As the Pirates continue to lose – 7 straight heading into Monday's game in DC – some minor leaguers are providing positivity.
AAA indianapolis
Recently promoted RHP Max Kranick, 23, rated the Bucs' 27th-best prospect by MLB Pipeline, recorded his first Triple-A win on June 12 after allowing one hit in 5.0 scoreless innings while striking out a career-high-tying nine batters.
Shea Spitzbarth has not allowed a run in seven straight appearances (8.1ip) and has a 1.32 ERA (13.2ip/2er) in 12 outings this season. The 26-year old righthander has never pitched in the majors.
Anthony Alford is hitting .444 (12-for-27) with two doubles, three homers and eight RBI in nine games this month. Of course, Alford opened the season in Pittsburgh and hit .083 over 11 games.
AA Altoona
Oneil Cruz has reached base safely in each of his last 16 games, going 23-for-60 (.383) with three doubles, a triple, six homers, 17 RBI, .439 on-base percentage, .767 slugging percentage and 1.206 OPS. The 22-year old Cruz, still playing SS, is fifth in the Double-A Northeast League in slugging (.582), tied for sixth in extra base hits (16), HRs (8) and RBI (26), seventh in OPS (.948).
Rodolfo Castro hit .364 with a double, two homers, seven RBI and a 1.030 OPS in Altoona's six-game series against Akron. The 22-year old infielder is tied for third in the league in hits (38) and tied for sixth in RBI (26).
High A Greensboro
Aaron Shackelford had a career-high five RBI on June 10. The 24-year old infielder is tied for the HR the High-A East League with 10 and seventh with 26 doubles.
Lolo Sanchez is hitting .339 (19-for-56) with four doubles, five homers and 12 RBI over his last 16 games. The 22-year old outfielder (and frequent van rider) ranks eighth in the league in OBP (.415) and ninth in OPS (.944).
Carmen Mlodzinski has allowed just two earned runs in 21.1 innings (0.84 ERA) after his first five starts. The 22-year old RHP was the Pirates' second 1st round draft pick in 2020.
Low A Bradenton
Hudson Head currently riding a 23-game on-base streak (.463 OBP in that time). The 20-year old OF, part of the Musgrove trade, is tied for the fifth-most walks (29) in the Low-A Southeast League giving him a .409 OBO to offset his .204 batting average.
Eli Wilson, a 22-year old catcher, is fifth in the league in hitting (.362), fourth in OBP (.538) and sixth in OPS (1.092).
Santiago Florez leads the league with a 1.17 ERA. The 6-5 21 year-old RHP has 45 strikeouts and 7 walks over 30.2 innings.
