Diamondbacks top 3 prospects report

Another series win for your beloved Diamondbacks.  In a 2-0 win on Wednesday against Kansas City, ace Zac Gallen absolutely dominated the opposition.  He was without a doubt, the star of the show.  He allowed zero runs, struck out 12, and did not walk a single soul over 6.1 innings.

Evan Longoria laced an RBI single in the bottom of the 4th, providing all the insurance the Arizona pitching staff would need.  Recently called-up Emmanuel Rivera also added an RBI single.  The D-backs are now 14-12 and sit atop the NL West.

But enough about the big leagues, let’s talk about what’s happening down on the farm.  The Reno Aces (AAA) are 11-11, the Amarillo Sod Poodles (AA) are 10-7, the Hillsboro Hops (high-A) are 6-11, and the Visalia Rawhide (low-A) 8-9.

Let’s take a look at how Arizona’s top 3 prospects are performing early in the 2023 season.

Diamondbacks #1 prospect SS Jordan Lawlar is off to a good start

Arizona’s #1 prospect SS Jordan Lawlar was tasked with the assignment of beginning the season in double-A.  So far through 15 games, Lawlar is 13-56 with 12 RBIs and 9 runs.  He has also swatted 4 home runs and stolen 6 bases.

One area of concern for Lawlar so far in 2023 is the number of times he is getting out via the punch out.  Lawlar has struck out 18 times in 15 games and he has a K% of 26 which is considered poor.  On the flip side of that, he has had an eagle eye at the dish;  he is walking in 15% of his plate appearances which is considered excellent!

Lawlar was part of an absolutely wild victory for the Sod Poodles last night.  Amarillo was down 11-1 heading to the bottom of the 7th; somehow they ended up winning the game.  Lawlar hit a 3-run bomb in the bottom of the 8th to make it an 11-10 game.  Then in the bottom of the 10th, Lawlar smoked a single to right field and Ryan Bliss came home to score the game-winning run.  

Comeback complete, walk-off Jordan Lawlar; what a night at Hodgetown.

Diamondbacks #2 prospect OF Druw Jones is off to a slow start

Trust me, I am willing to give this man some grace.  He is still a teenager for crying out loud.  But there is no denying that Jones is off to a freezing-cold start in his debut season in professional ball.

Through 10 games in low-A, Jones is 7-40 (.175 BA) with 5 RBIs and 4 runs.  He has struck out 14 times for a K% of 30; anything above 27% is considered awful.  To be fair, high school pitching and minor league pitching are just a little different (sarcasm), so it might take Jones some time to adjust.

On April 22, Visalia placed Jones on the 7-day injured list. Some time off might allow Jones to clear his head and make some adjustments to his swing so that he can come back better than ever.

Diamondbacks #3 prospect SP Brandon Pfaadt is off to a hot start

Even though Pfaadt is ranked #3 in the Arizona farm system, I think many people will tell you that they have the highest expectations for Brandon.  Rightfully so, because he has all the tools to become an all-star in the MLB.

Through 5 starts (25.1 IP) in Reno, Pfaadt is 2-1 with a 3.91 ERA, 30 K’s, and a 1.18 WHIP.  No, his ERA is not impressive but his strikeout numbers are.  Brandon is averaging 10.66 strikeouts per 9 innings which is considered excellent.

In his last 3 starts, Pfaadt has pitched 17 innings, allowed 5 earned runs (2.65 ERA), and he has recorded 18 K’s.  Don’t be surprised if he gets the call to the bigs here soon…