As the Arizona Fall League (AFL) enters the final stretch, here is some news and notes on Major League Baseball’s best prospects.
Rangers Trio Flirt With A No-Hitter
In an AFL season dominated by the bats, three Rangers pitchers combined to overwhelm the Peoria Javelina bats for eight innings. First up was starter Leonardo Lopez, who struck out seven and walked just one over three scoreless innings. Josh Stephan relieved him in the fourth with four perfect innings of his own, lowering his league-leading ERA to a microscopic 0.54. The bid for the AFL’s first no-hitter in eight years ended when Hayden Weems gave up a single in the eighth inning, but the Rangers reliever would still complete a scoreless inning. The three pitchers allowed just two baserunners over eight scoreless innings while striking out 14 Javelina hitters.
Picture-perfect pitching.@Rangers No. 25 prospect Josh Stephan whiffs five over four frames, lowering his @MLBazFallLeague-leading ERA to 0.55 🤯 pic.twitter.com/DwaFCG7exT
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 2, 2024
Andrew Pintar Hits Clutch Grand Slam
Trailing by four runs with two outs in the eighth inning, Marlins prospect Andrew Pintar came through for the Peoria Javelinas with a game-tying grand slam. The 23-year-old outfielder was acquired from the Diamondbacks in a trade deadline swap for A.J Puk but posted just a .527 OPS in 33 games for the Pensacola Blue Wahoos. Understandably, Pintar would struggle to find a rhythm after moving three levels between two organizations. Still, he has looked much more comfortable this fall with a .354 on-base percentage and 15 RBI in just 21 games.
416 feet for a game-tying grand slam? That'll play 👏@Marlins No. 18 prospect Andrew Pintar demolishes his second Fall League homer. pic.twitter.com/gX2HAD6XLx
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 3, 2024
Caleb Durbin Hits Fourth AFL Home Run
Throughout his time in the Yankees organization, the 24-year-old Durbin has established himself as one of the most efficient base-stealers in the minor leagues, swiping 98 bags over the last three seasons while being caught just 10 times. It is, therefore, no surprise that he leads the AFL with 22 steals this fall, more than double any other player. What has been a surprise are his four longballs in just 19 games, as the five-foot-six-inch second baseman has homered just 22 times in 281 regular season games. Durbin’s performance this season has evoked memories of Jose Altuve, and while the comparison to a future Hall-of-Famer may be unfair, it appears the Yankees have a dynamic talent on their hands.
Speed has been his calling card, but don't sleep on Caleb Durbin's power!
The @Yankees' infield prospect collects his 4th long ball of the fall: pic.twitter.com/tjFIZJlb8l
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 5, 2024
Kala’i Rosario Tunes Up For Home Run Derby
On Monday, the Arizona Fall League announced the eight sluggers who would compete in the annual Home Run Derby. Headlining the group was defending champion Kala’i Rosario, who is back in the AFL for a second consecutive year after an elbow injury limited him to just 69 regular season games. Just hours after the announcement, Rosario proved he was up to the task by launching a 426-foot missile in the Salt River Rafters 13-10 win over the Glendale Desert Dogs. The Twins prospect is now hitting .302/.395/.476 in 19 games this season, a stark improvement from his .214/.333/.483 line in his first AFL go-around.
Call that batting practice 😤@Twins No. 19 prospect Kala'i Rosario rips his 3rd homer of the fall a whopping 426 feet (108.1 mph) as he preps to defend his @MLBazFallLeague HR Derby crown on Friday. pic.twitter.com/h7SYl78gMu
— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) November 5, 2024
Fans can stream the Arizona Fall League all season here.
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