Hope in Beantown

[OmahaBaseball]

Ryan Agrees to Extension

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]

Judge Belts 300th HR

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]

Mayer Powers Boston to Victory

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]

Solid Pitching Leads Boston Over Arizona

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]

Garrett Shines in Dominate Outing

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]

Wood Nabs NL Award

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]

Judge Named AL Best

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]

Power Rankings - Week 22

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]

Potential Stars in the Making

It is always fun to see which rookie players develop, and the following list of starting pitchers will be one to keep tabs on. Perhaps after many years of frustrating and disappointing its fan base, the Pirates can keep the tandem of Jared Jones and Paul Skeens happy and healthy.

[OmahaBaseball]

DSL Glove Wizard Award Winners

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]

Vinicio Nabs DSL Reliever of the Year Award

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.

[OmahaBaseball]

Gilbert Masterful as Red Sox Blank Blue Jays, 7–0

Boston, MA – The Boston Red Sox rode a dominant complete-game shutout from Logan Gilbert to a decisive 7–0 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night at Fenway Park. Gilbert was nearly untouchable, scattering just four hits across nine innings and striking out 12 without issuing a walk, carving up the Toronto lineup from start to finish.

The right-hander was in full command, mixing a lively fastball with pinpoint secondary pitches that kept Toronto hitters guessing all evening. Gilbert faced just three batters over the minimum through the first seven innings and retired the final eight he faced to seal his ninth win of the season (9–12, 4.35 ERA); Game Score 89. Of Note, Gilbert was recognized as MLB's Top Performance of the Day.

Boston’s offense backed its ace with an early surge, plating two runs in the second and three more in the fourth to build a commanding lead. Tommy Edman fueled the attack with a pair of two-out doubles and four RBI, while Triston Casas added a run-scoring single. Marcelo Mayer collected three hits, including a leadoff double that sparked the second-inning rally.

Toronto starter Yusei Kikuchi (10–9, 4.36 ERA) struggled to contain Boston’s bats, yielding five runs on seven hits in just 3.2 innings; Game Score 30. The Blue Jays managed only four singles on the night—two from Bo Bichette—and never advanced a runner past second base.

With the win, Boston improved to 74–59, strengthening its push for a Wild Card spot, while Toronto fell to 66–69. The Red Sox will look to keep momentum going as the series continues Thursday night at Fenway Park.

Player of the Game: Logan Gilbert (Season: #2)

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

[OmahaBaseball]

Dominican Rookie League Announces 2024 Platinum Stick Award Winners

SANTO DOMINGO, D.R. — The Dominican Rookie League today announced the recipients of the 2024 Platinum Stick Award, honoring the league’s top offensive performers at each position. The awards recognize excellence in hitting, plate discipline, and overall offensive value across the 2024 season. Selections were based on a combination of advanced analytics — including weighted runs created plus (wRC+), Wins Above Replacement (WAR), and traditional metrics such as batting average, on-base percentage, and slugging percentage — to identify the most impactful hitters in Rookie-level competition.

Catcher: Rafael Escalante (Pittsburgh Pirates Black)
.387/.502/.554, 168 AB, 3 HR, 1 SB, 173 wRC+, 2.6 WAR
Escalante anchored the Pirates’ lineup with elite contact skills and plate discipline, pacing all league catchers in on-base percentage.

First Baseman: Alexander Suárez (San Francisco Giants Orange)
.370/.480/.646, 181 AB, 5 HR, 10 SB, 177 wRC+, 1.9 WAR
Suárez combined power and athleticism, ranking among the league leaders in slugging and extra-base hits.

Second Baseman: Leonardo Balcázar (Cincinnati Reds)
.358/.531/.657, 201 AB, 9 HR, 8 SB, 198 wRC+, 3.9 WAR
Balcázar’s balanced offensive profile and elite on-base skills made him a force at the top of the Reds’ order.

Third Baseman: Rubén Santana (Arizona Diamondbacks Black)
.417/.516/.579, 240 AB, 3 HR, 11 SB, 186 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
Santana led the DSL in batting average and was a consistent threat with runners in scoring position.

Shortstop: Joendry Vargas (Los Angeles Dodgers Mega)
.390/.511/.659, 223 AB, 11 HR, 11 SB, 197 wRC+, 4.1 WAR
Vargas showcased the full five-tool profile that has made him one of the Dodgers’ brightest international prospects, leading all shortstops in WAR.

Left Fielder: Luis Durango (Cleveland Guardians Blue)
.328/.494/.552, 201 AB, 8 HR, 4 SB, 167 wRC+, 3.7 WAR
Durango demonstrated exceptional plate discipline, finishing with one of the league’s top OBPs and driving in key runs for the Guardians.

Center Fielder: Jaison Chourio (Cleveland Guardians Red)
.414/.582/.714, 133 AB, 6 HR, 13 SB, 228 wRC+, 3.2 WAR
Chourio dominated offensively, leading the entire DSL in on-base and slugging percentage while flashing elite athleticism.

Right Fielder: Ángel Mateo (Tampa Bay Rays 1)
.361/.510/.628, 191 AB, 10 HR, 9 SB, 192 wRC+, 3.3 WAR
Mateo provided a blend of power and speed, leading all Rays affiliates in wRC+.

Designated Hitter: Franklin López (Colorado Rockies 1)
.375/.477/.606, 216 AB, 8 HR, 4 SB, 173 wRC+, 2.1 WAR
López’s consistent production and clutch hitting anchored the heart of the Rockies’ order.

“The Platinum Stick Awards represent the best of our international development programs,” said Carlos Méndez, President of the Dominican Rookie League. “These players not only posted incredible offensive numbers, but they also demonstrated professionalism and growth that reflect the future of Major League Baseball.” “Every one of these young athletes made a strong impression on their organizations,” added Luis Peña, the league’s Director of Player Development. “From Joendry Vargas’s five-tool dominance to Jaison Chourio’s plate discipline, the talent level across the league continues to rise.”

[OmahaBaseball]

Red Sox Ride Crawford’s Arm to 3–1 Win Over Blue Jays

Boston, MA – Kutter Crawford was surgical on the mound, spinning eight dominant innings to lead the Boston Red Sox past the Toronto Blue Jays 3–1 at Fenway Park. The win was Boston’s third in a row, while Toronto dropped its third straight contest.

Crawford (11–8) posted a Game Score of 84, allowing just two hits and one unearned run while striking out nine over 95 pitches. The right-hander was efficient and composed, mixing his pitches to keep Toronto hitters off balance all night. Liam Hendriks finished the job with a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out two for his 32nd save of the season. Of Note, Crawford's performance was recognized as MLB's 2nd-Best Performance of the Day.

Trevor Bauer (9-10) matched Crawford through six scoreless frames before Boston broke through in the bottom of the seventh. Pablo Reyes started the rally with a double, and one out later, Tommy Edman crushed a solo home run —his fifth of the year—to open the scoring. Later in the inning, Rafael Devers doubled home two more runs, giving Boston all the offense it needed.

Toronto’s lone run came in the eighth, when pinch-hitter Alan Roden grounded out to score Justin Turner, who had doubled earlier in the frame. Bauer took the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits with nine strikeouts over 6⅔ innings for a Game Score of 53.

Devers led the Boston offense with two hits and two RBI, while Reyes and rookie catcher Kyle Teel each collected two hits of their own. Turner had one of Toronto’s three hits, a double, and scored the team’s only run. With the victory, Boston improved to 75–59, inching closer to postseason position, while Toronto slipped to 66–70.

Player of the Game: Kutter Crawford (Season: #11)

AL East Standings: 2nd Place, 2 Games Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

Ballara Named DSL's Top Manager

As the manager of a rookie league team, Juan Ballara will need to do a lot to move through the Cincinnati Reds organization. After his tremendous success this season, his name is now being noted throughout baseball. In picking up Manager of the Year honors, Ballara led his team to a Dominican Rookie League best-record of 46-14, and which had a .303 team batting average and 4.85 team ERA.

[OmahaBaseball]

Duran Powers Boston to Victory

Detroit, MI — Jarren Duran’s explosive first-inning swing and Brayan Bello’s steady pitching guided the Boston Red Sox to a tight 4–3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Friday night.

Duran wasted no time setting the tone, crushing a three-run homer off Detroit lefty Brant Hurter (8-10) in the opening frame to give Boston an early 3–0 cushion. He later added a single, finishing 2-for-3 with three RBI, a hit-by-pitch, and a key spark that fueled Boston’s fourth straight victory.

Bello (14-11), meanwhile, showcased poise and command through eight strong innings. The Dominican right-hander allowed only two runs on four hits, walking three and striking out five; Game Score 68. Bello’s mix of mid-90s sinkers and changeups kept Detroit’s bats quiet outside of a couple of scattered scoring chances.

Rafael Devers provided insurance with a solo shot in the fifth, his 31st of the season, before Liam Hendriks closed out the ninth for his 33rd save of the season despite surrendering a solo homer to Spencer Torkelson. Boston improved to 76–59, strengthening its postseason hopes alive behind Duran’s timely power and Bello’s workhorse effort, while the Tigers fell to 63-73 on the season.

Player of the Game: Brayan Bello (Season: #5)

AL East Standings: 2nd Place, 1 Game Behind

[OmahaBaseball]

Gonzalez Awarded DSL Pitching Honors

The Tampa Bay Rays have long been known for its depth of organizational talent. The outstanding performance of pitching prospect Cristhofer Gonzalez is another prime example of the depth. In earning 37 of 49 1st-place Outstanding Pitcher Award votes for the Dominican Rookie League, Gonzalez posted a 3-0 record with a 1.14 ERA and 60 strikeouts in just 47 1/3 innings of play.