Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Minnesota Twins starter Joe Ryan is quickly becoming the ace of the staff. In a deal that was announced prior to the game, the Twins have locked up Ryan on a 5-year deal that totals $81.98M. Not a bad payday increase from his current $740K salary.

2025	Age 28	$ 4,880,000
2026	Age 29	$10,500,000
2027	Age 30	$17,800,000
2028	Age 31	$24,400,000
2029	Age 32	$24,400,000 (Player Option)
	
Promised Role:	Starting Pitcher

[OmahaBaseball]

It was a special day for New York Yankee slugger Aaron Judge. In the 3 to 1 win over the Colorado Rockies, Judge belted his 300th career homerun and is putting together a special season.

[OmahaBaseball]

The game started off rough for Boston, as they quickly were down 4 runs heading into the bottom of the 1st. Thankfully, the team chipped away at the deficit and were able to take back the lead. On the day, the Boston Red Sox (71-58) topped the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks (66-64) by a 8 to 6 score.

Starter Kutter Crawford was roughed up for 6 earned runs on 8 hits and 2 walks in 3 1/3 innings of play; Game Score 18. Joely Rodriguez contributed a solid 2 innings of relief work in which he did not permit a hit or scoring damage. Anthony Gose (1-0) picked up the victory for his 2 2/3 innings of pitching in which he allowed 1 hit, 1 walk, 2 hit batsman while striking out 5. Liam Hendriks (SV 29) earned the save for a perfect 9th inning. Boston's offense was powered by Marcelo Mayer (3 for 5, 2 Runs, 2 RBI), Rafael Devers (2 for 5, 2 Doubles, 3 RBI), Tyler O'Neill (2 for 3, Double, 2 Runs, Walk), and Vaughn Grissom (2 for 5, Double, 2 Runs).

Arizona starter Merrill Kelly (10-12) was saddled with the loss after he permitted 7 earned runs on 10 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 6 in 5 2/3 innings of play; Game Score 25. Reliever Joe Mantiply (BS 3) failed to deliver as he gave up an earned run on 3 hits, 1 walk, and 1 wild pitch. Paul Blackburn covered the final inning without allowing any additional scoring. The Diamondbacks relied on Alex Thomas (2 for 3, Homerun, Run, 2 RBI), Jordan Lawlar (2 for 4, Homerun, 2 Runs, 2 RBI, Hit-by-Pitch), and Ketel Marte (2 for 4, Double, Run, 2 RBI, Walk) for offense.

Player of the Game: Marcelo Mayer (Season: #3)

AL East Standings: Tied 2nd Place, 3 1/2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

Another game in which Boston fell behind and were forced to mount a late-inning rally. In today's game, the Boston Red Sox (72-58) scored 2 runs in the 8th inning to pick up the win by a 4 to 3 score over the visiting Arizona Diamondbacks (66-65).

A decent performance by starter Brayan Bello (13-11) was sufficient to earn the victory, as he allowed 3 earned runs on 8 hits and 1 wild pitch while striking out 7 in 8 innings of play; Game Score 61. Closer Liam Hendriks (SV 30) once again pitched a perfect final inning to record the save. The Red Sox offense was powered by Ceddanne Rafaela (2 for 3, Triple, Run, RBI, Stolen Base), Jarren Duran (2 for 4, Double, Run), and Marcelo Mayer (2 for 4, RBI, Stolen Base).

Arizona starter Zac Gallen (10-10) was tagged with the loss after he permitted 4 earned runs on 6 hits, 2 walks, and a wild pitch while striking out 8 in 7 2/3 innings of work. Paul Blackburn (BS 2) struggled, as he permitted both of the runners he inherited to score in his 1/3 innings of relief. Gabriel Moreno (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI), Christian Walker (2 for 4, Double, Run, RBI), and Geraldo Perdomo (2 for 4, Double) each had a solid day at the plate.

Player of the Game: Brayan Bello (Season: #4)

AL East Standings: Tied 2nd Place, 3 1/2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

Miami Marlins starter Braxton Garrett has put together a fine season and if his recent start against the Cubs is an indication of things to come, Garrett might soon become a household name throughout the league. In leading his team to victory, Garrett tossed a 1-hit complete game shutout in which he walked 1 and struckout 9; Game Score 93.

[OmahaBaseball]

What a nice week for Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood. In picking up his 1st career NL Player of the Week award, Wood smacked the ball to the tune of a .458 batting average with 3 Doubles, 5 Homeruns, 7 Runs, 7 RBI, and 1 Walk for a slashline of .458/.480/1.208 that generated 0.9 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

New York Yankee slugger Aaron Judge was dialed in at the plate, smashing the ball such that he was named the American League Player of the Week. Judge posted a .500 batting average (11 for 22) with 3 Homeruns, 7 Runs, 7 RBI, and 3 Walks for a slashline of .500/.560/.909 that created 0.6 WAR.

[OmahaBaseball]

It is not by much, but the Philadelphia Phillies (115.7 points) are back in the top spot over the New York Yankees (115.5 points). The Boston Red Sox (105.7 points) moved up 5 spots to occupy the 5th spot. The Colorado Rockies (59.4 points) hold a slim "lead" over the Los Angeles Angels (59.6 points) for the final spot.

Previous week's rankings: https://forums.ootpdevelopments.com/...&postcount=386

[OmahaBaseball]

It is always fun to see which rookie players develop. The following list presents the top rookie starting pitchers who are showing signs of something special.

[OmahaBaseball]

The Dominican Rookie League has announced its 2024 Glove Wizard Award winners, celebrating the top defensive players across the league. The award honors players who have demonstrated outstanding fielding ability and defensive consistency throughout the season. Here are the recipients of the prestigious award by position:

Pitcher:
Victor Juarez (Colorado Rockies 2) showcased pinpoint glove work on the mound, shutting down bunts and come-backers with ease while helping anchor the Rockies’ defensive efforts. In 11 total chances, Juarez made 4 putouts and 7 assists without committing an error.

Catcher:
Jose Medina (Kansas City Royals Glass) stood out behind the plate with his exceptional framing, quick reflexes, and ability to throw out would-be base stealers. Medina had an outstanding season in which he committed just 2 errors in 334 total chances (.994%), and showed flashes of his strong arm.

First Baseman:
Ronny Ugarte (Colorado Rockies 2) made a big impact with his soft hands and smart positioning, making life easier for his infield teammates. His contributions were outstanding, as he fielded 392 total chances without error, had 35 assists, and involved in 46 double plays; soft hands indeed!

Second Baseman:
Leonardo Balcazar (Cincinnati Reds) impressed with his range and smooth double-play turns, becoming a defensive cornerstone up the middle. In 48 games, Balcazar was involved with 171 total chances with just 1 error (.994%) committed, and had 64 putouts, 106 assists, and 30 double plays.

Third Baseman:
Joswa Lugo (Los Angeles Angels) brought the hot corner to life with slick reactions, strong throws, and leadership in the infield. in 49 games. Lugo was taked with 105 total chances in which he committed just 1 error (.990%), and had 31 putouts, 73 assists, and helped turn 13 double plays.

Shortstop:
Erick Lara (Tampa Bay Rays 2) dazzled with his athleticism, making highlight-reel plays while showing elite instincts and arm strength. In the field, Lara committed just 1 error in 243 total chances, while having 90 putouts, 152 assists and turning 43 double plays. At just 17-years old, Lara has the makings of being a special ballplayer.

Left Fielder:
Luis Durango (Cleveland Guardians Blue) patrolled left field with confidence, making tough plays look routine and showing off a reliable glove. While small in size, Durango can cover the field, as evidenced by his perfect fielding record on 92 total chance in 452 2/3 innings.

Center Fielder:
Daniel Lopez (Kansas City Royals Stewart) demonstrated his elite range and sharp reads off the bat, anchoring the outfield with stellar play. With a cannon arm (12.4 ARM Runs), Lopez committed just 1 error in 139 total chances during the 480 2/3 innings he played.

Right Fielder:
Ethan De Cuba (Detroit Tigers 2) rounded out the award winners with his strong arm and dependable defense in right field, helping control the run game. Relying on proper placement and imposing arm strength (8.5 ARM Runs), De Cuba had 2 errors in 99 total chances (.980%) with 1 double play.

These rising stars have set themselves apart with their gloves and are proving that defense remains a critical part of player development in the DSL. As these players continue their climb through the minor league ranks, their defensive excellence will be a strong foundation for future success.

[OmahaBaseball]

Kiner-Falefa’s Late Double Lifts Blue Jays Past Red Sox, 8–4

BOSTON, MA — The Toronto Blue Jays broke open a tight game late at Fenway Park on Monday night, defeating the Boston Red Sox 8–4 behind a strong start from Chris Bassitt and a clutch bases-clearing double by Isiah Kiner-Falefa.

Bassitt (6–13) turned in one of his best outings of the season, working eight innings while allowing three runs on seven hits and striking out seven; Game Score 62. He threw 121 pitches and earned Player of the Game honors for his performance. Chad Green closed the door in the ninth for his 27th save in 28 opportunities, capping off a balanced win for Toronto.

The Blue Jays jumped ahead early, tagging Boston starter Jack Flaherty (13–8) for back-to-back solo home runs by Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the third inning. Boston stayed quiet offensively until the seventh, when a string of hits cut the deficit to 4–3. But Kiner-Falefa’s eighth-inning double with the bases loaded off Nick Pivetta broke the game wide open.

“I was just trying to put the ball in play,” Kiner-Falefa said. “The name of the game is scoring runs. We did a good job of that today.”

Addison Barger led the Toronto offense with three hits, including two doubles and a triple, while Bichette and Guerrero each finished with two hits and an RBI. George Springer chipped in two singles as part of Toronto’s 12-hit attack.

For the Red Sox, Triston Casas went deep in the ninth inning for his 16th homer, and Vaughn Grissom added two hits and an RBI. Boston’s defense faltered, committing two costly errors by Rafael Devers.

The win lifted Toronto to 66–67, while Boston dropped to 72–59. The Blue Jays remain in last place in the AL East but continue to show fight as the season winds down. Boston maintains a 2-game lead for the final Wildcard spot.

Player of the Game: Chris Bassett

AL East Standings: 3rd Place, 3 1/2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

Casas, Mayer Lift Red Sox Over Blue Jays 4–3 at Fenway

Boston, MA — Triston Casas and Marcelo Mayer delivered clutch hits to propel the Boston Red Sox past the Toronto Blue Jays, 4–3, in a tight contest Tuesday night at Fenway Park. Casas was the star of the evening, going 2-for-3 with a home run, a double, and two runs scored. His solo shot off Toronto ace Kevin Gausman in the second inning got Boston on the board, and his seventh-inning double set up the go-ahead rally. Mayer followed with a two-out RBI single to break a 3–3 tie, pushing Boston ahead for good.

Catcher Kyle Teel also chipped in with two hits, including an RBI single, while rookie reliever Justin Slaten (2–2) earned the win after throwing 2⅓ scoreless innings. Closer Liam Hendriks struck out the side in the ninth to notch his 31st save of the season in 34 opportunities.

For Toronto, Cavan Biggio provided all the offense with a three-run homer in the second inning off Tanner Houck. Bo Bichette added two hits and a stolen base, but the Blue Jays were held scoreless over the final seven innings.

Gausman (12–8) went the distance for Toronto in the loss, allowing eight hits and four runs in eight innings with seven strikeouts; Game Score 56. Houck battled through 5⅔ innings for Boston, giving up three runs before handing the ball to the bullpen; Game Score 46.

The Red Sox improved to 73–59, tightening their grip on a potential Wild Card berth, while the Blue Jays fell to 66–68, slipping further behind in the American League standings. A crowd of 33,112 packed Fenway Park under clear skies, cheering as Boston secured yet another hard-fought win in its late-summer push toward the postseason.

Player of the Game: Tristan Casas (Season: #4)

AL East Standings: 2nd Place, 3 1/2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

De La Cruz’s Perfect Night Not Enough as Marlins Fall to Rockies

DENVER, CO — Miami Marlins outfielder Bryan De La Cruz tied a franchise record with five hits Tuesday night, but the effort wasn’t enough as the Marlins fell to the Colorado Rockies, 7–3, at Coors Field.

De La Cruz went a perfect 5-for-5 with four singles and an RBI triple, becoming the first Marlins player this season to record five hits in a game. He singled in the first, third, seventh, and ninth innings, and added a run-scoring triple in the fifth. The performance raised his season batting average to .255 with 10 home runs and 56 RBI.

Despite De La Cruz’s milestone, the Marlins were unable to overcome Colorado’s offensive output. The Rockies scored in five of eight innings, led by Nolan Jones, who homered and doubled while driving in two runs. Brendan Rodgers also contributed a two-run homer, and Adael Amador went 3-for-5 with two RBI.

Miami starter Eury Pérez (8–12) struck out 10 over 5.2 innings but was charged with five earned runs on nine hits. Colorado’s Germán Márquez (9–13) earned the victory, allowing two runs over 5.1 innings with seven strikeouts. Justin Lawrence threw three innings of relief, and José Romero recorded his 29th save.

Jazz Chisholm Jr. added a 3-for-3 night with two RBI for Miami, and Nick Fortes went 2-for-3. The Marlins stranded 12 runners in the loss.

With the result, Miami falls to 69–63 on the season, while Colorado improves to 54–78. De La Cruz was named the game’s Player of the Game for his record-tying performance.

[OmahaBaseball]

San Francisco Giants prospect Esmerlin Vinicio was unanimously named Reliever of the Year for the Dominican Rookie League. In earning the honor, Vinicio posted a 2-1 record with 2 saves and a 1.96 ERA in 41 1/3 innings of play, which was good for 1.4 WAR.