MAJORS
Anthony DeSclafani,
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds may be terrible, as their 57-80 record suggests, but a bright spot for Cincinnati is the way Anthony DeSclafani has pitched this season.
In his last 20 innings, the right-handed starter is 1-1 while allowing five earned runs and striking out 19. His 8-10 record is a product of the team’s poor play, but his 3.75 ERA this year indicates Cincinnati may have a consistent starter for its rotation going forward. The Reds will look to build around young players like DeSclafani after trading away pieces like ace Johnny Cueto at the trade deadline in July.
Preston Tucker,
Houston Astros
After a four-month stay in the MLB, Preston Tucker was sent down to the AAA-level Fresno Grizzlies until rosters expanded on Sept. 1.
Since being recalled, Tucker hasn’t received a ton of playing time, but has gone 3-for-9 in five games for the Astros. Regardless of how Houston finishes the season, Tucker will have produced an encouraging rookie year. He’s slugged 12 home runs and knocked in 32 RBIs to accompany a .253 line so far this year.
Mike Zunino,
Seattle Mariners
Mike Zunino’s season never took off.
After hitting just .160 in the first half of the season as the Mariners’ everyday catcher, he came back in the second half to hit .210. Zunino, the third overall pick in the 2012 MLB Draft, hit just .174 with 11 home runs and 28 RBIs in 112 games this year.
Not only was his average the worst among all catchers with at least 100 games, but also it was the worst among all players with at least 100 games. Zunino was sent to the instructional league once rosters expanded on Sept. 1 and won’t likely be back with the club this season.
MINORS
Harrison Bader,
Peoria Chiefs
The Class-A Peoria Chiefs are in the middle of a playoff run, partly because of Harrison Bader’s play.
Over the last 10 games, Bader hit .300 with three home runs and five RBIs. In 61 total games for the Chiefs and State College Spikes of the New York-Penn League, he’s hit .311 and amassed 11 home runs, 32 RBIs and 17 stolen bases.
Josh Tobias,
Williamsport Crosscutters
The Class-A short-season Williamsport Crosscutters are also in the playoffs with the help of second baseman Josh Tobias.
Tobias has compiled a steady .368 average with one home run, four RBIs and four stolen bases over his last 10 games, showing he’s heating up in time for the postseason. His season line is also pretty gaudy, as he boasts a .321 average with four home runs and 12 stolen bases.
Follow Patrick Pinak on Twitter @Pinakk12
Preston Tucker knocked in a game-high three runs in Florida's 10-2 win against Vanderbilt in Friday night's Southeastern Conference opener.
