With all the success and records of the Texas Ranger Affiliates, the biggest news was the unfortunate injuries that came out. Nobody likes to see a young athlete get hurt. But it is especially hard to see it happen to someone who already was battling back from an injury. It really is tough to watch, and you feel nothing but sympathy for those players.
The biggest blow was from 2017 first round pick Cole Ragans. Ragans went down in 2018 with a UCL tear. That lead to the dreaded Tommy John surgery. Cole had battled back and was expected to start facing batters again real soon. But word came out a few days ago that he will have a second surgery. That means he will not get back on the mound for 14 to 18 months. This is a kick to the gut. A big left-hander, Ragans was outstanding that first summer in Spokane after being drafted.
The second big blow was to prized SS Chris Seise. Touted by some as the possible top prospect in the entire system, Seise went down last year with a shoulder injury. He recovered and started out hot for the Hickory Crawdads. All was good until a headfirst slide into second. Word came out that Siese hurt his other shoulder and would require a second surgery in as many years.
This is two more players to add to the line outside the operating room. Earlier this season it was reported that 2018 draft picks Owen White and Mason Englart would require TJ surgery. Both were part of the de-load program the Rangers instituted last year. Both of them along with Cole Winn was essentially shut down and spent all of last year building up strength and conditioning. Winn came out fine. He actually skipped Spokane to make his pro debut last night for the Hickory Crawdads. Winn went 3 innings and had 58 pitches. He gave up two earned runs and struck out 2 while walking 2.
HICKORY CRAWDADS (A)
Hickory is 26-13 and in second place in the South Atlantic League Northern Division. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games.
Leading Hitter: Jonathan Ornelas is hitting .322 with 4 Home Runs. Leading Pitcher: Yerry Rodriguez. He is 4-1 with a 1.74 ERA over 31 innings with 44 K’s.
DOWN EAST WOOD DUCKS (High A)
Down East is 29-12 and in first place in the Carolina League Southern Division. They are 6-4 over their last 10 games.
Leading Hitter: Leody Taveras is hitting .314 with 2 Home Runs. Leading Pitcher: Jason Bahr is 2-1 with a 2.04 ERA over 35.1 innings with 30 K’s.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS (AA)
Frisco is 23-17 and in first place in the Texas League South Division. They are 5-5 over their last 10 games.
Leading Hitter: Juremi Profar is hitting .319 with 2 Home Runs. Leading Pitcher: Joe Palumbo is 0-0 with a 3.55 ERA over 38 Innings and 50 K’s.
NASHVILLE SOUNDS (AAA)
Nashville is 13-26 and last place in the Pacific Coast League North Division. They are 5-5 in last 10 days.
Leading Hitter: Zack Granite is hitting .302 with 0 Home Runs and 5 Doubles. Leading Pitcher: Brady Feigl 2-0 with a 3.06 ERA over 17.2 innings with 19 K’s
The minor league system is still doing very well. Injuries have been a setback. Down East not only has top prospects but also theist record.
Featured Image: Spokane Indians
