This Week In Baseball Debuts: The April Edition

This Week In Baseball Debuts: The April Edition
Welcome to the first issue of the This Week In Baseball Debuts newsletter. Inspired by a recent episode
of Effectively Wild, the purpose of this newsletter is to highlight the MLB debuts that have occurred in
the past week. Our goal is to not only inform you about the top prospects you already know but give
you some insight into some of the lesser know players who may only be up for a single cup of coffee.
In putting this together we decided that we shouldn’t leave off any debuts that have occurred this year.
In doing so we realized this would be to much for a single email. With that we decided the first issue
will highlight all of the debuts that occurred in April and next week’s issue will highlight all debuts that
occurred in the month of May. After that it will just be a weekly update that will be sent to your inbox
every Sunday. In addition to this newsletter, a version of these profiles will also appear at Banished To
The Pen.

Adam Cimber, RP
Team: San Diego Padres Debut: March 29, 2018
Adam Cimber is a right handed pitcher who was selected in the 9th round by the San Diego Padres in
the 2013 MLB draft. Cimber is a righty side-arm pitcher. Cimber's pitches top out at around 90 mph.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 3 H | 1 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Ranking (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Jordan Hicks, SP/RP
Team: St. Louis Cardinals Debut: March 29, 2018
Jordan Hicks was a third round pick by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2015 MLB draft out of a Texas
high school. He signed with the Cardinals for $600,000 bonus passing on a scholarship to Tulane.
Hicks was a starting pitcher until he was promoted to High Palm Beach, where he made the first relief
appearances of his professional career. He pitched 3 games in relief including getting a save. Until May
8, Hicks held the record for the fastest pitch of 2018. Unfortunately one of his 100+ mph was fouled off
and severely injured Yadier Molina's testicles.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 7 / NA
Fangraphs: 11 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 6 / NA

Tim Hill, RP
Team: Kansas City Royals Debut: March 29, 2018
Tim Hill was drafted by the Kansas City Royals out of Bacone College in the 32nd round of the 2014
MLB draft. Hill missed the 2015 season after it was found that he had colon cancer during a routine
checkup. He throws side arm because "I cannot really throw the ball overhand,” he said.

Debut Game
0.1 IP 0 Hits 1 ER 0 K 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Yoshihisa Hirano, RP
Team: Arizona Diamondbacks Debut: March 29, 2018
A 12 year professional in Japan, Yoshihisa Hirano was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.
Known for his three-quarters delivery, Hirano throws a mid-90s fastball and a forkball. He was the first
overall pick of the 2005 NPB draft by the Orix Buffaloes. He was converted into a reliever in 2010
where he immediately found success. In 2011 he was named the NPB Middle Reliever of the Year and
led the league in saves in 2014 and 2016. In 2017 he was a member of Japan’s World Baseball Classic

team which lost in the semifinals.

Debut Game
Pitching: 0.1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Brad Keller, RP
Team: Kansas City Royals Debut: March 29, 2018
Brad Keller is a 6 foot 5 inch right handed pitcher from Georgia who was drafted out of high school in
the 8th round by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2013.
Taken by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2017 Rule 5 draft and then sold to the Kansas City Royals. In his
MLB Debut on Opening Day, Keller struck out the very first batter he faced in the MLB, Adam Engel.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 0 Hits | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team/Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 30 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Reference: NA / NA

Yairo Munoz, SS/3B
Team: St. Louis Cardinals Debut: March 29, 2018
Acquired by St. Louis in the Stephen Piscotty trade this past winter, Munoz looks to be a utility bench
bat for the Cardinals. While shortstop is his primary position, he has played second and third in the

minors along with playing the outfield for the first time last year. Scouts have said he's had raw power
but was more of a line drive hitter but after some changes in his mechanics he looks to become another
swing change breakout player.
He looks to only be with the big league club while Jedd Gyorko is on the DL.

Debut Game
Hitting: 1 PA | 1 AB | 0 H | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 12 / NA
Fangraphs: 6 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Shohei Ohtani, SP/DH
Team: Los Angeles Angels Debut: March 29, 2018
If you some how haven't heard of Shohei Ohtani yet I just have to assume you don't even know what
baseball is. Already proving that he is both the best pitcher and the best hitter in Japan, Shohei Ohtani
is attempting to become the first two way player in over a century. The Angels are letting him pitch
once a week and DH all other games except for the day before, during, and after pitching.

Debut Game
Hitting: 5 PA | 5 AB | 1 H | 1 K
Pitching: 6 IP | 3 H | 3 ER | 6 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 1 / 1
Fangraphs: 1 / 1
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Scott Kingery, SS/3B/OF
Team: Philadelphia Phillies Debut: March 30, 2018
Scott Kingery was drafted by the Phillies in the second round of the 2015 MLB draft, he played in the
2017 Futures Game and for the season was the only player at the major or minor league level to have
25 home runs and 25 stolen bases. He signed a 6 year 24 million dollar contract extension before ever
playing a MLB game.
Kingery was a Louisville Slugger High School All-American, but was not offered a single NCAA D1
scholarship. He made the University of Arizona team as a walk-on. In his junior year, Kingery was
named PAC-12 Player of the Year.
Early in life Kingery tasted baseball success, his Little League team won the 2006 West Regional and
made it to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA.
Random Fact: Kingery has an identical twin, Sam, who also played college baseball.

Debut Game
Batting: 5 PA | 2 H | 1SB | 1K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 2 / 34
Fangraphs: 2 / 25
Baseball Prospectus: 3 / 31

Braxton Lee, OF
Team: Miami Marlins Debut: March 30, 2018
A 24 year old outfielder, Braxton Lee was selected in the 12th round of the 2014 MLB draft by the
Tampa Bay Rays. Lee played his college ball at the University of Mississippi. The Rays traded him to
the Miami Marlins in 2017 for Adeiny Hechavarria. Lee won the 2017 Southern League batting title
and played in the 2017 Arizona Fall League All-Star game.

Debut Game
Hitting: 4 PA | 0 H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 14 / NA
Fangraphs: 13 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Joey Lucchesi, SP
Team: San Diego Padres Debut: March 30, 2018
Joey Lucchesi is a left handed pitcher who was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB draft by
the San Diego Padres. Of 2016 MLB draftees, Lucchesi is the first pitcher to make it to the majors, and
second player overall, Austin Hays was the first.
Lucchesi's windup is referred to as "exhausting baseball yoga" by SBNation. Known to throw a
change-up/curve hybrid he calls the "churve."

Debut Game
Pitching: 4.2 IP | 7 H | 3 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 9 / NA
Fangraphs: 7 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Kazuhisa Makita, RP
Team: San Diego Padres Debut: March 30, 2018
Kazuhisa Makita is a right handed pitcher who played 7 professional seasons in the NPB before signing
a 2 year deal with the San Diego Padres in 2018.
Makita was not drafted after college, so he played for the Nippon Express in the Japanese industrial
leagues before being drafted by the Seibu Lions in the 2010 NPB draft. In 2011 Makita was named
NPB Rookie of the Year after saving 22 games. He made the NPB All-Star game in both 2011 and
2013. Makita played for Japan in both the 2013 and 2017 World Baseball Classic. In 2014 he was part
of a combined no-hitter by Samurai Japan, the Japanese national team, against an MLB All -Star team.
Makita is a true submarine pitcher. His delivery has been compared to Chad Bradford. In 2016 he
recorded what was the second slowest pitch in the NPB at 80 mph. This would have been the slowest
pitch in the majors by over 3 mph. This year his average velocity is 79.7 mph. The only person to pitch
slower this year is Diamondback's utility player Daniel Descalso. The next slowest pitcher is Sergio

Romo with an average velocity of 85.5 mph.
While he might pitch slow, Makita is known to work fast. According to Amazin Avenue, "In 2016, he
averaged roughly eight seconds between pitches, which was the fastest in Nippon Professional
Baseball."

Debut Game
Pitching: 1.1 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Billy McKinney, OF
Team: New York Yankees Debut: March 30, 2018
Billy McKinney was a first round pick (24th overall) in the 2013 MLB draft by the Oakland Athletics.
In 2014, A's then traded him to the Cubs with Addison Russell and Dan Straily for Jason Hammell and
Jeff Samardzija. In 2016, the cubs traded McKinney, Adam Warren and fellow 2018 MLB debuter,
Gleyber Torres to the New York Yankees for Aroldis Chapman.
McKinney was on overall top 100 prospects lists for 2015 and 2016, before falling off after a subpar
2016 season.
In his second MLB game, McKinney injured his left shoulder crashing in to the outfield wall and is
currently on the DL.

Debut Game
Hitting: 4 PA | 1H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 19 / NA
Fangraphs: 16 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Pedro Araujo, RP
Team: Baltimore Orioles Debut: March 31, 2018
Pedro Araujo was an international signing from the Dominican Republic by the Chicago Cubs in 2011.
He was chosen by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2nd round of the Rule 5 draft in 2017.
In 2016 Araujo had a 1.73 ERA with a 33% K% and 7% BB%,

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 25 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Luke Bard, RP
Team: Los Angeles Angels Debut: March 31, 2018
Luke Bard was a first round pick of the Minnesota Twins in the 2012 MLB draft. He was picked by the
Angels in the 2017 Rule 5 draft. He is the younger brother of former major league pitcher Daniel Bard.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 2 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 27 / NA
Fangraphs: 19 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Nestor Cortes Jr. RP
Team: Baltimore Orioles Debut: March 31, 2018
Cortes was born in Cuba and attended Hialeah High School in Florida.
Other major leaguers from Hialeah High include: Bucky Dent, Charlie Hough and Alan Wiggins.
A 36th round draft pick by the New York Yankees in 2013, Nestor Cortes Jr. was claimed by the
Baltimore Orioles in the Rule 5 draft in 2017. On April 13 Cortes was returned by the Orioles to the
Yankees.

Debut Game
Pitching: 2 IP | 3H | 1 ER | 1 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Reference: NA / NA

Bobby Poyner, RP
Team: Boston Red Sox Debut: March 31, 2018
Bobby Poyner is a left handed pitcher drafted in the 14th round by the Boston Red Sox in the 2015
MLB draft. A non-roster invitee, Poyner made the opening day roster of the Red Sox.

Debut Game
Pitching: 0.2 IP | 1H | 1ER | 1HR | 0 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 23 / NA
Fangraphs: 19 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Carlos Tocci, CF
Team: Texas Rangers Debut: March 31, 2018
Carlos Tocci is Venezuela native. He signed with the Phillies as an international free agent in 2011.
After being left off of the Phillies 40 man roster in 2017, Tocci was picked in the Rule 5 draft by the
Chicago White Sox before being traded to the Rangers for cash considerations.

Debut Game
Hitting: 4 AB | 0 H | 2 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: 19 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Ryan Yarbrough, SP
Team: Tampa Bay Rays Debut: March 31, 2018
Ryan Yarbrough is a left handed pitcher who was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 20th round
of the 2013 MLB draft but opted to return to Old Dominion. He was then drafted and signed with the
Seattle Mariners in the fourth round of the 2014 draft. In January 2017, the Mariners traded Yarbrough,
Mallex Smith and Carlos Vargas to the Rays for Drew Smyly.
He was listed by FanGraphs as one of the Rays 2017 and 2018 Other Prospects of Note. Eric
Longenhagen writes that Yarbrough has an above-average change-up and a fastball that is tough on
lefties because of his arm slot.

Debut Game
Pitching: 4 IP | 1 H | 1 ER | 3K | 3BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 26 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Ryan Carpenter, SP
Team: Detroit Tigers Debut: April 1, 2018
Ryan Carpenter was drafted out of high school in 2008 by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 21st round, but
decided not to sign and to play basketball at Gonzaga. In 2011 the Rays drafted him again but this time
in the 7th round. In 2014 he was released by the Rays and then signed a minor league contract with the
Colorado Rockies. Following the 2017 season Carpenter elected for free agency and signed with the
Tigers.
Chris Mitchell of FanGraphs citing the 6'5" Carpenter's 25% strikeout rate and 6% walk rate from 2016
said he was "one of the most compelling minor-league free agents on the market."
Carpenter was called-up to serve as the Tigers' 26th-man for the April 1 double-header. After the
double-header he was sent back down to Toledo.

Debut Game
Pitching: 3 IP | 5 H | 3 ER | 2 HR | 3 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Yonny Chirinos, SP
Team: Tampa Bay Rays Debut: April 1, 2018
Yonny Chirinos is a right handed pitcher from Venezuela who signed with the Rays as an international
free agent in 2012.
Chirinos was named the 2017 Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Between AA and AAA, he went 13-5
with a 2.73 ERA and 141 strikeouts in 168.3 IP. On the 2017 Fangraphs Fringe Five Prospect
Leaderboard, Chrinos finished tied for 8th, with three appearances in the Fringe Five and two in the
Next Five.
The sinker is Chirinos's primary pitch and he has been recently developing a slider as a secondary pitch
and his primary breaking pitch.

Debut Game
4 IP 1 H 0 ER 3 K 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 21 / NA
Fangraphs: 22 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Victor Reyes, OF/DH
Team: Detroit Tigers Debut: April 1, 2018
Victor Reyes was signed as an international free agent by the Braves in 2011 and was traded to the
Arizona Diamondbacks in 2015 for a competitive balance draft pick. The Braves used that pick to draft
AJ Minter. Reyes was left off Arizona's 40 man roster and was taken by the Tigers with the first overall
pick in the 2017 Rule 5 draft.
Eric Longenhagen writes, "Reyes is a 23-year-old, switch-hitting outfielder who slashed .292/.332/.399
at Double-A Jackson during the 2017 regular season and then hit .316 and stole 12 bases in 20 Arizona
Fall League games. He’s a plus runner with good hand-eye coordination and feel for contact as a left-
handed hitter. He also lacks any modicum of in-game power and his right-handed swing is a mess.
Scouts are not in unanimous agreement about his defensive ability in center field, though the ones who
think he can play there every day believe he could make up the larger half of a platoon in center. Others
see him as a bench outfielder."

Debut Game
Batting: 1 PA | 1 AB | 0 H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 17 / NA
Fangraphs: 20 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Marcus Walden, RP
Team: Boston Red Sox Debut: April 1, 2018
Marcus Walden was a ninth round pick in the 2007 MLB draft by the Toronto Blue Jays, He missed

most of the 2009 and all of 2010 seasons because of Tommy John surgery among other arm injuries. In
April 2014, he was waived by the Blue Jays and claimed by Athletics. At the end of 2014, Walden was
released by the Athletics and then signed with the Reds. After the Reds released him he spent the 2015
season playing for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. Following the season he was
singed by the Twins. After being released by the Twins, Walden was picked up by the Red Sox for the
2017 season. Last season for Pawtucket, Walden was a true swing-man, he had 29 appearances, 15
starts and 14 in relief.
On April 14, Walden earned his first major league save, pitching three innings to close out the Red Sox
10-3 win over the Orioles.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1.1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 0 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Trevor Richards, SP
Team: Miami Marlins Debut: April 2, 2018
After going undrafted out of Drury University, Trevor Richards played with the Gateway Grizzlies of
the Frontier League in 2015 and 2016. The Miami Marlins signed him away from the Grizzlies during
the 2016 season.
The 24-year-old spent the off season working as a substitute teacher in his native Illinois and also
previously spent an off season working at MillerCoors in Milwaukee.

Debut Game
Pitching: 4.1 IP | 8 H | 5 ER | 1 HR | 5 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Overall / Team)
MLB Pipeline: 5 / NA
Fangraphs: 11 / NA

Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Clay Holmes, SP/RP
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates Debut: April 6, 2018
Clay Holmes was drafted out of Slocomb High School (AL) in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB draft
by the Pittsburgh Pirates. The Pirates gave Holmes a signing bonus $1.2million to forego playing
baseball at Aurburn. He missed the 2014 season with Tommy John surgery.
Fun Fact: His hometown, Slocomb, AL calls itself "The Home of the Tomato" and every June the town
holds an annual tomato festival. The high school teams are the "Red Tops," which I assumed was
something related to tomatoes, but according to an Alabama newspaper article, it is because an early
HS football team wore red helmets, and "at some point, the Indian was adopted as the school’s mascot,
and eventually this Indian became known as the Slocomb Red Top."

Debut Game
Pitching: 2 IP | 2 H | 2 ER | 2 K | 2 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 18 / NA
Fangraphs: 27 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Tyler Kinley RP
Team: Minnesota Twins Debut: April 7, 2018
Kinley is a right handed pitcher who was drafted out of Barry University by the Miami Marlins in the
16th round of the 2013 MLB draft. In 2017 he was left off the Marlins 40-man roster and was selected
by the Twins in the rule 5 draft.
In 2016, Kinley struck out about 32% of batters faced between High-A and Double-A. When he
debuted on April 7, Tyler Kinley became the 19,200th player to play major league baseball.
On May 1, the Twins designated Kinley for assignment and returned to the Marlins, who assigned him
to Triple A New Orleans.
Random Fact: According to the Star Tribune, "Kinley is a great-great-great nephew of former President
William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901. McKinley had two daughters who died young, and
there was concern others in the family would be targeted. 'After he was assassinated, it was suggested
to my forefathers that we drop the first two letters for safety,' Kinley said."

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 1 H | 1 ER | 2 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Tyler Beede, SP
Team: San Francisco Giants Debut: April 10, 2018
Tyler Beede is a right handed pitcher who was a first round pick (14th overall) of the San Francisco
Giants in the 2014 MLB draft. In the 2011 MLB Draft, Beede was the first round (21st overall) of the
Toronto Blue Jays. He was the only first round pick that year not to sign, choosing instead to attend and
play baseball for Vanderbilt University.
Highlights at Vanderbilt included being named to the All-SEC Freshman team, being a finalist for the
Golden Spikes award, and the Dick Howser Trophy. Beede also helped Vanderbilt win the 2014
College Baseball World Series.
His Vanderbilt teammates included: Dansby Swanson, Walker Beuhler, and Carson Fulmer.
According to Minorleaguebaseball.com,"Beede can limit the long ball well and induce soft contact. He
is not a huge strikeout pitcher and never really will be." Beede has a 3/4 arm slot delivery and a fastball
that sits in the 9295 mph range but can hit the upper 90s.

Debut Game
Pitching: 4 IP | 3 H | 2 ER | 6 K | 3 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 4 / NA
Fangraphs: 4 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 3 / NA

Alex Blandino, 2B/3B
Team: Cincinnati Reds Debut: April 10, 2018
Alex Blandino is a 38th round section in the first round of the 2011 MLB draft by the Oakland A’s. He
decided to go to Stanford and reentered the draft in 2014 where he was selected in the first round by the
Cincinnati Reds. He played in the 2017 World Baseball Classic with the Nicaraguan team. Blandino hit
his first major league home run on May 1, 2018 and was caught by notorious ballhawk, Zack Hample.
In a rare moment of kindness for him, Hample gave the ball to Blandino.

Debut Game
Hitting: 3 PA | 3 AB | 0 H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 17 / NA
Fangraphs: 14 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Isiah Kiner-Falefa, 2B/3B/SS
Team: Texas Rangers Debut: April 10, 2018
Isiah Kiner-Falefa was drafted out of Mid-Pacific Institute, Honolulu, HI by the Texas Rangers in the
4th round of the 2013 MLB Amateur Draft. Two picks before Kiner-Falefa, another Hawaii high
schooler was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays, Kean Wong, brother of Kolten Wong.
Kiner-Falefa is right handed and has played several infield positions. He has even played catcher for
over 60 games in the minors. Jeff Zimmerman sees Kiner-Falefa's upside as stealing 15 bases.
Whatever his other tools grade out at, I say he has an 80-grade name.
Personal Tidbit from Mike: I have a friend who graduated from the same high school as Kiner-Falefa.
My friend claims no one famous went there. I wonder if a major league utility infielder counts as
famous.

Debut Game
Batting: 1 PA | 0 H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 28 / NA
Fangraphs: 13 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Tanner Rainey, RP
Team: Cincinnati Reds Debut: April 10, 2018
Tanner Rainey was a second round pick out of University of West Alabama by the Reds in 2015. He
was drafted as a pitcher and first baseman. As a junior Rainey set the school home run record with 19
in the season and was team's closer.
Rainey was used as a starting pitcher his first two seasons in the minors, before being moved back to a
reliever last season. Between High-A and Double-A, he had a record of 3-3 and 13 saves with a 3.19
ERA. Rainey struck out 102, while only allowing 33 walks and 29 hits in 62 innings. His fastball sits in
the high 90s, but needs to improve his control.

Debut Game
Pitching: 2 IP | 2 H | 4 ER | 1 HR | 2 K | 2 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 27 / NA
Fangraphs: 16 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Jaime Barria, SP
Team: Los Angeles Angels Debut: April 11, 2018
Jaime Barria signed out of Panama as an international free agent with the Angels in 2013. Barria was
given a $60,000 signing bonus. In 2016 Barria was named Angels' Pitching Prospect of the Year by
MLB Pipeline.
Barria won his major league debut against the Rangers. In his second start he made the MLB record
book, for most pitches to a single batter. He faced Brandon Belt in a 21-pitch duel that ended with Belt
flying out to right field.

Debut Game
Pitching: 5 IP | 1 H | 1 ER | 1 HR | 3 K | 3 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 7 / NA
Fangraphs: 7 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 9 / NA

Andrew Suarez, SP
Team: San Francisco Giants Debut: April 11, 2018
Andrew Suarez was drafted not once, not twice, but three times. First he was drafted by the Toronto
Blue Jays in the ninth round of the 2011 MLB draft, he decided to go to University of Miami to play
college ball. Then in 2014, Suarez was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 2nd round, but chose
to play another year at Miami. Finally in the 2015 MLB draft Suarez was then drafted by the San
Francisco Giants of the second round of the 2015 MLB draft.
Suarez is less a strikeout pitcher and known more his command and control. On the FanGraphs 2016
Giants Prospect list, Chris Mitchell said Ricky Nolasco was a noteworthy comp to Suarez.

Debut Game
Pitching: 5.1 IP | 4 H | 4 ER |2 HR | 7 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 10 / NA
Fangraphs: 8 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 6 / NA

Colten Brewer, RP
Team: San Diego Padres Debut: April 12, 2018
Colten Brewer was drafted in the fourth round of the 2011 MLB by the Pittsburgh Pirates. Brewer
missed all of the 2014 season battling a variety of injuries. In 2016 he was selected by the New York
Yankees in the second round of the minor-league portion of the Rule 5 draft. After the 2017 season he
signed as a minor league free-agent with the San Diego Padres.
Brewer was lucky in his major league debut because despite allowing four runs none of them were

earned, thanks to a 2-out throwing error by Christian Villanueva.

Debut Game
Pitching: 0.2 IP | 4 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 2 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Zack Weiss, RP
Team: Cincinnati Reds Debut: April 12, 2018
Initially drafted by the Pirates out of high school in the 10th of the 2010 draft, but instead chose to
attend UCLA. In his final year at UCLA, Weiss was exclusively a reliever and helped the Bruins win
their first College World Series title. He was drafted after his junior year, being selected in the 6th
round by the Reds in the 2013 draft.
His major league debut did not go smoothly. He gave up 4 earned runs on 2 home runs and 2 walks
without ever recording an out. He was sent back down to AAA before being able to make another
appearance.
Weiss is currently one of 11 Jewish players in the major leagues. According to his twitter bio, if you
have an inquiries and booking information all you need to do is yell loudly. He claims he will be able to
hear it.

Debut Game
Pitching: 0.0 IP | 2 H | 4 ER | 2 HR | 0 K | 2 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Ronald Guzmán, 1B
Team: Texas Ranger Debut: April 13, 2018
Guzmán is a lefty who signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2011 out of the
Dominican Republic. The Rangers gave him a signing bonus of $3.45 million. Nicknamed "The
Condor" because of his impressive wingspan. He is also known for his athletic, Jean-Claude Van
Damme-style splits at first base.
If Guzman hits the way he is capable of he could become the everyday first baseman for the Rangers
and force Joey Gallo in to an already crowded outfield.

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 8 / NA
Fangraphs: 8 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 3 / NA

Engelb Vielma, 2B/SS
Team: Baltimore Orioles Debut: April 13, 2018
From Venezuela, Vielma was signed by the Twins as amateur free-agent Sept. 2011. His middle name is
"Stalin". Vielma has his own Deadspin tag after having been the property of five different Major
League teams this past off-season. Deadspin updates included anagrams of "Engelb Vielma" including
"Baseman Telling Evil".

Debut Game
Hitting: 0 PA

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Johnny Field, OF
Team: Tampa Bay Rays Debut: April 14, 2018
The Tampa Bay Rays selected Field in the fifth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. Quite
the athlete in high school, Field won state championships in both baseball and wrestling. Field played
his college ball for University of Arizona. He was part of their 2012 College World Series champion
team along with Tampa Bay Ray teammate Rob Refsnyder.
Going hitless in his first game, Field got his first career hit in his second major league game, a double
off of Phillies' Yacksel Ríos.

Debut Game
Hitting: 4 PA | 0 H | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Jacob Nottingham, C
Team: Milwaukee Brewers Debut: April 16, 2018
The Houston Astros selected him in the sixth round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. In July
2015, Astros traded Nottingham and Daniel Mengden to the Oakland A's for Scott Kazmir. Nottingham
was then traded in the the 2016 offseason to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for Khris Davis.
While not a great defensive catcher he does have a lot of raw power resulting in 43 minor league home
runs going into the 2018 season.
Nottingham has a tattoo of Lou Gehrig in honor of both his aunt and grandmother who both passed
away from the disease.

Debut Game
Hitting: 2 PA | 0 H | 1 R | 2 BB

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 26 / NA
Fangraphs: 26 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Gerson Bautista, RP
Team: New York Mets Debut: April 17, 2018
Bautista signed with the Boston Red Sox as an international free agent in April 2013. In 2013 he was
suspended for 50 games following a positive steroid test. He was traded to the Mets as part of the
Addison Russell deal in 2017.
AmazinAvenue writes, "Bautista has a live arm, possessing one of the better fastballs in the system.
The pitch sits in the mid-to-high 90s and regularly touches 100 miles per hour... The control issues that
have historically plagued him stem from the violence in his delivery—he opens early, rarely follows
through in the same position, and sometimes jerks his head to the point that his hat has fallen off."

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 29 / NA
Fangraphs: 15 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Lou Trivino, RP
Team: Oakland Athletics Debut: April 17, 2018
Lou Trivino is a right handed pitcher who was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 11th round of the
2013 Major League Baseball draft. Trivino has been know to hit triple digits with his fastball, but is
also a ground ball pitcher. He did not allow a home run the entire 2017 season in 68 innings between
AA and AAA.
The day after his MLB debut Trivino pitched three innings of shutout relief to earn his first major
league win as the A's beat the White Sox in 14 innings.

Debut Game
Pitching: 1 IP | 2 H | 0 ER | 2 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 27 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Merandy González, P
Team: Miami Marlins Debut: April 19, 2018
Merandy González was signed out of the Dominican Republic by the New York Mets as an
international free agent in March 2013. The righty was then traded to the Miami Marlins for AJ Ramos
in 2017.
Gonzalez has a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90s and also an above average curve-ball. Fish Stripes
writes, "If he is able to improve his changeup to become a solid pitch he could be a starter, but if not he
has the makeup to be in the bullpen."
Gonzalez was demoted to AAA after only two appearances when the Marlins activated Elieser
Hernández from the disabled list.

Debut Game
Pitching: 2 IP | 3 H | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 13 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Tyler O'Neill, OF
Team: St. Louis Cardinals Debut: April 19, 2018
Born and raised in British Columbia, Canada, Tyler is the son of Terry O’Neill who was named Mr.
Canada in 1975 as the country’s top body builder. The Seattle Mariners selected O'Neill in the third
round of the 2013 Major League Baseball draft. O'Neill played on the 2015 Canadian National team
that defeated the US for the gold medal at the Pan-Am games in Toronto. He also played for Canada in

the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In 2016 O'Neill won the Southern League (AA) MVP award while
playing for the Jackson Generals. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 2017 in exchange for
Marco Gonzalez.
Like his father, Tyler is known for his physique but don’t let that make you think he is a total meat
head. Not only can he squat 585 lbs, he can also play Mozart on the piano. Not at the same time though
because that would just be too awesome.

Debut Game
Hitting: 1 PA | 0 H | 1 K

Player Pages
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Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 4 / 91
Fangraphs: 2 / 61
Baseball Prospectus: 8 / NA

Mike Gerber, OF
Team: Detroit Tigers Debut: April 20, 2018
Mike Gerber was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 40th round of the 2010 MLB draft but
declined to sign and enrolled at Creighton University. Gerber was then drafted by the Detroit Tigers in
the 15th round of the 2014 MLB draft.
Gerber is an excellent fielder and can play all three outfield positions, it's just a question if he will hit
enough to be an everyday player or if he will be a fourth OF/ strong-side platoon. He made his major
league debut pinch-running for Miguel Cabrera in the second game of a double-header.

Debut Game
0 PA

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 11 / NA
Fangraphs: 8 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Lourdes Gurriel Jr., 2B/SS
Team: Toronto Blue Jays Debut: April 20, 2018
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. played in the Cuban National Series, the highest level of baseball in Cuba, since the
age of 16.
Following the 2015 Cuban Nationall Series season, Gurriel and his older brother Yuli were allowed to
sign a contract to play for the Yokhoma Baystars of the NPB (Japan Major League) however he never
appeared in a game after being placed on the restricted list for undisclosed reasons.
In February 2016, Gurriel, defected from Cuba with his brother Yuli, following the Caribbean Series in
the Dominican Republic. In August of 2016 Lourdes Gurriel was declared a free-agent. In November
the Blue Jays signed Gurriel to a contract for $22 million over seven years, following his performance
at a showcase in Panama.
Lourdes's older brother Yuli Gurriel plays for the Houston Astros. Their father once managed the
Cuban National Team.

Debut Game
5 PA | 2 H | 1 RBI | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: 13 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Jesse Biddle, RP
Team: Atlanta Braves Debut: April 21, 2018
Jesse Biddle was selected out of Germantown Friends in the first round of the 2010 Major League
Baseball Draft by his hometown team, the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2016 Biddle was traded to Pirates in
exchange for Yoervis Medina. The Pirates then waived him, and Biddle was claimed by the Atlanta
Braves.
In 2011 Baseball America named him the #2 prospect for the Phillies, the following year he was rated
as their #1 prospect. From 2012-2014 he made several overall Top 100 prospect lists.
Biddle had Tommy John surgery following the 2015 season, and missed all of the 2016 season while
rehabbing. According to NBC Sports, besides TJS, Biddle had seasons derailed by whooping cough
and a concussion from being caught in a hailstorm.
In his major league debut, Biddle got the win, pitching a scoreless 9th inning against the Mets before
the Phillies scored 2 in the bottom of the inning to come back and win.

Debut Game
1 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 0 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

David Bote, 3B
Team: Chicago Cubs Debut: April 21, 2018
David Bote was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 18th round of the 2012 Major League Baseball
Draft. In 2017 Bote played in the Arizona Fall League and was chosen to play in the Fall Stars Game.
Bote is listed in the FanGraphs Cubs Prospects "Others of Note" section. Longenhagen writes, "Bote
hit .272/.353/.438 at Double-A Tennessee in 2017 and capped his year with an impressive Arizona Fall
League. Scouts are buying the bat. Bote generates most of his thump with his lower half, and he’s
capable of driving the ball deep into all parts of the outfield. He lacks a position... Some scouts think
he’ll make it work as a bat-first bench option."
According to Shadev Sharma of the Athletic, Bote had one of the highest exit velocities in the Cubs
organization, but the team worked to retool his swing to increase his launch angle.
Bote made his major league debut in his hometown of Denver. He doubled off of Tyler Anderson in his
first major league at-bat.

Debut Game
3 PA | 1 H | 2 K

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 14 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Noel Cuevas, OF
Team: Colorado Rockies Debut: April 22, 2018
Noel Cuevas was drafted out of Puerto Rico by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 21st round of the 2010
Major League Baseball draft. In 2014 Cuevas was selected to the California League All-Star team.
Following the 2014 season Cuevas was traded to the Rockies as the player to be named later to
complete the Juan Nicasio deal.
When playing in Chicago, the Rockies made Cuevas go on a coffee run for the whole team while in full
uniform. The complete order cost Cuevas $111.55, hopefully he has the Starbucks app and it was a
double star day.

Debut Game
3 AB | 0 H | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Gleyber Torres, SS
Team: New York Yankees Debut: April 22, 2018
Gleyber Torres signed with the Chicago Cubs as an international free agent from Venezuela in 2013
before being traded to the Yankees as a part of a package to acquire Aroldis Chapman in 2016.
He was the MVP of the 2016 Arizona Fall League while being the youngest player in the AFL.
He missed most of the 2017 season after having Tommy John surgery on his non-throwing arm after a
headfirst slide into home.

Debut Game
4 AB | 0 H | 1 K

Player Pages
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Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 1 / 5

Fangraphs: 1 / 12
Baseball Prospectus: 1 / 3

Justin Anderson, RP
Team: Los Angeles Angels Debut: April 23, 2018
The Angels selected Justin Anderson in the 14th round of the 2014 MLB draft. Anderson played
college baseball for the University of Texas- San Antonio Roadrunners.
After struggling as a starter, the Angels organization moved Anderson to bullpen following the 2016
season.
Al Melchior in his Bullpen Report said to keep an eye on Anderson citing his swinging strike
percentage being above 16%.

Debut Game
1 IP | 2 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Eric Lauer, SP
Team: San Diego Padres Debut: April 24, 2018
The San Diego Padres selected Lauer out of Kent State in the first round, with the 25th overall
selection, of the 2016 MLB draft. Lauer was initially drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 17th
round of the 2013 MLB draft, but he turned down a $1 million signing bonus to play for Kent State.
In his junior year at Kent State, Lauer had an ERA of 0.69 (very nice). It was the lowest in college
baseball since 1979. He won the 2016 National Pitcher of the Year Award.
Lauer took a thumping in his MLB debut, but being a visiting pitcher at Coors field is tough even for
veterans. According to the San Diego Union Tribune this was Lauer's response to giving up a grand
slam to Trevor Story, 'My first big-league home run is a grand slam,' he would explain afterward, with
another wry smile and shake of his head. 'That’s perfect.'

Debut Game
3 IP | 6 H | 6 ER | 1 HR | 3 K | 4 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 12 / NA
Fangraphs: 26 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 8 / NA

Harrison Musgrave, P
Team: Colorado Rockies Debut: April 23, 2018
The Philadelphia Phillies selected Musgrave in the 33rd round, with the 991st overall selection, of the
2013 MLB draft. He opted not to sign with the Phillies, and returned to West Virginia. The Colorado
Rockies selected Musgrave in the eighth round of the 2014 MLB draft.
Following his freshman season at West Virginia, Musgrave had Tommy john surgery. When Musgrave
returned in 2013 he won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year award.
Musgrave accompanied fellow rookie, Noel Cuevas, when Cuevas made a coffee run for the whole
team. Unlike Cuevas, Musgrave did not go in full uniform.

Debut Game
1 IP | 0 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Ronald Acuña, OF
Team: Atlanta Brave Debut: April 25, 2018
Ronald Acuña comes from a baseball family, his father, brother, uncles, and several cousins all played

in the MLB. He signed as an international free agent in 2014. He wears number 24 as tribute to fellow
Venezuelan, Miguel Cabrera.
Just look at his prospect rankings, when you watch Acuña you could be watching baseball's next
superstar. He reminds many of a young Junior Griffey. Not only in terms of tools, but like Griffey,
Acuña has taken heat for wearing his hat crooked.
Acuña is currently the youngest player in MLB. He was born eight months after Bartolo Colon's major
league debut.

Debut Game
5 PA | 1 H | 1 R | 2 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 1 / 2
Fangraphs: 1 / 2
Baseball Prospectus: 1 / 1

Corey Oswalt, SP
Team: New York Mets Debut: April 25, 2018
Corey Oswalt was drafted by the New York Mets in the seventh round of the 2012 Major League
Baseball Draft.
Oswalt was initially called-up by the Mets on April 10, but did not get in a game before being optioned
back to Las Vegas.Mets manger Mickey Callaway described Oswalt's debut saying, "He was fearless.
He did what we talk about, he went out and attacked."

Debut Game
4.2 IP | 2 H | 2 ER | 1 HR | 4 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 16 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Daniel Palka, OF
Team: Chicago White Sox Debut: April 25, 2018
He was drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 19th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft.
He chose to play college baseball for Georgia Tech instead of signing with the Phillies. After his junior
year, he was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the third round of the 2013 MLB Draft. In June
2015, the Diamondbacks traded Palka to the Twins in exchange for Chris Hermann.
Palka missed half of the 2017 season with a broken finger. In the 2017 off-season the White Sox
claimed him off of waivers.
Eric Longenhagen in 2016 wrote, "Palka has plus raw pull power and gets to all of it in games because
of his pull-happy, uppercut, beer-league softball swing."
Since making his debut, Palka has showed both his power and propensity to swing and miss. In his first
59 at-bats he is slugging .542 with 15 strikeouts and only one walk.

Debut Game
4 PA | 0 H | 1 RBI | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 30 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Eric Stout, RP
Team: Kansas City Royals Debut: April 25, 2018
Stout was drafted out of Butler University by the Kansas City Royals in the 13th round of the 2014
MLB Draft.
Royals Farm Report writes "Stout throws from a lower arm angle than most pitchers. He is part of the
group of low 3/4’s LHPs the Royals covet and have been trying to stockpile. It almost looks like Stout
just slings the ball at times...Stout throws in the low 90’s and uses a change and sweeping type of
curve."

Debut Game
0.2 IP | 2 H | 1 ER | 1 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Rosell Herrera, OF
Team: Cincinnati Reds Debut: April 26, 2018
Herrera was signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2009 by the Colorado Rockies as an international
free-agent. In 2011, Baseball America named him the fifth-best prospect in the Pioneer League.
Following the 2013 season, Herrera made both the Baseball America and MLB.com Top 100 Prospect
lists.
After the 2017 season Herrera was granted free-agency and singed a minor-league contract with the
Cincinnati Reds.

Debut Game
1 PA | 0 H

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Trevor Oaks, SP
Team: Kansas City Royals Debut: April 28, 2018
Trevor Oaks was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 7th round of the 2014 MLB Draft, he was
acquired by the Royals in a 3 way trade including the Royals, Dodgers, and White Sox where Joakim
Soria went from the Royals to the White Sox.
Following his senior of high school Oaks had Tommy John surgery.
Oaks is known for his sinker. In 2016 he led minor-league baseball by inducing 26 double plays while

at Class AA Tulsa.
According to the Athletic, Oaks knows how to play the piano, and would take requests from his
Dodgers minor league teammates.

Debut Game
5 IP | 12 H | 5 ER | 4 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 13 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: 7 / NA

D.J. Snelten, RP
Team: San Francisco Giants Debut: April 28, 2018
He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 30th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball Draft,
but did not sign and played college baseball at the University of Minnesota. After his junior season, he
was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the ninth round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
In 2015 Kiley McDaniel listed Snelten in the Giants "Others of Note" writing, "6’6/215 reliever is
funky and some worry about his long-term health and command, but he has plenty of stuff, sitting 91-
93 and hitting 95 mph with a solid average slurve and usable changeup."
In his debut, Snelten actually got an at-bat. He struck-out.

Debut Game
1.1 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 1 K | 1 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 27 / NA
Fangraphs: 9 / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Nick Kingham, SP
Team: Pittsburgh Pirates Debut: April 29, 2018
Kingham was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round of the 2010 Major League Baseball
draft.
In his big league debut, Kingham carried a perfect game into the seventh inning to lead the Pittsburgh
Pirates to a 5-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals. He joined Johnny Cueto in 2008 as the only pitchers
in the past 100 years with one hit allowed, at least nine strikeouts and no walks in their debuts.

Debut Game
7.0 IP | 1 H | 0 ER | 9 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: 12 / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Jesmuel Valentín, SS/2B
Team: Philadelphia Phillies Debut: April 29, 2018
Jesmuel Valentín is the son of 16-year MLB veteran, Jose Valentín. The Los Angeles Dodgers selected
Valentín from the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy in the first round (51st overall) of the 2012 MLB
Draft. Valentín was then traded to the Phillies in 2014 to complete the trade for Roberto Hernandez.
Valentín missed most of the 2017 season with a separated shoulder.
On this year's Fangraph’s Phillies Prospect list he is listed as "Cistuli's Guy." Carson writes, "On the
four occasions when Valentín has compiled at least 150 plate appearances at a single level — which
occurred 2012-14 with the Dodgers and last year, at Double-A, in the Phillies organization — Valentín
has recorded strikeout rates between 11.6% and 15.6%. He’s recorded isolated-slugging marks between
.105 and .150. He’s played a position that provides slightly above-average defensive value...He
recorded a league-average batting mark following a promotion to Lehigh Valley. There are indications
that, with average development, he could do the same thing in the majors. While playing average-ish
defense, as well."

Debut Game
1 PA | 0 H | 1 K

Player Pages
Baseball Reference

Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

Scott Barlow, SP
Team: Kansas City Royals Debut: April 30, 2018
The Los Angeles Dodgers selected Barlow in the sixth round of the 2011 MLB draft. He signed with
the Dodgers, rather than attend Fresno State. In 2012, he underwent Tommy John surgery. Barlow
became a free agent after the 2017 season, and signed a major league contract with the Royals. Barlow
was actually called up three times in April by the Royals, but only made his debut after his third call-
up.

Debut Game
3.0 IP | 5 H | 1 ER | 1 K | 0 BB

Player Pages
Baseball Reference
Fangraphs

Prospect Rankings (Team / Overall)
MLB Pipeline: NA / NA
Fangraphs: NA / NA
Baseball Prospectus: NA / NA

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