:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63999610/1152539401.jpg.0.jpg)
Each month, Thomas will be jumping in here at Twinkie Town to recap some of the past month’s top-performances throughout the Twins minor-league system. Highlighting the players who had an outstanding month.
All stats updated entering June 1.
Top-Pitcher from May: Jordan Balazovic
No. 19 Twins top-prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Jordan Balazovic is this month’s pitcher of the month. The 5th-round draft selection from 2016 was virtually unhittable in his five starts this past month. Balazovic recorded a 3-0 record along with a 2.13 ERA and 0.67 WHIP during May.
But what was most-impressive about the Canadian pitcher, was his ability to set opposing hitters down on strikes. Balazovic created an eye-popping 35 strikeouts in just 25 and 1⁄3 innings. Those strikeouts also led to Balazovic’s impressive OPP AVG of just .140 as well.
Through his six-starts since being promoted from low-A, Balazovic already is tied for 1st in wins, and ranks 4th in strikeouts on the Fort Myers Miralce.
Honorable Mention: Brusdar Graterol
Arguably the Twins most-skilled pitcher in their entire system, Brusdar Graterol (No. 3 top-prospect) would have likely been featured above if he was able to stay healthy for the entire month. However, the 20-year-old pitched very effectively through his four-starts this past month.
Graterol pitched to a 1.33 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, .214 OPP AVG along with 18 strikeouts through his 20 and a 1⁄3 innings pitched. The only problem for Gaterol is the injury that he sustained towards the end of May. He suffered a shoulder impingement that could sideline the right-hander for multiple weeks.
Top-Hitter from May: Trevor Larnach
The No. 5 top-prospect within the Twins minor-league system was scorching hot this past month. Trevor Larnach hit ten doubles, a triple, four home runs, 17 RBI and slashed a line of .371/.456/.619/1.075 in his 26 games during May.
While the power numbers were quite impressive from Larnach, his walk totals continue to be a bright-spot for the 22-year-old. The 1st-round pick from last year’s draft has continued to display excellent plate discipline wherever he goes. Following Larnach’s 16 BB for this past month, he now is tied for 7th for the most-walks in the FSL this season.
Honorable Mention: Lewin Diaz
22-year-old Lewin Diaz exploded at the plate this past month. Diaz hit eight doubles, one triple, ten home runs, 22 RBI and slashed a line of .317/.351/.702/1.053 in 26 games during May.
Diaz has officially woken-up offensively following his power-less start to the season. The left-hander only hit two extra-base hits through his first 18 games of the season. Following this offensive outburst, Diaz now leads the Miracle’s in home runs, RBI and SLG %.