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Gophers in the Pros: July 18 Update
7/18/2019 3:30:00 PM | Baseball
With the Major League Baseball season now past its midpoint, Golden Gophers throughout the professional ranks are embarking on the home push. Since we last checked in, the number of Minnesota alumni competing across various levels of professional baseball has risen to 16.
In the Maroon & Gold's history, Minnesota has seen 36 alumni reach the Major Leagues, including two MLB Hall of Famers in Dave Winfield ('73) and Paul Molitor ('77). Each of the following players now look to extend this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
Here are the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
Gilbreath ('17) continues to pitch with the High-A Lancaster JetHawks, although times have not improved much since we last peeked in on the southpaw. In his previous two starts, Gilbreath has allowed nine earned runs across 8 2/3 combined innings of work, resulting in a 9.35 ERA over that span (6.31 ERA overall). On the bright side, the former seventh rounder struck out 11 batters in those two outings and has exhibited a consistent ability to miss bats throughout the entirety of his minor league career. With his next start on the horizon, Gilbreath will look to translate this strength into on-field production.
Brian Glowicki | RP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
As of the July 5 Gophers in the Pros update, Glowicki ('17) was experiencing a tough season on the mound with the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, causing the former 10th round pick to be reassigned to the Single-A South Bend Cubs. The change of scenery may be a blessing in disguise for Glowicki, who appears to have figured things out since the move to the Midwest League. In four appearances for South Bend, Glowicki owns a 2.57 ERA over seven innings, having allowed just two earned runs while scattering five hits. The hot streak has decreased the Downers Grove, Ill. native's 2019 ERA by almost an entire run, down from 7.36 in early July to 6.53. Glowicki is striking out nearly a batter an inning, meaning it is quite possible that the right-hander's newfound success could be here to stay.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
Serving primarily as a reliever to this point in his young pro career, Lackney ('19) has primarily shined, having given up runs in only one of six rookie league appearances. In his first five outings, the southpaw fired 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, coughing up a mere three hits in the process. Lackney's most recent outing did not go as well, however, as he was tagged for four earned runs in a single inning of work. As is often true with relievers, the bad showing resulted in a deceiving 5.40 ERA for Lackney, who has otherwise been outstanding throughout his first month in minor league ball.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
Having recently been shifted into a relief role since joining the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, Meyer ('15) is hoping to turn the page on what has been an otherwise forgettable 2019 campaign. Having begun the season competing as a starter in Triple-A, Meyer was picked up by the Rockies organization and now finds himself working out of the bullpen. In two relief appearances with the club, the 26-year-old right-hander has juxtaposed one good outing with one poor one. Meyer allowed two runs across two innings in his first relief stint, while he hurled two shutout innings with four strikeouts in the latter. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if the transition to the bullpen aids Meyer's pursuit in returning to the big leagues.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
Rose ('18) has been on a tear since joining the Class-A Batavia Muckdogs from extended spring training. Serving as a dual starter-reliever, Rose is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA/1.12 WHIP across 25 innings, including 20 strikeouts to his credit. In his two most recent appearances, the Omaha native registered nine innings on the bump while allowing just two earned runs, bringing his July ERA down to 1.32.
Dalton Sawyer | SP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
There remains no update or timetable for return for Sawyer ('16), who is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery in hopes of resuming his professional career. Prior to the injury, Sawyer registered 149 1/3 innings of 3.56 ERA ball in the minor leagues, reaching as high as the AAA level in 2017. He also whiffed an eye-popping 166 batters during the course of that time.
Brett Schulze | RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters | MiLB.com
On July 5, the Philadelphia Phillies reassigned Schulze ('19) from rookie ball to the short-season Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters. Schulze has looked more than capable at the Single-A level since the promotion, having made two appearances (one start) for Williamsport in which he registered 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball. In total, Schulze has thrown 6 1/3 innings without allowing a single run in his young career after being drafted in the seventh round this past June.
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Stevenson ('19) continues to dominate for the rookie-level Billings Mustangs, carrying a 1.04 ERA/0.92 WHIP across 8 2/3 innings. Better yet, opposing batters have managed just a .138 average against the Minnesota native. Working out of the bullpen to this point, the 10th round pick has made seven appearances, allowing just four hits against a whopping 12 strikeouts. That last number is good for a 12.4 K/9, a rate that will undoubtedly impress the Cincinnati Reds organization and warrant a call-up should Stevenson show his ability to miss bats at such a pace is no fluke.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
Vavra (18') blasted another home run and crossed the plate eight times since the last update, as his season-long slash now sits at an impressive .319/.400/.491 over 326 at bats. The former third round pick's most recent long ball helped raise his counting stats to nine homers, 27 doubles, 65 runs, 45 RBI and fifteen steals. Also of note, the budding infielder is drawing nearly as many walks (48) as strikeouts (54). Vavra remains on the verge of a promotion to the Double-A level in a Colorado Rockies farm system that has no shortage of talented infield prospects.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Off to a formidable start as of early July, Wilson ('19) is in the middle of battling his first slump at the plate as a pro. In the last two weeks, Wilson's average has dropped to .179, a number he will look to bring back above the Mendoza Line in the days ahead. Even with the cold streak, Wilson is getting on base above a .300 clip, indicating that the 16th round pick is still seeing the ball well and poised for a turnaround in the near future. Wilson has tallied 67 at bats in his short career, having already smacked three extra-base hits (two home runs) for Bristol.
Tom Windle | RP, Lehigh Valley IronPigs | MiLB.com
Working out of the pen for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Windle ('13) remains a hot streak away from a potential call-up with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his last five appearances, Windle has thrown 5 2/3 relief innings, allowing four earned runs to go with a remarkable nine strikeouts. Although Windle has not been terrific as of late, the 2013 second round pick maintains a 4.39 ERA in 41 innings this season, highlighted by 43 punch-outs.
In addition to the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball, there are also a few former players chasing the big-league dream in the independent American Association.
Alex Boxwell | OF, Gary SouthShore RailCats | RailCatsBaseball.com
Officially the newest Gopher to the professional realm, Boxwell ('18) signed with the Gary SouthShore RailCats on July 15. Shortly after latching on with the RailCats, Boxwell notched the first hit of his pro career, going three-for-four with a triple, run and stolen base in his debut. In a small sample size of two games, the Coon Rapids, Minn. Native is sporting a .429/.500/.714 slash.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | WCThunderbolts.com
After spending the 2018 season as a member of the Chicago White Sox organization, Coffey latched on with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League this past June. In 26 games for Windy City, Coffey is slashing .220/.281/.305 across 82 at bats. The 2018 Minnesota grad has swatted six extra base hits while drawing starts at multiple infield positions this season, even making two starts in the outfield as well.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Arguably enjoying his best stretch of the season, Jess ('16) has lowered his ERA by nearly half a run during the last two weeks. With 6 2/3 quality innings over that span, the lefty reliever's ERA has dropped to 3.03 over 29 2/3 total innings of work this season. Jess also claims a healthy 8.8 K/9 against a commendable 2.4 BB/9.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Motl ('16) has not slowed down at the plate over the past half-month, as his batting line remains at a flashy .349/.450/.448. Both Motl's batting average and on-base percentage have risen slightly since early July, with the 25-year-old outfielder blasting his second homer of the campaign as well. Overall, Motl has collected 67 hits across 192 at bats, while also raking in seven doubles, three triples, 44 runs, 24 RBI and 14 steals.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
In three starts since the first week of July, Snelten ('13) has tossed two quality starts en route to a 1-0 record. In those outings, the former big leaguer pitched 18 innings, giving up nine earned runs and setting 16 batters down on strikes. Snelten's best outing came on July 7, when he chucked seven shutout innings and was awarded the win versus the Texas Airhogs. The recent trio of starts brings Snelten's record to 4-2 over 12 starts on the season, as the southpaw now boasts a 4.24 ERA across 63 2/3 innings.
For more information on all things tied to Gophers in the Pros, follow the Golden Gophers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching for "Minnesota Baseball."
In the Maroon & Gold's history, Minnesota has seen 36 alumni reach the Major Leagues, including two MLB Hall of Famers in Dave Winfield ('73) and Paul Molitor ('77). Each of the following players now look to extend this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
Here are the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
Gilbreath ('17) continues to pitch with the High-A Lancaster JetHawks, although times have not improved much since we last peeked in on the southpaw. In his previous two starts, Gilbreath has allowed nine earned runs across 8 2/3 combined innings of work, resulting in a 9.35 ERA over that span (6.31 ERA overall). On the bright side, the former seventh rounder struck out 11 batters in those two outings and has exhibited a consistent ability to miss bats throughout the entirety of his minor league career. With his next start on the horizon, Gilbreath will look to translate this strength into on-field production.
Brian Glowicki | RP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
As of the July 5 Gophers in the Pros update, Glowicki ('17) was experiencing a tough season on the mound with the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, causing the former 10th round pick to be reassigned to the Single-A South Bend Cubs. The change of scenery may be a blessing in disguise for Glowicki, who appears to have figured things out since the move to the Midwest League. In four appearances for South Bend, Glowicki owns a 2.57 ERA over seven innings, having allowed just two earned runs while scattering five hits. The hot streak has decreased the Downers Grove, Ill. native's 2019 ERA by almost an entire run, down from 7.36 in early July to 6.53. Glowicki is striking out nearly a batter an inning, meaning it is quite possible that the right-hander's newfound success could be here to stay.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
Serving primarily as a reliever to this point in his young pro career, Lackney ('19) has primarily shined, having given up runs in only one of six rookie league appearances. In his first five outings, the southpaw fired 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball, coughing up a mere three hits in the process. Lackney's most recent outing did not go as well, however, as he was tagged for four earned runs in a single inning of work. As is often true with relievers, the bad showing resulted in a deceiving 5.40 ERA for Lackney, who has otherwise been outstanding throughout his first month in minor league ball.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
Having recently been shifted into a relief role since joining the Double-A Hartford Yard Goats, Meyer ('15) is hoping to turn the page on what has been an otherwise forgettable 2019 campaign. Having begun the season competing as a starter in Triple-A, Meyer was picked up by the Rockies organization and now finds himself working out of the bullpen. In two relief appearances with the club, the 26-year-old right-hander has juxtaposed one good outing with one poor one. Meyer allowed two runs across two innings in his first relief stint, while he hurled two shutout innings with four strikeouts in the latter. Moving forward, it will be interesting to see if the transition to the bullpen aids Meyer's pursuit in returning to the big leagues.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
Rose ('18) has been on a tear since joining the Class-A Batavia Muckdogs from extended spring training. Serving as a dual starter-reliever, Rose is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA/1.12 WHIP across 25 innings, including 20 strikeouts to his credit. In his two most recent appearances, the Omaha native registered nine innings on the bump while allowing just two earned runs, bringing his July ERA down to 1.32.
Dalton Sawyer | SP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
There remains no update or timetable for return for Sawyer ('16), who is rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery in hopes of resuming his professional career. Prior to the injury, Sawyer registered 149 1/3 innings of 3.56 ERA ball in the minor leagues, reaching as high as the AAA level in 2017. He also whiffed an eye-popping 166 batters during the course of that time.
Brett Schulze | RHP, Williamsport Crosscutters | MiLB.com
On July 5, the Philadelphia Phillies reassigned Schulze ('19) from rookie ball to the short-season Single-A Williamsport Crosscutters. Schulze has looked more than capable at the Single-A level since the promotion, having made two appearances (one start) for Williamsport in which he registered 3 1/3 innings of shutout ball. In total, Schulze has thrown 6 1/3 innings without allowing a single run in his young career after being drafted in the seventh round this past June.
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Stevenson ('19) continues to dominate for the rookie-level Billings Mustangs, carrying a 1.04 ERA/0.92 WHIP across 8 2/3 innings. Better yet, opposing batters have managed just a .138 average against the Minnesota native. Working out of the bullpen to this point, the 10th round pick has made seven appearances, allowing just four hits against a whopping 12 strikeouts. That last number is good for a 12.4 K/9, a rate that will undoubtedly impress the Cincinnati Reds organization and warrant a call-up should Stevenson show his ability to miss bats at such a pace is no fluke.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
Vavra (18') blasted another home run and crossed the plate eight times since the last update, as his season-long slash now sits at an impressive .319/.400/.491 over 326 at bats. The former third round pick's most recent long ball helped raise his counting stats to nine homers, 27 doubles, 65 runs, 45 RBI and fifteen steals. Also of note, the budding infielder is drawing nearly as many walks (48) as strikeouts (54). Vavra remains on the verge of a promotion to the Double-A level in a Colorado Rockies farm system that has no shortage of talented infield prospects.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Off to a formidable start as of early July, Wilson ('19) is in the middle of battling his first slump at the plate as a pro. In the last two weeks, Wilson's average has dropped to .179, a number he will look to bring back above the Mendoza Line in the days ahead. Even with the cold streak, Wilson is getting on base above a .300 clip, indicating that the 16th round pick is still seeing the ball well and poised for a turnaround in the near future. Wilson has tallied 67 at bats in his short career, having already smacked three extra-base hits (two home runs) for Bristol.
Tom Windle | RP, Lehigh Valley IronPigs | MiLB.com
Working out of the pen for Triple-A Lehigh Valley, Windle ('13) remains a hot streak away from a potential call-up with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his last five appearances, Windle has thrown 5 2/3 relief innings, allowing four earned runs to go with a remarkable nine strikeouts. Although Windle has not been terrific as of late, the 2013 second round pick maintains a 4.39 ERA in 41 innings this season, highlighted by 43 punch-outs.
In addition to the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball, there are also a few former players chasing the big-league dream in the independent American Association.
Alex Boxwell | OF, Gary SouthShore RailCats | RailCatsBaseball.com
Officially the newest Gopher to the professional realm, Boxwell ('18) signed with the Gary SouthShore RailCats on July 15. Shortly after latching on with the RailCats, Boxwell notched the first hit of his pro career, going three-for-four with a triple, run and stolen base in his debut. In a small sample size of two games, the Coon Rapids, Minn. Native is sporting a .429/.500/.714 slash.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | WCThunderbolts.com
After spending the 2018 season as a member of the Chicago White Sox organization, Coffey latched on with the Windy City Thunderbolts of the Frontier League this past June. In 26 games for Windy City, Coffey is slashing .220/.281/.305 across 82 at bats. The 2018 Minnesota grad has swatted six extra base hits while drawing starts at multiple infield positions this season, even making two starts in the outfield as well.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Arguably enjoying his best stretch of the season, Jess ('16) has lowered his ERA by nearly half a run during the last two weeks. With 6 2/3 quality innings over that span, the lefty reliever's ERA has dropped to 3.03 over 29 2/3 total innings of work this season. Jess also claims a healthy 8.8 K/9 against a commendable 2.4 BB/9.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Motl ('16) has not slowed down at the plate over the past half-month, as his batting line remains at a flashy .349/.450/.448. Both Motl's batting average and on-base percentage have risen slightly since early July, with the 25-year-old outfielder blasting his second homer of the campaign as well. Overall, Motl has collected 67 hits across 192 at bats, while also raking in seven doubles, three triples, 44 runs, 24 RBI and 14 steals.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
In three starts since the first week of July, Snelten ('13) has tossed two quality starts en route to a 1-0 record. In those outings, the former big leaguer pitched 18 innings, giving up nine earned runs and setting 16 batters down on strikes. Snelten's best outing came on July 7, when he chucked seven shutout innings and was awarded the win versus the Texas Airhogs. The recent trio of starts brings Snelten's record to 4-2 over 12 starts on the season, as the southpaw now boasts a 4.24 ERA across 63 2/3 innings.
For more information on all things tied to Gophers in the Pros, follow the Golden Gophers on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching for "Minnesota Baseball."
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Tuesday, March 03
Highlights: Gophers 10, Kansas 3
Saturday, February 28
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Friday, February 27
Highlights: Gophers 7, Kansas 8
Wednesday, February 25