Diamondbacks Hot/Cold Hillsboro Hops Hitters Edition

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 big 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 hitters for the Diamondbacks minor league teams. 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 or not with that current level.

Diamondbacks Hot/Cold Hitters, High-A Hillsboro Hops Edition

Hot: Deyvison De Los Santos
De Los Santos just came up to High-A Hillsboro recently, and over his past 12 games, he has been raking. Santos has hit .365/.389/.635 with 10 runs, 19 hits, 2 doubles, 4 home runs, 10 RBI, 2 walks, and a high 17 strikeouts. That strikeout rate is untenable, but the rest is great. Santos is providing extreme power and great contact ability. He's improving a ton as a prospect.

Cold: Neyfy Castillo
Neyfy has been struggling over his last 11 games. He is hitting a meager .182/.250/.455 with a double, triple, and 3 home runs to go with 6 RBI. The big issue has been the strikeout as he 22 of them over his last 44 at-bats. I don't need to tell you that a 50% K-rate is bad for business. He must get that swing corrected if he wants to get to Double-A.

Hot: A.J. Vukovich
Vukovich is contending with Santos for third base playing time, but that's not stopped him from smashing. Vukovich is batting .354/.426/.542 with 6 doubles, 1 home run, and 14 RBI. He has walked 4 times while striking out 13. The strikeouts are a concern, but he has displayed plenty of speed with 6 stolen bases. He's proving that he needs to be further up prospect rankings.

Cold: Wildred Patino
Patino has been a fine centerfielder, but his bat has cooled of late. He has struck out 13 times with only 4 doubles and 4 RBI. He is hitting .244/.340/.341 in his last 41 at-bats. He has provided elite speed with 8 stolen bases, but he has to get on base for that first.

Hot/Cold: Jordan Lawler
Jordan rejoined Hillsboro after his Future's Game appearance. He has had a mixed time of hot and cold while in High-A. Over his last 10 games, he has hit .256/.319/.419 with 1 double, 2 home runs, 9 RBI, and 2 stolen bases. He walked three times while striking out 17 times. Those strikeouts are worrying, but he's playing against guys way older than him. Plus, over his last 5 games, he has a double, 2 home runs, 8 RBI, 3 walks, 8 strikeouts, and a stolen base. Those are way better numbers. He's getting hot once again High-A, be wary.

Hot Honorable Mentions: Ryan Bliss, Caleb Roberts
Cold Honorable Mentions: Channy Ortiz, Lyle Lin