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Gophers in the Pros: July 2019 Update
7/5/2019 12:31:00 PM | Baseball
With the Major League Baseball All-Star break on the horizon, it is time to once again check in on how former Golden Gophers are performing throughout the professional ranks. As of July, there are currently 14 Minnesota alumni competing through various levels of professional baseball, a number that has risen following the conclusion of the 2019 MLB Draft.
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 continue this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
First, here are the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
A member of the Colorado Rockies organization, Gilbreath ('17) was promoted to the High-A Lancaster JetHawks this season after appearing in 26 games for the Single-A Asheville Tourists in 2018. Gilbreath has started 16 games on the mound for the JetHawks in 2019 and presently sits at 3-5 with a 6.10 ERA. Nonetheless, the 2017 First Team All-Big Ten southpaw has struck out an impressive 72 batters across 76.2 innings in 2019, good for an 8.5 K/9.
Brian Glowicki | RP, Myrtle Beach Pelicans | MiLB.com
Much like his former Minnesota staffmate in Gilbreath, Glowicki ('17) earned a promotion to the Chicago Cubs' High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2019 after spending the entirety of the 2018 season with the Single-A South Bend Cubs. After breezing to a 1.20 ERA with 18 saves for the Cubs last season, Glowicki has experienced quite a few more growing pains this year. Through 19 relief appearances with Myrtle Beach, Glowicki owns a 7.36 ERA to go along with two saves across 33 innings. There are signs that brighter outings may be on the horizon for the Gophers single season saves leader, however, as evidenced by his bullish 9.0 K/9 and the fact he has held the opposition scoreless in four of his last six outings.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
After being selected in the 18th round of the MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies this past June, Lackney ('19) was assigned to the GCL Phillies East of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. In his first two weeks in pro ball, Lackney has made three relief appearances for Phillies East and has yet to allow a run across 3 2/3 innings of work. Lackney has held hitters to a miniscule .167 average against thus far while also recording three strikeouts in the process.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
Meyer ('15) began the 2019 campaign with the AAA New Orleans Baby Cakes, but has since found a new home with the AA Hartford Yard Goats of the Colorado Rockies organization. The former 29th round pick struggled in his first outing with Hartford, but will look to right the ship in his second start as he aims to move up the ranks of the Colorado farm system.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
After beginning the regular season in extended spring training, Rose ('18) has since appeared in four games (two starts) for the Class-A Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Penn League. Although Rose struggled in his first appearance for the Muckdogs, he turned around to fire 13 2/3 consecutive innings of shutout baseball in his three subsequent outings, including 15 strikeouts against just two walks (7.5 K/BB). Now 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA, Rose's stock could be on the rise if he is able to prolong his recent level of performance.
Dalton Sawyer | SP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
Currently assigned to the Oakland Athletics' rookie league affiliate in the Arizona League, Sawyer ('16) continues to rehab 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, GCL Phillies West | MiLB.com
Schulze ('19) preceded former Gophers staffmate Lackney in being drafted by the Phillies organization this past June, as the city of brotherly love selected him in the 7th round and assigned him to GCL Phillies West of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Since cracking the professional ranks, Schulze has appeared in two games out of the bullpen and sports a 0.00 ERA across three innings. In this short debut, batters are hitting just .100 against Schulze, who has also struck out the first three batters of his pro career.
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
A 10th round selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2019 MLB Draft, Stevenson ('19) is pitching as a member of the Billings Mustangs of the rookie-level Pioneer League. In three relief outings, Stevenson owns a 2.45 ERA through 3 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits to accompany five strikeouts and a .167 average against. Stevenson also nailed down the first save of his professional career just over a week ago, blanking the Missoula Osprey for 1 2/3 innings on June 26.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
In his first full season of minor league action after being drafted into the Rockies organization, Vavra ('18) has been raking to the tune of a .324/.414/.509 slash that is bolstered by eight home runs, 57 runs, 42 RBI, and 13 steals. This comes on the heels of an excellent debut campaign in which he batted .302/.396/.467 over the course of 169 at bats with the Class-A Short Season Boise Hawks. With this level of performance, one would be fair to wonder whether a promotion might be on the horizon for the young middle infielder.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Fresh off a 16th round selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wilson ('19) has already blasted two home runs in the rookie-level Appalachian League and is slashing a respectable .267/.353/.422. In 45 at bats, Wilson has accumulated 19 total bases, five RBI, six walks, and swiped the first bag of his young career.
Tom Windle | RP, Lehigh Valley IronPigs | MiLB.com
Windle ('13) was off to a strong start when we last checked in, although he has experienced a minor rough patch over the last month of the season. Still, Windle remains enrooted with the Philadelphia Phillies AAA affiliate, carrying a 7-1 record with a 4.08 ERA in 35 1/3 relief innings this season. As long as the former second round pick can rebound to his early season form, Windle should be on the Phillies radar as the team looks to fill some holes in its struggling relief corps at the senior circuit.
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.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Jess ('16) has added 17 innings of work on the mound since we last checked in, as he continues to churn out a solid campaign for the St. Paul Saints. In 23 relief innings this season, Jess has a 3.52 ERA and has struck out a superb 23 batters, good for an even 9.0 K/9.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
As of the June Gophers in the Pros update, Motl ('16) was struggling at the onset of his second season with the St. Paul Saints, thanks to an unsightly .189/.333/.189 slash across 37 at bats. However, Motl has been on a tear throughout the past month and now owns a robust .348/.437/.397 batting line across 170 plate appearances. In addition to his strong stat line, Motl has driven in 18 runs, scored another 29 runs, stolen 12 bags, and swatted his first home run of the season. To top it all off, Motl's K-rate sits just a hair above 17%, an imposing mark in today's game.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
Snelten ('13) has been quite serviceable for the Chicago Dogs as a starter this season, having allowed three earned runs or less in five of his last six starts. His best outing of the season came on June 15, when he held the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to two runs (one earned) over 7 1/3 innings of work, striking out six. To date, Snelten has fired 45 2/3 innings of 4.13 ERA ball this season, resulting in a 3-2 record for the former San Francisco Giant.
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 continue this legacy of success at the highest level, having been prepared by one of the finest collegiate coaching staffs in the country.
First, here are the Gophers competing in affiliated minor league baseball.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
A member of the Colorado Rockies organization, Gilbreath ('17) was promoted to the High-A Lancaster JetHawks this season after appearing in 26 games for the Single-A Asheville Tourists in 2018. Gilbreath has started 16 games on the mound for the JetHawks in 2019 and presently sits at 3-5 with a 6.10 ERA. Nonetheless, the 2017 First Team All-Big Ten southpaw has struck out an impressive 72 batters across 76.2 innings in 2019, good for an 8.5 K/9.
Brian Glowicki | RP, Myrtle Beach Pelicans | MiLB.com
Much like his former Minnesota staffmate in Gilbreath, Glowicki ('17) earned a promotion to the Chicago Cubs' High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans in 2019 after spending the entirety of the 2018 season with the Single-A South Bend Cubs. After breezing to a 1.20 ERA with 18 saves for the Cubs last season, Glowicki has experienced quite a few more growing pains this year. Through 19 relief appearances with Myrtle Beach, Glowicki owns a 7.36 ERA to go along with two saves across 33 innings. There are signs that brighter outings may be on the horizon for the Gophers single season saves leader, however, as evidenced by his bullish 9.0 K/9 and the fact he has held the opposition scoreless in four of his last six outings.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
After being selected in the 18th round of the MLB Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies this past June, Lackney ('19) was assigned to the GCL Phillies East of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. In his first two weeks in pro ball, Lackney has made three relief appearances for Phillies East and has yet to allow a run across 3 2/3 innings of work. Lackney has held hitters to a miniscule .167 average against thus far while also recording three strikeouts in the process.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
Meyer ('15) began the 2019 campaign with the AAA New Orleans Baby Cakes, but has since found a new home with the AA Hartford Yard Goats of the Colorado Rockies organization. The former 29th round pick struggled in his first outing with Hartford, but will look to right the ship in his second start as he aims to move up the ranks of the Colorado farm system.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
After beginning the regular season in extended spring training, Rose ('18) has since appeared in four games (two starts) for the Class-A Batavia Muckdogs of the New York-Penn League. Although Rose struggled in his first appearance for the Muckdogs, he turned around to fire 13 2/3 consecutive innings of shutout baseball in his three subsequent outings, including 15 strikeouts against just two walks (7.5 K/BB). Now 2-1 with a 3.38 ERA, Rose's stock could be on the rise if he is able to prolong his recent level of performance.
Dalton Sawyer | SP, AZL Athletics Gold | MiLB.com
Currently assigned to the Oakland Athletics' rookie league affiliate in the Arizona League, Sawyer ('16) continues to rehab 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, GCL Phillies West | MiLB.com
Schulze ('19) preceded former Gophers staffmate Lackney in being drafted by the Phillies organization this past June, as the city of brotherly love selected him in the 7th round and assigned him to GCL Phillies West of the rookie-level Gulf Coast League. Since cracking the professional ranks, Schulze has appeared in two games out of the bullpen and sports a 0.00 ERA across three innings. In this short debut, batters are hitting just .100 against Schulze, who has also struck out the first three batters of his pro career.
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
A 10th round selection by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2019 MLB Draft, Stevenson ('19) is pitching as a member of the Billings Mustangs of the rookie-level Pioneer League. In three relief outings, Stevenson owns a 2.45 ERA through 3 2/3 innings, allowing just two hits to accompany five strikeouts and a .167 average against. Stevenson also nailed down the first save of his professional career just over a week ago, blanking the Missoula Osprey for 1 2/3 innings on June 26.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
In his first full season of minor league action after being drafted into the Rockies organization, Vavra ('18) has been raking to the tune of a .324/.414/.509 slash that is bolstered by eight home runs, 57 runs, 42 RBI, and 13 steals. This comes on the heels of an excellent debut campaign in which he batted .302/.396/.467 over the course of 169 at bats with the Class-A Short Season Boise Hawks. With this level of performance, one would be fair to wonder whether a promotion might be on the horizon for the young middle infielder.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Fresh off a 16th round selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Wilson ('19) has already blasted two home runs in the rookie-level Appalachian League and is slashing a respectable .267/.353/.422. In 45 at bats, Wilson has accumulated 19 total bases, five RBI, six walks, and swiped the first bag of his young career.
Tom Windle | RP, Lehigh Valley IronPigs | MiLB.com
Windle ('13) was off to a strong start when we last checked in, although he has experienced a minor rough patch over the last month of the season. Still, Windle remains enrooted with the Philadelphia Phillies AAA affiliate, carrying a 7-1 record with a 4.08 ERA in 35 1/3 relief innings this season. As long as the former second round pick can rebound to his early season form, Windle should be on the Phillies radar as the team looks to fill some holes in its struggling relief corps at the senior circuit.
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.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Jess ('16) has added 17 innings of work on the mound since we last checked in, as he continues to churn out a solid campaign for the St. Paul Saints. In 23 relief innings this season, Jess has a 3.52 ERA and has struck out a superb 23 batters, good for an even 9.0 K/9.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
As of the June Gophers in the Pros update, Motl ('16) was struggling at the onset of his second season with the St. Paul Saints, thanks to an unsightly .189/.333/.189 slash across 37 at bats. However, Motl has been on a tear throughout the past month and now owns a robust .348/.437/.397 batting line across 170 plate appearances. In addition to his strong stat line, Motl has driven in 18 runs, scored another 29 runs, stolen 12 bags, and swatted his first home run of the season. To top it all off, Motl's K-rate sits just a hair above 17%, an imposing mark in today's game.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
Snelten ('13) has been quite serviceable for the Chicago Dogs as a starter this season, having allowed three earned runs or less in five of his last six starts. His best outing of the season came on June 15, when he held the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks to two runs (one earned) over 7 1/3 innings of work, striking out six. To date, Snelten has fired 45 2/3 innings of 4.13 ERA ball this season, resulting in a 3-2 record for the former San Francisco Giant.
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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