Minor League Game Thread: July 1, 2019

GCL Astros v. GCL Mets (11:00 CT)

Probable Pitcher: Kyle Serrano

MiLB TV: No

2017 10th rounder Kyle Serrano takes the hill for a second time this season. The oft-injured son of the long time Tennessee Volunteers manager is trying to get his first real pro campaign off the ground and threw a scoreless inning last time out. You can find a run down on notable players on both the GCL and Tri-City rosters here. Catcher Nerio Rodriguez is a potential riser on the roster in the early-going- thus far he’s hitting .417/.462/.667 with a home run at age 19.

Tri-City vs. Staten Island (6:00 CT)

Probable Pitcher: Jayson Schroeder

MiLB TV: Yes

2018 second rounder will try to get his season on track in this one, having struggled greatly thus far with a 17/17 K/BB mark in 12.1 innings. Schroeder has a bevy of starter traits but a lot of work to do to make good on his potential. Behind him will be a lineup headed by 2019 draft picks including Korey Lee and Grae Kessinger, as well as top prospect Luis Santana who has been getting some time at third base.

Quad Cities vs. Clinton (6:30 CT)

Probable Pitcher: Matt Ruppenthal

MiLB TV: No

The River Bandits will be playing extra baseball as they also have a suspended game to complete against Clinton. Promotions have taken a toll on the Quad Cities roster, but there is still plenty of talent in the mix. Top prospect Freudis Nova is filling a regular role, and ranked prospects Alex McKenna and Ross Adolph comprise two thirds of the outfield.

Fayetteville vs. Salem (6:00 CT)

Probable Pitcher: TBD

MiLB TV: Yes

The starting pitcher is yet to be announced in this one, but notable offensive prospects still make the Woodpeckers an appealing draw. Roving infielder Enmanuel Valdez is a projectable hitter with stock on the rise, and up-the-middle wiz Jeremy Pena has hit the ground running in the Carolina league after his recent promotion. The Woodpeckers also feature a number of interesting relief arms such as Jojanse Torres who could get in on the action.

Corpus Christi vs. Frisco (7:05 CT)

Probable Pitcher: Brandon Bailey

MiLB TV: Yes

The Hooks are a strong viewing option tonight with 5’10” starter Brandon Bailey toeing the rubber. Bailey’s strong three-pitch mix has him in the Astros long term rotation plans, and he’s been tough to square up for Texas League hitters thus far. He’ll be supported by a lineup including top prospects Seth Beer and Abraham Toro, as well as ranked players such as Ronnie Dawson, Osvaldo Duarte and JJ Matijevic. Out of the pen, relievers Willy Collado and Colin McKee have made some waves, and Rule 5 returnee Riley Ferrell is in the mix, but unlikely to pitch today after throwing two frames yesterday.

Round Rock vs. Omaha (7:00 CT)

Probable Pitcher: Framber Valdez

MiLB TV: Yes

Losing out on the start against the Rockies to Jose Urquidy, Framber Valdez takes the hill today for the Express. Valdez hasn’t gone more than two innings in the minors this year, so the length of his outing will be worth monitoring. The main draw on the offensive side is top prospect Kyle Tucker, but Josh Rojas, Derek Fisher and Garrett Stubbs are other names who figure into the short-term major league mix for the Round Rock club.