looked human in his last start. He went six innings, after giving up three first-inning runs (one earned), he only allowed one more while striking out seven. The best performance for Tri-City belonged to Zach Linginfelter, who pitched seven shutout innings, struck out five, and allowed five hits. His season ERA dropped to 2.73 over eight starts.
Low-A: Inland Empire 66ers (19-22)
Last week: 3-3
At the bottom of the Angels minor leagues, the 66ers continue to get strong play from a variety of players. Yet, the name-to-know here is shortstop Jeremiah Jackson. The Angels #5 prospect continues to impress after a slow start to his season. His impressive start to June continues as his power has returned with a vengeance. Jackson hit home runs in back-to-back games last week and his June OPS remains at a remarkable 1.102. Overall, Jackson has seen his OPS climb from .634 at the end of May, to .812 on the season. Jackson’s double-play counterpart, and fellow top prospect, Kyren Paris remains on the injured list. In his place, the Angels demoted Jose Guzman, who struggled at Double-A. Guzman has regained his stroke while playing second base for the 66ers.
Robinson Pina continues to improve for the 66ers. He threw seven shutout innings in his first start last week, striking out nine. Pina’s next appearance proved a bit more difficult, though he still struck out eight batters as he allowed two runs over four innings. Pina’s remarkable 1.08 ERA in his time with Inland Empire means he could soon be ready to once again try his luck in High-A. Jack Dashwood has pitched well this season, with a 2.64 ERA over 30 2/3 innings. His 0.85 WHIP and 41 strikeouts indicate he also could be on the move up the ladder of the Angels minor leagues.
“Main Photo”
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Players Mentioned:
Jack Dashwood, Robinson Pina, Jose Guzman, Kyren Paris, Jeremiah Jackson0, Zach Linginfelter, Hector Yan, Jordyn Adams, Ryan Smith, Davis Daniel, Chris Rodriguez, Kyle Tyler, Cooper Criswell, Orlando Martinez, Izzy Wilson, Tony Watson, Tim Peterson, Jose Quijada, Jaime Barria, Jose Quintana, Mike Trout, Matt Thaiss, Brandon Marsh, Scott Schebler, Jo Adell, Reid Detmers
