The Arizona Diamondbacks have one of the best MiLB systems in the MLB. Their
prospects are ranked among the top 3 in the MLB. That's a huge credit
to the work of GM Mike Hazen and his team It speaks to the hard work of the coaches too. On an off day for the minor leagues, I figured we would take a look at the hot/cold pitchers for the Arizona Diamondbacks minor league teams like the Hillsboro Hops. This is a good reminder of the players that will soon play for the Diamondbacks. It also serves as a potential time journey into the future of who might reach the MLB. These names will be limited to only those that classify as prospects and that aren't in the MLB. Check out the Reno Aces' hot pitchers here.
The Arizona Diamondbacks High-A Hillsboro Hops Hot/Cold Pitchers
Hot: Scott Randall
Scott has started two games in the last two weeks, he went 2-0 with a magnificent 0.66 ERA. In those 13.2 innings, he gave up only 7 hits, 1 run, 2 walks, and struck out 11. This was a great display of control and how to manage multiple starts. If Randall keeps playing like this, he might be in Double-A before the end of the season.
Cold: Luke Albright
I am a believer in Luke's ability, but these were a terrible two weeks for him. In those three starts, he gave up 19 hits, 15 runs, 9 walks, and struck out 12 in 9.1 innings. That's barely over three innings a start. Luke went 0-2 with a 13.50 ERA. His talent is there as evidenced by the strikeouts. It's just a matter of putting it all together. That takes time and will come.
Hot: Jamison Hill
Hill started 2 games in the past 15 days. They were good starts as he managed to put up 12 innings and give up 14 hits, 5 runs, 3 walks, and 11 strikeouts. He displayed a calm ability to work around baserunners. It wasn't a great stretch, but anytime you can allow that much contact and limit it to that few runs, it's a good time.
Cold: Marcos Tineo
Tineo pitched out of the bullpen in 4 games over the last 15 days. He went 7.1 innings, but they were crowded ones. He gave up 5 hits, 5 runs, 7 walks, and 9 strikeouts. The control isn't there yet for Marcos, but he has shown an ability to miss bats, and the strike zone. If he can lower that walk rate, he has the talent to be special.
Hot: Justin Martinez
Martinez has been strutting around the mound coming out of the bullpen in the last two weeks. He saved a game and appeared in 4 total games. Over those 8.2 innings, he struck out 11, walked 6, but gave up only 2 runs. The walks are a big concern, but he managed to not let them score and struck out plenty of batters. Another factor to keep your eye on is his control. Can he lower the walks while upping the strikeouts?
Cold: Avery Short
Short started 2 of the 3 games he has pitched in over the last 15 days. During that time, he went 1-1 over only 5 innings. He gave up 7 runs, 7 hits, 4 walks, and 5 strikeouts. He just needs to reset and figure out how to get back to pitching. He has talent, but has to avoid giving up so much contact and walks.
Hot Honorable Mentions for Hillsboro Hops: Dillon Larsen, Jackson Goddard, Chad Patrick
Cold Honorable Mentions for Hillsboro Hops: Yilber Diaz, Jose Alcantara, Junior Mieses