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The other day, Kyle gave us an in-depth view of the minors. Today, we have some superlatives to offer, for the past month’s top-performances throughout the Twins minor-league system.
All stats updated entering July 1.
Top-Pitcher from June: Griffin Jax
No. 23 Twins top-prospect according to MLB Pipeline, Griffin Jax is this month’s most-outstanding pitcher within the Twins minor-league system. The 3rd-round selection from 2016 was unstoppable in his four starts this past month.
The 24-year-old recorded a 1.40 ERA, 0.830 WHIP and a .183 OPP AVG through his four starts this past month. While Jax did create just eleven strikeouts over his combined 19 and 1⁄3 innings pitched, he did keep the ball from leaving the yard. Which is something he largely struggled with during May.
Honorable Mention: Luis Rijo
The No. 30 top-prospect within the Twins system was an under the radar pick-up from the Lance Lynn trade with Yankees last season. 20-year-old Luis Rijo showed exactly why the Twins wanted him during last season’s trade deadline.
In Rijo’s three starts this past month, he recorded a 0.61 ERA, 0.750 WHIP and .149 OPP AVG in his 14 and 2⁄3 innings pitched. Similar to Jax, Rijo was also able to keep the ball in the yard this past month. If these numbers continue for Rijo into this month, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him promoted to Fort Myers very shortly.
Top-Hitter from June: Brent Rooker
Arguably, the best-power hitter within the Twins minor-league system went off this past week. No. 7 top-prospect Brent Rooker hit nine doubles, six home runs, 28 RBIs and slashed a line of .337/.507/.612/1.120. Following this offensive outburst, Rooker now ranks second on the team for the most home runs and RBIs.
Rooker went through a bit of a power drought through the first two months of the season. So these numbers are very encouraging for the growth his development through the rest of the season.