Sunday Notes: Matthew Lugo Has Been Boston’s High Performing Prospect

The Portland Sea Canine roster consists of three High 100 prospects, however neither Roman Anthony (15), Marcelo Mayer (42), nor Kyle Teel (83) has been the Double-A affiliate’s greatest participant to this point this season. That distinction belongs to a 23-year-old, shortstop-turned-left-fielder whom the Boston Pink Sox drafted 69th total in 2019 out of the Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy. Together with taking part in stellar protection at a brand new place, Matthew Lugo is slashing .306/.404/.653 with 10 dwelling runs and an Jap League-best 191 wRC+.

Markedly-improved plate self-discipline has performed a giant position in his breakout. Final yr, Lugo logged a 5.9% stroll charge and a 27.6% strikeout charge. This yr these numbers are 13.4% and 22.5%.

The important thing to his newfound means to dominate the strike zone?

“Timing,” defined Lugo, who takes his cuts from the best facet. “Final yr, I had a variety of motion with my fingers, which made me inconsistent being on time with the pitcher. My fingers had been very low, after which once I acquired to the launch place they had been very excessive; there was a variety of distance for my fingers to undergo. This yr, I’m nearer to my launch place earlier than I swing. I additionally had a [bat] wiggle and this yr I simply get to my spot with no wiggle. I’m entering into my spot early and have extra time to see the pitch, so I’m making higher swing choices.”

The choice to maneuver Lugo off of his pure place and into an outfield nook wasn’t based mostly on defensive shortcomings, however fairly on the arrival of Mayer. The high-ceiling shortstop was promoted to Portland final yr on Memorial Day weekend, and given his first-round pedigree, he wasn’t going to be the one transferring.

That Lugo’s major place had been shortstop is itself notable. Ceddanne Rafaela was the displaced infielder’s teammate at a number of ranges arising by means of the Pink Sox system, and it was he, not Lugo, who discovered himself shuttling amongst a number of positions. Together with being one of the best defensive centerfielder within the group, Rafaela is now arguably its greatest defensive shortstop apart from currently-injured Trevor Story.

Lugo was pragmatic when requested what he considers to be his greatest place.

“Left,” the Manati, Puerto Rico native informed me. “My defensive numbers have been superb this yr, and I’m snug on the market. I like taking part in the outfield, and hopefully I’ll get to play some proper discipline, as nicely. I imply, I’m very athletic. I can play quick. I can play third. I can play wherever you set me, regardless of the supervisor wants.”

Positional versatility won’t solely assist Lugo attain the large leagues, it befits his total skillset. Whereas not elite in anyone space, he does most issues nicely.

“I’ve at all times had a bit little bit of every little thing.” concurred Lugo, who’s comes off as equal components humble and assured. “I’m not a man that has essentially the most energy, however I do have energy. And I’m not the quickest man, however I can steal some bases (he has 9 this yr in 10 makes an attempt). I additionally really feel that I’m an clever participant who is aware of methods to make changes; I’m very acutely aware of what I must work on.”

As for his possibilities of in the future taking part in in Boston alongside Rafaela — and/or some mixture of Story, Mayer, Anthony, and Teel — let’s simply say that his eyes have been firmly on the prize since his days as a younger novice.

“After I was 12 or 13, I went to a recreation at Yankee Stadium,” recalled Lugo. “I keep in mind telling my dad, “I do know I’m solely 13, however I really feel like I can play right here, that I could make it to this degree.’ So, I’ve at all times felt in my coronary heart that I might do it. It was only a matter of figuring issues out, and this yr I’m feeling very snug each offensively and defensively. There’s little question in my thoughts that, with God’s will, I’ll play within the huge leagues.”

———

RANDOM HITTER-PITCHER MATCHUPS

Aaron Judge is 5 for five in opposition to Ryan Pressly.

Joe Judge went 8 for 9 in opposition to Johnny Miljus.

Billy Jurges went 11 for 18 in opposition to Orville Jorgens.

Arndt Jorgens went 9 for 23 in opposition to Rube Walberg.

Rube Lutzke went 12 for 23 in opposition to George Mogridge.

———

Braiden Ward is having top-of-the-line seasons within the Colorado Rockies system. The 25-year-old speedster slashed .340/.426/.550 in 115 plate appearances for Excessive-A Spokane, and since being promoted to Double-A Hartford earlier this week he’s gone 6-for-18 with a double, a triple, and a bunt hit. All informed, his 5 three-baggers and 18 stolen bases are tops amongst Rockies farmhands, as is his 184 wRC+..

A Sixteenth-round senior register 2021 out of the College of Washington, Ward has simply seven dwelling runs as an expert, and at a listed 5-foot-9, 160-pounds he’s something however a bopper. The left-handed-hitting outfielder/second baseman is aware of that in addition to anyone.

“I’m not going to be an influence hitter, so I must get on base any means I can,” mentioned Ward, whose 16 instances reaching base through HBP is essentially the most within the minors. “Getting on base and stealing baggage is my recreation. If I’m not doing that, I’m not within the recreation.”

Baseball America ranked Ward the quickest baserunner within the Rockies group, and also you gained’t get any disagreement from the fleet-of-foot teenager. You may from a Triple-A outfielder whom the Rockies acquired from the Tampa Bay Rays in trade for Joe Rock throughout spring coaching, however that’s a part of the enjoyable.

“I’m the quickest man within the org,” mentioned Ward, who defined that he’s run the 60-yard sprint in a quick 6.18 seconds. “It’s between me and Greg Jones. He’s going to say it’s him. I’m going to say it’s me. We’d must race and see.

One thing that Ward’s organizational brethren have already seen is a clubhouse demeanor that differs from his no-nonsense strategy between the white traces.

“Off the sector, I’m Mr. Smile,” Ward informed me. “I’m a goofball. I need to make my teammates snigger. And I additionally don’t play with a chip on my shoulder. I play calm and picked up. I’m not a man who’s going to bat-flip and present up the pitcher. I’m going to do my factor and let him do his factor.”

———

A quiz:

Which pitcher has essentially the most wins in Milwaukee Brewers franchise historical past?

The reply will be discovered beneath.

———

NEWS NOTES

The Detroit Tigers introduced two promotions and a hiring on Thursday.Ryan Garko has been promoted to Vice President, Assistant Basic Supervisor, whereas Georgia Giblin has been promoted to Vice President, Baseball Efficiency Science. Andrew Thomas has joined the group as Vice President, Baseball Analytics.

Cuno Barragan, a catcher who appeared in 69 video games for the Chicago Cubs throughout the 1961-1963 seasons, died earlier this month at age 91. A Sacramento native who logged 33 big-league hits, Facundo Anthony Barragan hit his lone dwelling in his first-ever plate look, a two-run shot in opposition to San Francisco southpaw Richard LeMay at Candlestick Park.

John Upham, a local of Windsor, Ontario who performed in 21 video games for the Chicago Cubs throughout the 1967-1968 seasons, died on Wednesday at age 83. A two-way participant, he made 9 pitching appearances, began a recreation in middle discipline, and was used as a pinch-hitter. Upham went 4-for-13 on the plate and allowed 5 runs in eight-and-a-third aid innings.

——-

The reply to the quiz is Jim Slaton, who was credited with 117 wins whereas pitching for the Brewers from 1971-1977, and once more from 1979-1983.

———

The Pink Sox gained two out of three after they performed the Nationals at Fenway Park earlier this month, however Alex Cora was nonetheless impressed with Dave Martinez’s staff’s younger expertise. After addressing the challenges that include controlling Washington’s working recreation — the Nats presently have 77 steals, second-most in MLB behind Cincinnati’s 82 — Boston’s supervisor mentioned the next:

“They’re very athletic,” Cora informed reporters in his postgame presser. “They’re superb at what they do. They’ve acquired one thing good happening over there… it’s only a matter of time. They’re going to compete. They may compete. They’re trending in the best path.”

———

LATE-MAY STATISTICAL SNAPSHOTS

The Cleveland Guardians have hit 59 dwelling runs to this point this season. Presently final yr they’d 30 dwelling runs.

The Kansas Metropolis Royals had been 15-37 at the moment final yr. This season, Matt Quatraro’s well-balanced membership — the KC offense has produced 53 dwelling runs and 54 stolen bases — boasts the third-best document within the junior circuit at 34-19.

Kansas Metropolis’s Brady Singer has made 11 begins this season. In eight of them he has pitched 5 or extra innings and allowed one or fewer earned runs.

Washington’s Trevor Williams has made 10 begins this season. In seven of them he has pitched 5 or extra innings and allowed one or fewer earned runs.

When Boston’s Nick Pivetta fanned Milwaukee’s William Contreras within the third inning of yesterday’s recreation, he grew to become the sixth Canadian-born pitcher in MLB historical past to succeed in 1,000 strikeouts. Pivetta joins Fergie Jenkins, Ryan Dempster, Erik Bedard, John Hiller, and Kirk McCaskill.

———

The interference call that ended Thursday’s Orioles-White Sox recreation was, by the letter of the regulation, appropriate. Which isn’t to say the umpires ought to have enforced it. As anybody who has considered the video can attest, the “interference” was minimal at greatest and had zero bearing on the play itself. The pitch was popped up, an infield fly rule was known as, the Chicago runner casually retreated to second base, and the Baltimore shortstop effortlessly caught the ball. Once more, the infraction-as-ruled was irrelevant to what transpired on the play.

Would Orioles supervisor Brandon Hyde have challenged — and even thought to problem — had interference not been known as? My guess is not any. As he informed reporters after the sport, “[T]right here was a variety of confusion about it. We escaped there.”

One factor that hasn’t escaped is criticism of the decision. The ruling might nicely have been technically appropriate, however when it comes to the spirit of the sport, it was additionally flawed.

———

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks routed the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles in back-to-back video games this week, On Tuesday, Ryoya Kurihara homered twice and drove in six runs because the Hawks gained 21-0. On Wednesday, Hotaka Yamakawa homered twice and drove in 5 runs to steer the 12-0 shellacking.

Shosei Togo threw the one hundred and first no-hitter in NPB historical past on Friday because the Yomiuri Giants beat the Hanshin Tigers 1-0. The 24-year-old right-hander is 4-2 with a 1.84 on the season.

Yomiuri infielder Hayato Sakamoto hit his 450th profession double earlier this week and is simply the second participant in NPB historical past to succeed in that mark. Kazuyoshi Tatsunami had 487 two-baggers with the Chunichi Dragons from 1988-2009.

Ronnie Dawson is slashing .369/.424/.581 with seven dwelling runs in 224 plate appearances for the KBO’s Kiwoom Heroes. The 29-year-old outfielder performed in three video games for the Houston Astros in 2021, and in a single recreation for the Cincinnati Reds in 2022.

Tae-in Won is 5-2 with a 2.35 ERA in 57-and-a-third innings for the KBO’s Samsung Lions. The 24-year-old right-hander, who performed for Korea within the 2023 WBC, has 47 strikeouts and simply 16 walks.

———

Left on the cutting-room ground from Wednesday’s feature story on Tampa Bay Rays reliever Kevin Kelly had been his ideas on a potential post-playing-career job. Requested what he majored in at James Madison College, Kelly informed me that it was pc science.

“I like video video games, and my mother acquired her masters in pc science, so it was type of a pure,” Kelly added. “Possibly I might be [an analyst in a front office] sometime. That might be cool. Hopefully it wouldn’t occur for a very long time, although.”

———

A random obscure former participant snapshot:

Tom Wiedenbauer completed his temporary big-league profession with a .667 batting common. Born in Menomonee, Wisconsin and drafted out of a Tucson, Arizona highschool by Houston in 1976, the right-handed-hitting outfielder made his MLB debut with the Astros three years later at age 20. His success was each speedy and short-lived. Wiedenbauer got here off the bench to hit a two-run double in his first-ever plate look, performed in two extra video games with out coming to bat, then went 3-for-5 in his fourth and last recreation at baseball’s highest degree. He then spent 4 years within the minors earlier than hanging up the spikes and changing into a coach and a supervisor down on the farm.

———

FARM NOTES

Miguel Ugueto had back-to-back huge video games this week because the Excessive-A Greenville Drive beat the Greensboro Grasshoppers 15-2 and 14-12. The 21-year-old outfielder within the Boston Pink Sox system went a mixed 7-for-10 with a double, a triple, a house run, six runs scored, 5 RBIs, and a stolen base. Ugueto is slashing .312/.356/.430 on the season.

Zebby Matthews is 4-0 with a 1.34 ERA and 51 strikeouts in 40-and-a-third innings between Excessive-A Cedar Rapids and Double-A Wichita. The 24-year-old right-hander within the Minnesota Twins system has issued only one stroll, that coming after his forty ninth Ok of the season.

Garrett Baumann is 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 40 innings for the Low-A Augusta GreenJackets. The 19-year-old right-hander was drafted within the fourth spherical final yr by the Atlanta Braves.

Spencer Giesting has allowed simply 20 hits and three earned runs, and has 46 strikeouts in 41 innings, for the Excessive-A Hillsboro Hops. The 22-year-old left-hander was the Arizona Diamondbacks’ Eleventh-round decide within the 2022 draft.

Yasser Mercedes is 19-for-49 with three doubles, two triples, and 4 dwelling runs with Minnesota’s Florida Advanced League affiliate. Signed by the Twins in January 2022, the 19-year-old outfielder has swiped eight bases in 9 makes an attempt.

———

Milwaukee supervisor Pat Murphy shared a pet-friendly anecdote previous to Friday’s recreation at Fenway Park. The affable skipper associated the next when speaking about Brewers outfielder Sal Frelick:

“In the future in spring coaching, there was a cat or a canine — it was a canine, I feel — within the advanced car parking zone. They tried to seek out the proprietor. They seemed round. They put indicators up. This was after an entire day of spring coaching. He ended up taking the canine dwelling. [Later], he took it to the rightful proprietor. Or one thing. I imply, he spent hours with this canine. He took it dwelling and fed it… he’s an incredible child. I bust his balls regularly, however he is a good human being.”

The “or one thing” caveat provided by Murphy proved prudent. MLB.com’s Adam McCalvy caught as much as Frelick yesterday and realized that the canine’s proprietor was by no means positioned. With spring coaching coming to an finish, man’s greatest pal was subsequently taken to a shelter.

———

Listening to a latest recreation on Royals radio, I realized that Ryne Stanek holds the document for many “begins” of two innings or much less. Now with the Seattle Mariners, the 32-year-old right-hander made 56 such appearances whereas serving as an opener for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2018-2019.

Which pitcher holds the non-opener document for many begins of two innings or much less? The reply is Corridor of Famer Early Wynn, with 40 (he made 611 begins in all). Three pitchers — Tommy John, Johnny Podres, and Nolan Ryan — are tied for second-most with 35.

———

LINKS YOU’LL LIKE

Two years after formally retiring, Andrew Miller has graduated with a Masters in Enterprise Administration from the College of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler Enterprise College. Jerry Crasnick wrote about the erstwhile big-league southpaw’s accomplishment for the MLBPA’s web site.

Winter Haven, Florida’s Chain of Lakes Park — the previous spring coaching dwelling of the Boston Pink Sox and Cleveland Indians — has been torn down. Kevin Reichard has the story at Ballpark Digest.

Pitcher Record’s Carson Picard wrote about how Dylan Stop may need essentially the most ridiculous pitch in baseball.

Does lightning-rod umpire Angel Hernandez deserve his villainous status? Sam Blum and Cody Stavenhagen teamed as much as address that question at The Athletic (subscription required).

A gaggle in South Texas is on a mission to protect the historical past of a semi-professional offshoot of the Negro Leagues.that existed from the Forties into the Seventies. Juana Summers has the story at NPR’s All Issues Thought of.

———

RANDOM FACTS AND STATS

The Pink Sox and Tigers each joined the American League in 1901. Boston batters have hit 14,405 dwelling runs. Detroit batters have hit 14,400 dwelling runs.

There have been 11,111 dwelling runs hit at Tiger Stadium (1912-1999). There have been 13,457 dwelling runs hit at Fenway Park over that span.

Manny Ramirez had 555 dwelling runs and a .338 BABIP
Harmon Killebrew had 573 dwelling runs and a .254 BABIP.

Frank Robinson had 586 dwelling runs and 1,757 singles.
Mark McGwire had 583 dwelling runs and 785 singles.

In 2007, Ryan Howard had 26 doubles, 47 dwelling runs, and 199 strikeouts. In 2008, Howard had 26 doubles, 48 dwelling runs, and 199 strikeouts.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Bryan Reynolds is a mixed 25-for-58 (.431) with eight dwelling runs in opposition to the Pink Sox and Yankees. He’s a mixed 15-for-84 (.179) with no dwelling runs in opposition to the Blue Jays, Orioles, and Rays.

On at the moment’s date in 1959, Pirates left-hander Harvey Haddix took an ideal recreation into the Thirteenth inning earlier than permitting a success, and finally a run, in a 1-0 loss to the Milwaukee Braves. Lew Burdette surrendered a dozen hits in a complete-game effort for the successful facet.

On at the moment’s date in 1994, Lance Parrish hit a Thirteenth-inning walk-off single to provide the Pirates an 11-10 win over the New York Mets. Parrish had three of Pittsburgh’s 18 hits, together with a house run.

Gamers born on at the moment’s date embody Jason Bere, who threw 1,111 innings whereas pitching for 5 groups from 1993-2003. Now a particular assistant in participant growth for the Toronto Blue Jays, Bere was at his greatest early on, going a mixed 24-7, 3.64 with the Chicago White Sox in 1993-1994.

Additionally born on at the moment’s date was Stoney McGlynn, a right-hander who pitched for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1906-1908. Thirty-four years outdated when he debuted, Ulysses Simpson Grant McGlynn went 14-25 with a 2.91 ERA in the course of his three MLB seasons. He’d beforehand excelled with the Tri-State League’s York Penn Parks.