University of Minnesota Athletics
Players Mentioned
Gophers in the Pros (June 19 Update)
6/19/2018 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
"Gophers in the Pros" will provide a bi-weekly update during the summer months for fans to keep up with former Gopher Baseball players as they compete at the next level.
Austin Athmann (Lakeland Flying Tigers/Tigers A Advanced) MiLB
On the disabled list since June 1, Athmann hit a skid in his last weekend series, 0-for-10 against the Tampa Tarpons, but had been hitting .280 entering the weekend. He has slugged six doubles through 36 games this season, driving in eight runs and crossing the plate eight times. Earlier this month, Athmann learned of his selection to the Florida State League 2018 All-Star Game, but did not play in the game due to his injury status.
Micah Coffey (AZL White Sox/White Sox Rookie) MiLB
The most recent Gopher to turn pro, Coffey wasted little time making an impact on the White Sox rookie league team as he went 1-for-4 with a double, two RBIs, and a walk in his debut on Monday in Arizona.
Matt Fiedler (Peoria Chiefs/Cardinals A) MiLBAs one door closes, another opens. It has been an honor to represent @GopherBaseball for the last 4 years. I'll forever bleed maroon and gold. On to the next part of my journey! Go Gophs! pic.twitter.com/yuOiPVVour
— Micah Coffey (@MJCoffey15) June 15, 2018
Fiedler made things tough for the Minnesota Twins' A-level affiliate in the last weekend of the first half, crushing Cedar Rapids pitching going 5-for-12 with two doubles, a triple, three RBIs, and two runs scored in a three-game series. He had a first-half average of .275 with three doubles, two triples, and two home runs, driving in 17 runs and scoring 13 runs to help the Chiefs clinch a playoff spot.
Lucas Gilbreath (Asheville Tourists/Rockies A) MiLBScore tied at 3-3 in the 9th, Former @GopherBaseball star @MatthewFiedler hit a two-run double to give Peoria a 5-3 lead over the Kernels (who led 3-0 going into the 9th). He's now 2-4 with a double and a triple tonight, and he threw out a runner at home from RF.
— Seth Stohs (@SethTweets) June 17, 2018
After starting his season in the bullpen for the Tourists, Gilbreath has had a successful go in the starting rotation. He has thrown at least 5.0 innings in each of his last six starts and allowed three or fewer runs in 7-of-10 starts including his last five. The lefty allowed seven runs in his first appearance, but has since lowered his ERA to 5.92 and has struck out 68 batters compared to just 16 walks in 59.1 innings of work.
Brian Glowicki (South Bend Cubs/Cubs A) MiLB
Glowicki is a perfect 11-for-11 in save opportunities this season for South Bend, posting a 1.39 ERA in 32.1 innings of work spanning 22 appearances. He has shown an ability to throw multiple innings as well with 10 of his appearances going at least four outs. He has allowed an earned run in just four different outings this season and struck out 30 batters compared to 14 walks.
Jordan Jess (Bradenton Marauders/Pirates A) MiLB
Another reliever, Jess had a string of eight-straight appearances without an earned run allowed earlier this season. Opponents had just four hits against him in a span of 9.2 innings. He has three saves this season, posting a 3.80 ERA in 21.1 innings. He has collected 26 strikeouts to just four walks, an impressive 6.5-to-1 ratio.
Dan Lyons (Long Island Ducks/Atlantic League) ALPB
The legend of Long Island, Dan Lyons returns for another season in the Atlantic League. Lyons has gotten off to a slow start, hitting just .171 on the year but went 1-for-3 with a double helping the Ducks knock off Sugar Land on Monday night. He has five doubles, a home run, 15 RBIs, and 16 runs scored this season in 42 games.
Ben Meyer (New Orleans Baby Cakes/Marlins AAA) MiLB
One of two former Gophers to spend time in the big leagues this season, Meyer made a pair of appearances out of the Marlins bullpen without allowing a run in 3.0 innings but return to New Orleans earlier this week. After making 10 starts for the Baby Cakes, he worked out of the bullpen in his return, striking out three in 2.0 innings on Monday night. He even walked and scored a run in the game.
Dan Motl (Sioux Falls Canaries/American Association) AAAfter Ben Meyer reaches on an error and scores on a balk in the sixth, he comes back with two strikeouts in the seventh.
Time to stretch, 'Cakes lead 7-4.— New Orleans Baby Cakes (@cakesbaseball) June 19, 2018
Motl tripled and scored a run for the Canaries last time out, getting off to a slow start in his second go-around in the American Association. He has hit just .176 with 28 strikeouts on the year, but has made use of his time on base efficiently with seven steals to go with three extra-base hits. He has also crossed the plate eight times in 23 games this season.
DJ Snelten (Norfolk Tides/Orioles AAA) MiLB
After cracking the big leagues with the San Francisco Giants earlier this season, Snelten was picked up by the Baltimore Orioles organization on waivers and returned to AAA. In four appearances for the Giants, he struck out four batters but surrendered five earned runs including a pair of homers in 4.1 innings of work. Since moving to Norfolk, he has thrown 5.0 innings in four appearances, striking out six batters.
Terrin Vavra (TBD/Rockies TBD) MiLB
The Colorado Rockies selected Vavra in the third round of the 2018 MLB Draft.
Tom Windle (Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs/Phillies AAA) MiLB@GopherBaseball thank you for everything. You've done more for me than I could ever explain. It's been an honor to wear maroon and gold next to the best teammates and coaches anyone could ask for. So proud to be a gopher, now it's time for the next step in my journey. Go Gophs pic.twitter.com/brdmX4P6XS
— Terrin Vavra (@TerrinVavra2) June 10, 2018
Another former Gophers reliever off to a strong start this season, Windle has already earned a pair of saves and five victories in 24 appearances out of the bullpen for the Iron Pigs. He picked up the save with a hitless inning on Sunday against Pawtucket. He has struck out 30 batters in 27.2 innings while allowing just 11 walks on the year.
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