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Gophers in the Pros: August 21 Update
8/21/2019 9:22:00 AM | Baseball
With the Minor League Baseball season now just two weeks away from the beginning of postseason play, Golden Gophers throughout the minors are putting the finishing touches on their 2019 campaigns. As it stands today, the number of Minnesota alumni competing across various levels of professional baseball resides at 14.
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 MiLB.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
In each of his last two outings, Gilbreath ('17) has been just one out shy of recording a quality start. On both occasions, the lefty surrendered three earned runs across 5 2/3 innings, striking out a combined 11 batters. By producing back-to-back solid starts, Gilbreath reduced his season ERA to 5.65 across 127 1/3 innings, a mark which has been steadily declining since mid-July. Dating back to July 21, the former seventh round pick owns an even 4.00 ERA with a hefty 44 strikeouts in 36 IP, bringing his season total in that category up to 130.
Brian Glowicki | RP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
Glowicki ('17) has not allowed a run throughout the entire month of August, recently extending his scoreless appearances streak to eight games. During that time, the South Bend right-hander has thrown 12 1/3 shutout innings and fanned 14 hitters while lowering his Midwest League ERA to 1.64. Since his recent change of scenery with the Cubs, Glowicki has turned around his 2019 season and emerged as a nearly unhittable weapon out of the bullpen, striking out 146 batters across 144 1/3 IP on the campaign.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
The 22-year-old rookie southpaw has still not thrown in game action since mid-July, holding a 5.40 ERA across 6 2/3 relief innings this season. As noted previously, Lackney's ('19) season numbers are a bit deceiving, as he has only surrendered runs in one of his six outings. Aside from a four-run showing on July 17, Lackney has thrown 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball for Phillies East and will look to get back out on the mound in the near future.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
On July 21, the Yard Goats placed Meyer ('15) on the 7-day injured list. In his three previous appearances prior to the injury, Meyer tossed six innings, going 1-0 with three earned runs and eight punch-outs. Rose will look to return to the field quickly and finish strong on a campaign that has seen him accumulate a 7.61 ERA over 71 combined innings in AA and AAA.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
August has brought along a surplus of struggles for Rose ('18), who was enjoying an extremely successful year up until the season's last full month. In his previous two outings, the Omaha, Neb. native allowed seven earned runs over 7 1/3 innings on the mound, bringing his August ERA up to 11.32. Even so, Rose is 5-4 with a 4.93 ERA across 49 1/3 IP on the year, which is made more impressive when taking August out of the equation (3.23 ERA). Rose's season-long WHIP is also sitting pretty at 1.16 despite his recent struggles.
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 amounted 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
Despite the promotion from rookie ball to Single-A, minor league hitters have been completely unable to figure Schulze ('19) out. Across 21 innings to start his pro career, Schulze has still not allowed a single earned run, resulting in a pristine 0.00 ERA. 18 of those 21 frames have come since his promotion to the Single-A Crosscutters, during which Schulze has struck out 24 batters while working in a dual starter-reliever role. In total, the 2019 seventh round pick is 1-0 on the season with 27 strikeouts and a .237 batting average against (across two levels of minor league action).
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Stevenson ('19) kicked-off the month by becoming the winning pitcher of the 2019 Pioneer League All-Star Game after chucking one shutout inning of baseball with one strikeout. In regular season action, Stevenson has yielded just one run in the month of August, appearing in four games and registering 2 2/3 IP with four strikeouts. The Waconia, Minn. native is getting stronger as the season progresses, now sporting a terrific 2.35 ERA across 15 1/3 IP with 23 strikeouts and a .211 BAA. Stevenson has also converted five saves out of six opportunities for the Mustangs.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
A model of consistency throughout the duration of the 2019 season, the Tourists placed Vavra ('18) on the seven-day injured list on August 6. Vavra had already produced a three-hit game this month by going a perfect 3-3 on August 2 that featured three RBI. Although the injury may jeopardize the former third round pick's MVP candidacy, his .318/.409/.489 batting line is imposing nonetheless. In terms of counting stats, Vavra has collected 119 hits on the year, headlined by 10 home runs, 32 doubles, 79 runs, 52 RBI and 18 stolen bases.
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Entering the home stretch of his first minor league season, Wilson ('19) has shown a mature ability to handle the multi-dimensional demands of a professional catcher. On August 13, Wilson slugged the fourth homer of his career and now owns a .234/.344/.375 slash to go with 26 runs and 20 RBI. Although catchers often take longer to develop at the plate due to the defensive emphasis put on their game, Wilson has already made positive strides in that regard. On the defensive side, he has made just two errors in 358 total chances behind the dish, good for a .995 fielding percentage.
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, Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks | Pointstreak.com
Following his release from the Gary SouthShore Railcats, Boxwell ('18) quickly latched on with another American Association team in Fargo-Moorhead. In two games with his new team, Boxwell is hitting .800 (four-for-five) with one double, three runs, and one RBI.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | Pointstreak.com
Over the course of his last 10 games, Coffey ('18) is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with one home run. Arguably in the midst of his best stretch since signing with Windy City in early June, Coffey's 2019 slash line has risen to .233/.289/.307 with eight extra base hits, 13 runs and 12 RBI over 47 games.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Jess ('16) notched his sixth win of the season since the last update, as the southpaw has maintained a perfect win-loss record on the season. His ERA stands at 3.47 across 59 2/3 innings on the mound, including 54 strikeouts against just 16 walks.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
An asset to the Saints both in the field and at the plate, Motl ('16) is slashing .337/.425/.436, which translates to a career-high .861 OPS. In addition, the Burnsville, Minn. native now has four home runs in 2019, the most he has ever had in a single season, college included. Motl has swatted 20 extra base knocks in total as part of his 110 hits, boasting 65 runs, 39 RBI and 19 steals as well.
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
In three starts since the last update, Snelten ('13) has pitched seven or more innings and allowed just one earned run in each game. The three-game hot streak translates to a 1.25 ERA across 21 2/3 innings, by far the best stretch of what was already a remarkable season for the lefty. In 103 1/3 IP as a starter in 2019, Snelten boasts a 3.39 ERA with 97 strikeouts.
For other former Gophers that have made their mark in professional baseball, sign-ups for Alumni Weekend (Sept. 27-28) are now open. For inquiries or to reserve a spot in the Pro Alumni Game, please contact Assistant Coach Patrick Casey (casey370@umn.edu) and Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt (mcde0157@umn.edu).
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 MiLB.
Lucas Gilbreath | SP, Lancaster JetHawks | MiLB.com
In each of his last two outings, Gilbreath ('17) has been just one out shy of recording a quality start. On both occasions, the lefty surrendered three earned runs across 5 2/3 innings, striking out a combined 11 batters. By producing back-to-back solid starts, Gilbreath reduced his season ERA to 5.65 across 127 1/3 innings, a mark which has been steadily declining since mid-July. Dating back to July 21, the former seventh round pick owns an even 4.00 ERA with a hefty 44 strikeouts in 36 IP, bringing his season total in that category up to 130.
Lucas Gilbreath gets the start for @JetHawks in tonight's rubber game against Visalia. He's struck out at least 7 batters in each of his last 5 starts (40K/30.1IP). Had fanned 7 batters only once in his previous 16 starts. #Rockies
— Jason Schwartz (@jasondschwartz) August 12, 2019
Brian Glowicki | RP, South Bend Cubs | MiLB.com
Glowicki ('17) has not allowed a run throughout the entire month of August, recently extending his scoreless appearances streak to eight games. During that time, the South Bend right-hander has thrown 12 1/3 shutout innings and fanned 14 hitters while lowering his Midwest League ERA to 1.64. Since his recent change of scenery with the Cubs, Glowicki has turned around his 2019 season and emerged as a nearly unhittable weapon out of the bullpen, striking out 146 batters across 144 1/3 IP on the campaign.
We are heading to extras!
— South Bend Cubs (@SBCubs) August 16, 2019
Sean Barry and Brian Glowicki have combined for 4 shutout innings out of the pen. 1-1 going to the 10th.
Nick Lackney | LHP, GCL Phillies East | MiLB.com
The 22-year-old rookie southpaw has still not thrown in game action since mid-July, holding a 5.40 ERA across 6 2/3 relief innings this season. As noted previously, Lackney's ('19) season numbers are a bit deceiving, as he has only surrendered runs in one of his six outings. Aside from a four-run showing on July 17, Lackney has thrown 5 2/3 innings of shutout baseball for Phillies East and will look to get back out on the mound in the near future.
Ben Meyer | SP, Hartford Yard Goats | MiLB.com
On July 21, the Yard Goats placed Meyer ('15) on the 7-day injured list. In his three previous appearances prior to the injury, Meyer tossed six innings, going 1-0 with three earned runs and eight punch-outs. Rose will look to return to the field quickly and finish strong on a campaign that has seen him accumulate a 7.61 ERA over 71 combined innings in AA and AAA.
Jackson Rose | RHP, Batavia Muckdogs | MiLB.com
August has brought along a surplus of struggles for Rose ('18), who was enjoying an extremely successful year up until the season's last full month. In his previous two outings, the Omaha, Neb. native allowed seven earned runs over 7 1/3 innings on the mound, bringing his August ERA up to 11.32. Even so, Rose is 5-4 with a 4.93 ERA across 49 1/3 IP on the year, which is made more impressive when taking August out of the equation (3.23 ERA). Rose's season-long WHIP is also sitting pretty at 1.16 despite his recent struggles.
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 amounted 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
Despite the promotion from rookie ball to Single-A, minor league hitters have been completely unable to figure Schulze ('19) out. Across 21 innings to start his pro career, Schulze has still not allowed a single earned run, resulting in a pristine 0.00 ERA. 18 of those 21 frames have come since his promotion to the Single-A Crosscutters, during which Schulze has struck out 24 batters while working in a dual starter-reliever role. In total, the 2019 seventh round pick is 1-0 on the season with 27 strikeouts and a .237 batting average against (across two levels of minor league action).
Good changeup down from Brett Schulze for strikeout No. 5 tonight ... Has made a nice adjustment to get the off-speed stuff down in the zone the last two innings pic.twitter.com/fsIJWA4OdG
— Mitch Rupert (@Mitch_Rupert) August 12, 2019
Brett Schulze In 6G with Williamsport: 0-0; 0.00ERA; .268 opp avg; 1.83WHIP; 8.3BB/12.0k per 9
— Phuture Phillies (@PhuturePhilz) August 8, 2019
Jake Stevenson | RHP, Billings Mustangs | MiLB.com
Stevenson ('19) kicked-off the month by becoming the winning pitcher of the 2019 Pioneer League All-Star Game after chucking one shutout inning of baseball with one strikeout. In regular season action, Stevenson has yielded just one run in the month of August, appearing in four games and registering 2 2/3 IP with four strikeouts. The Waconia, Minn. native is getting stronger as the season progresses, now sporting a terrific 2.35 ERA across 15 1/3 IP with 23 strikeouts and a .211 BAA. Stevenson has also converted five saves out of six opportunities for the Mustangs.
Terrin Vavra | SS, Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com
A model of consistency throughout the duration of the 2019 season, the Tourists placed Vavra ('18) on the seven-day injured list on August 6. Vavra had already produced a three-hit game this month by going a perfect 3-3 on August 2 that featured three RBI. Although the injury may jeopardize the former third round pick's MVP candidacy, his .318/.409/.489 batting line is imposing nonetheless. In terms of counting stats, Vavra has collected 119 hits on the year, headlined by 10 home runs, 32 doubles, 79 runs, 52 RBI and 18 stolen bases.
#Rockies #MiLB Terrin Vavra (@TerrinVavra2) garners recognition for "Best Strike-Zone Judgment" in South Atlantic League. @NB_Baseball @wilsonballglove @OldHickoryBats @44ProGuards @FranklinSports https://t.co/Ng30H4R8pl
— Nello Gamberdino II (@npgsports) August 20, 2019
Eli Wilson | C, Bristol Pirates | MiLB.com
Entering the home stretch of his first minor league season, Wilson ('19) has shown a mature ability to handle the multi-dimensional demands of a professional catcher. On August 13, Wilson slugged the fourth homer of his career and now owns a .234/.344/.375 slash to go with 26 runs and 20 RBI. Although catchers often take longer to develop at the plate due to the defensive emphasis put on their game, Wilson has already made positive strides in that regard. On the defensive side, he has made just two errors in 358 total chances behind the dish, good for a .995 fielding percentage.
.@AppyLeague, End 4th: Bristol Pirates 3, Bluefield Blue Jays 2 (Aaron Shackelford and Eli Wilson have gone yard for the @BriBucs). #Pirates #BlueJays #MiLB #AppyLeague
— Tim Hayes (@Hayes_BHCSports) August 13, 2019
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, Fargo-Moorhead Redhawks | Pointstreak.com
Following his release from the Gary SouthShore Railcats, Boxwell ('18) quickly latched on with another American Association team in Fargo-Moorhead. In two games with his new team, Boxwell is hitting .800 (four-for-five) with one double, three runs, and one RBI.
Micah Coffey | IF, Windy City Thunderbolts | Pointstreak.com
Over the course of his last 10 games, Coffey ('18) is hitting .313 (10-for-32) with one home run. Arguably in the midst of his best stretch since signing with Windy City in early June, Coffey's 2019 slash line has risen to .233/.289/.307 with eight extra base hits, 13 runs and 12 RBI over 47 games.
Jordan Jess | RP, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
Jess ('16) notched his sixth win of the season since the last update, as the southpaw has maintained a perfect win-loss record on the season. His ERA stands at 3.47 across 59 2/3 innings on the mound, including 54 strikeouts against just 16 walks.
Dan Motl | OF, St. Paul Saints | SaintsBaseball.com
An asset to the Saints both in the field and at the plate, Motl ('16) is slashing .337/.425/.436, which translates to a career-high .861 OPS. In addition, the Burnsville, Minn. native now has four home runs in 2019, the most he has ever had in a single season, college included. Motl has swatted 20 extra base knocks in total as part of his 110 hits, boasting 65 runs, 39 RBI and 19 steals as well.
2-run double by Blake Schmit, RBI triple by @danmotl9 and a sacrifice fly from @KoolandtheLang lead 5-0 bottom 2. Apparently, there is going to be a Titanic II that will set sail in the future. Would have loved to be in on those meetings.
— St. Paul Saints (@StPaulSaints) August 20, 2019
DJ Snelten | SP, Chicago Dogs | Am-Association.com
In three starts since the last update, Snelten ('13) has pitched seven or more innings and allowed just one earned run in each game. The three-game hot streak translates to a 1.25 ERA across 21 2/3 innings, by far the best stretch of what was already a remarkable season for the lefty. In 103 1/3 IP as a starter in 2019, Snelten boasts a 3.39 ERA with 97 strikeouts.
.@DJSnelten has a new season high with 🔟 strikeouts!
— Chicago Dogs (@TheChicagoDogs) August 15, 2019
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
LISTEN LIVE 📻: https://t.co/DCFdPG6A5s#TakeABite pic.twitter.com/ebfeSwPtly
For other former Gophers that have made their mark in professional baseball, sign-ups for Alumni Weekend (Sept. 27-28) are now open. For inquiries or to reserve a spot in the Pro Alumni Game, please contact Assistant Coach Patrick Casey (casey370@umn.edu) and Pitching Coach Ty McDevitt (mcde0157@umn.edu).
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