Minor League Players of the Month (May 2022): Carlos F. Rodriguez, Abraham Almonte, Cam Robinson

Minor League Starting Pitcher of the Month: RHP Carlos F. Rodriguez – Low-A Carolina
Entering the month of May with an ERA of 13.50 after the first three appearances of his MILB career, we can all be forgiven for not realizing that the 20-year old Rodriguez was about to flip the switch which would have certain Brewer Fanatics putting him in their Top 20 Prospect List just a few weeks later.

The 2021 6th round pick out of JUCO ball (Florida Southwestern State College), who didn’t actually play minor league baseball in his draft year, made six long appearances (including three starts) in the month of May, averaging 55 pitches per outing.

In a 180-degree turnaround from his April work, the native Nicaraguan never allowed more than four baserunners in any outing and was only tagged for extra base hits three times in 76 at-bats.

Let’s let Rodriguez' May numbers speak for themselves:

• ERA: 2.01 (second among Brewer MILB starters)
• WHIP: 0.76 (tops among Brewer MILB starters)
• K/9: 12.1 – 30 in 22 1/3 innings
• AVG: .171
• OPS: .485
• Win-Loss: 0-0
• Saves: 1

Wait, no wins or losses but one save?! Well, that’s what happens when you pitch four innings in pretty much every contest. The save was earned via four innings of shutout work in a 13-0 Carolina victory, in which the score was actually 2-0 during the first two innings which Rodriguez pitched.

While RHP Miguel Segura had initially caught my eye as the youngest pitcher on the Mudcats, the reality is that the squad has five exciting 20-year old longmen: Segura, Edwin Jimenez, Rodriguez, Stiven Cruz and Alexander Cornielle. Of those, only Rodriguez was drafted ($250,000 signing bonus) and all are from Latin America (two Nicaraguans, two Venezuelans, one Dominican).

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Carolina Mudcats pitcher Carlos Rodriguez delivers during a game May 19 at Five County Stadium in Zebulon. (Brett Friedlander / North State Journal)

After his breakout month of May, don’t be surprised if Carlos F. Rodriguez is the leader of the Young Mudcat Guns going forward. Way to go, Carlos!!

Other Top Starting Pitchers in May 2022

LHP Brandon Knarr – High-A Wisconsin
Knarr continued his terrific season by winning all five of his May starts and posting the top ERA amongst among Brewer MILB starters in the month (1.55), concluding the first two months with a minuscule 1.58 ERA, 7-1 record and 60 strikeouts in 51 1/3 innings pitched.

Wait, Knarr was robbed! Is this discrimination against a non-draftee (the five-round 2020 MLB draft due to Covid likely cost Mr. Knarr a better signing bonus out of the University of Tampa). Is it ageism against the now-24 year old (birthday on June 2)?

The margin of victory for these monthly awards is tight and this writer docked him slightly for the old peripherals – 1.14 WHIP in a pitching league (1.29 average Midwest League WHIP in May) and a relatively low 37% ground ball rate amongst batted balls.

Knarr’s May numbers

• ERA: 1.55 (first amongst Brewer MILB starters)
• WHIP: 1.14
• K/9: 12.4 – 33 in 29 innings (first amongst Brewer MILB starters)
• AVG: .243
• OPS: .595
• Win-Loss: 5-0

RHP Jason Alexander – AAA Nashville
After a respectable April (2.70 ERA, 1.30 WHIP, 3-1 record), I was still reserving judgment on account of Alexander’s 5.4 K/9 rate and the fact that he’d only pitched 19 2/3 innings in the 2021 season.

However, 29-year old Jason Alexander has proven to be an extremely effective ground ball pitcher (64% of batted balls over two months; 68% in May), improving upon all of his April stats over the past month while notching another three wins.

As an awesome reward, Mr. Alexander was promoted to Milwaukee on June 1st for his first-ever big league call-up.

Alexanders’ May numbers

• ERA: 2.60
• WHIP: 0.94
• K/9: 6.8 – 21 in 27 2/3 innings
• AVG: .196
• OPS: .563
• Win-Loss: 3-1

LHP Antoine Kelly – High-A Wisconsin
When former 2nd round draft pick Antoine Kelly is on, opposing hitters at the High-A level can only flail away and hope a few balls drop in. This month, he was totally locked in for two games, only-dominant for another two games and then human in his 5th start:

• First start: 5 IP, no runs, 10 strikeouts – no decision
• Next two starts: 12 IP, 3 runs (2 earned), 7 strikeouts – both no decisions
• Fourth start: 5 2/3 IP, 0 runs if life were fair (though 3 came across via dumb Cub luck), 13 strikeouts – no decision
• Last start: 4 2/3 IP, 6 runs (5 earned), 7 strikeouts – loss

One has to believe the 22-year old Kelly is a promotion candidate in the near future.

Kelly’s May numbers

• ERA: 3.29
• WHIP: 0.95
• K/9: 12.2 – 37 in 27 1/3 innings
• AVG: .167
• OPS: .503
• Win-Loss: 0-1

Honourable Mentions:

LHP Andy Otero (2.13 ERA, 1.07 WHIP), RHP Victor Castaneda (1.17 WHIP, 12.0 K/9), RHP Stiven Cruz (1.18 WHIP, 13.9 K/9), RHP Dylan File (2.86 ERA, 1.05 WHIP), Justin Jarvis (2.73 ERA, 10.6 K/9)

Checking in on Last Month’s Winner: LHP Ethan Small – AAA Nashville
Ethan Small continued his solid AAA work and was also rewarded with his first-even promotion to Milwaukee, though returned back to Nashville after the game:

• AAA in May: 3.60 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 10.8 K/9 in 15 innings
• MLB in May: 6.75 ERA, 3.00 WHIP, 13.5 K/9 in 2 2/3 innings

Minor League Hitter for the Month: OF Abraham Almonte of AAA Nashville
Most visitors to the minor league portion of this website probably follow along closely enough to know that the AAA Nashville Sounds continued their winning ways throughout the month of May (17-8 for the month, after a 16-7 April), but possibly make assumptions when it comes to the underlying key contributors.

Let’s be clear: Outfielder Abraham Almonte was the Sounds’ top offensive performer this month and in fact was the top Brewers’ hitter across the minor league system.

Sure, there’s the six home runs, 14 RBIs and 1.154 OPS for the month, but one stat stands out above the rest: a .723 slugging percentage, which was 82 points above any other player (Catcher Jakson Reetz - .641) in the Brewers’ system for the month.

Let’s review the 32-year old, switch-hitting Almonte’s numbers during May 2022:

• Slash: .298 AVG / .431 OBP / .723 SLG
• OPS: 1.154 (56.8% above the International League average)
• Hitting: 14-for-47
• Home runs: 6
• Extra base hits: 8
• RBIs: 14
• Runs scored: 14
• Walks + HBP vs. Strikeouts: 11 vs. 12

The principal blemish on his month was that he missed the first dozen days due to injury, so only played in 12 games. However, he made up for that gap in a big way.

After easing back in over his first five games (4-for-19 with 3 walks), it was all fireworks for Mr. Almonte from there:

• May 21: 3-for-4, 2 home runs, 6 RBIs, 9 total bases
• May 26: 2-for-5, 3 total bases
• May 27: 1-for-4, home run, 2 RBIs, 4 total bases
• May 28: 1-for-4, home run, 3 RBIs, 4 total bases
• May 29: 2-for-4, home run, 2 RBIs, 6 total bases
• May 30: 1-for-3, home run, RBI, 4 total bases

Playing full-time in AAA as a corner outfielder at 32 years old can obviously make one wonder whether Major League Baseball is still in the cards for Abraham Almonte, so it’s worth noting that he’s seen time in the majors every year for the past nine seasons, including 175 plate appearances (.730 OPS) in 2021 with World Series champ Atlanta. Coupled with his current form, you can bet that Mr. Almonte has his eye on a return to The Show.Other Top Hitters in May 2022

OF Arbert Cipion – Low-A Carolina
Although 18-year old super-prospect Jackson Chourio is rightfully garnering all the headlines these days, 22-year old Arbert Cipion was actually the Mudcats’ top hitter during the month of May, which the squad truly needed after the promotions of OF Micah Bello (May 3) and RHP Ryne Moore (May 12).

And just like that, the 2018 9th round pick was rewarded for his excellent month with a promotion to High-A Wisconsin on June 2nd.

Cipion’s May numbers

• Slash: .358 AVG / .469 OBP / .582 SLG
• OPS: 1.051 OPS (50.8% above the Carolina League average)
• Hitting: 24-for-67
• Home runs: 3
• Extra base hits: 7
• RBIs: 9
• Runs scored: 18
• Walks + HBP vs. Strikeouts: 14 vs. 14

OF Tristan Peters – High-A Wisconsin
If we’re being honest, most of us had Tristan Peters pegged to start the season at Low-A Carolina and didn’t necessarily even believe the initial 2022 posting at High-A Wisconsin would stick. To be fair to us, a 7th round draft selection in 2021 with a $147,500 signing bonus who put up a .737 OPS in the Arizona Complex League (55 plate appearances) doesn’t exactly scream Skip Low-A Ball.

But the 22-year old left-handed hitting Peters can simply play, coupling with INF Tyler Black as the most dependable bats the Timber Rattlers have through two months of the 2022 campaign. Tristan’s .774 OPS in April was certainly no fluke, as he proved with a tremendous May.

Peters’ May numbers

• Slash: .319 AVG / .405 OBP / .596 SLG
• OPS: 1.001 OPS (43.4% above the Midwest League average)
• Hitting: 30-for-94
• Home runs: 3
• Extra base hits: 15
• RBIs: 15
• Runs scored: 23
• Walks + HBP vs. Strikeouts: 15 vs. 13

C Jakson Reetz – AA Biloxi
Similar to Peters, Jakson Reetz also demonstrated that his surprising April (1.041 OPS in 44 plate appearances) was not a flash-in-the-pan.

Having hit free agency from the Washington Nationals for the first time at the conclusion of the 2021 season, the Brewers can count their lucky stars (or proudly puff out their chests) that they inked this intriguing 26-year old to a minor league contract.

Reetz’ May numbers

• Slash: .281 AVG / .425 OBP / .641 SLG
• OPS: 1.066 OPS (37.5% above the Southern League average)
• Hitting: 18-for-64
• Home runs: 7
• Extra base hits: 9
• RBIs: 15
• Runs scored: 16
• Walks + HBP vs. Strikeouts: 16 vs. 22

INF Tyler Black – High-A Wisconsin
Being the 33rd overall pick of the 2021 draft, 21-year old left-handed hitting Tyler Black is honestly doing what we expect, while thankfully proving that last season’s .660 OPS at Low-A Carolina (103 plate appearances) was nothing to worry about. Is a promotion to AA Biloxi on the cards?

Black’s May numbers

• Slash: .301 AVG / .416 OBP / .518 SLG
• OPS: .934 OPS (33.8% above the Midwest League average)
• Hitting: 25-for-83
• Home runs: 4
• Extra base hits: 8
• RBIs: 13
• Runs scored: 19
• Walks + HBP vs. Strikeouts: 17 vs. 18

Honorable Mentions:
INF Mark Mathias in AAA (.971 OPS), C Brent Diaz in AA (.609 SLG), OF Jackson Chourio in Low-A (33 hits, 17 RBIs), OF Carlos D. Rodriguez in High-A (8 doubles), INF/OF Pablo Reyes in AAA (.913 OPS), OF Joey Wiemer in AA (9 homers), OF Tristen Lutz in AA (.945 OPS), C Mario Feliciano in AAA (.400 AVG)

Checking in on Last Month’s Winner: OF Micah Bello – Low-A Carolina (since promoted):
After carrying Low-A Carolina offensively in April (.994 OPS, 13 RBIs), the 21-year old Bello was deservedly promoted to High-A Wisconsin on May 3, though there’s some initial struggle:

• High-A in May: .167 AVG / .239 OBP / .286 SLG in 47 plate appearances

Minor League Relief Pitcher of the Month: RHP Cam Robinson of High-A Wisconsin
Most of these decisions are difficult, but thankfully not this one.

Cam Robinson registered a whopping seven saves in the month of May (next highest: Zach Vennaro with two) and didn’t yield any runs over 16 innings of work.

Let’s see Robinson's eye-popping May numbers:

• ERA: 0.00 ERA
• WHIP: 0.63
• K/9: 10.7 – 19 in 16 innings
• AVG: .100
• OPS: .336
• Win-Loss: 0-0
• Saves: 7

Thanks to @CMehring & @byKyleLobner’s podcast, we can listen to Cam’s deep insight into what’s working so well for him at the moment: scroll to 9:21.

Between the solid strikeout rate and a groundball rate of 78% of batted balls during the month, opposing offenses proved futile against the 2017 23rd round draft pick (signing bonus not noted – i.e. pitifully low).

Let’s revel in those saves a bit:

• May 4: Preserved 2-run lead. Faced 6 batters, recording 6 outs
• May 7: Preserved 3-run lead. Stranded 2 inherited runners. Faced 7 batters, recording 6 outs
• May 11: Preserved 1-run lead. Faced 7 batters, recording 6 outs
• May 14: Preserved 1-run lead: Faced 7 batters, recording 6 outs
• May 17: Preserved 2-run lead. Faced 3 batters, recording 3 outs
• May 29: Preserved 2-run lead. Faced 6 batters, recording 3 outs
• May 31: Preserved 1-run lead. Faced 3 batters, recording 3 outs

Man, I bet AA Biloxi can’t wait to get access to Mr. Robinson’s services. Just 22 years old, Cam Robinson has found his niche and is determined to take it all the way to the top.

Other Top Relief Pitchers in May 2022

RHP Michele Vassalotti – Low-A Carolina
After a promising 2018 season as a 17-year old in Arizona, Michele Vassalotti endured some trying times from 2019-2021 and faced a shift to full-time bullpen work at Low-A Carolina in 2022.

Well, the bullpen (supported by his strong mental game and improved fitness) obviously suits him, as evidenced by his 1.64 ERA, .128 batting average against, 7-0 win-loss record and three saves through two months of 2022.

Still just 21 years old, the Venezuelan Vassalotti appears ready for promotion to High-A Wisconsin and has many more years of terrific baseball ahead of him.

Vassalotti’s May numbers

• ERA: 0.82
• WHIP: 0.45
• K/9: 11.5 – 14 in 11 innings
• AVG: .105
• OPS: .402
• Win-Loss: 5-0
• Saves: 1

RHP Kent Hasler – High-A Wisconsin
Undrafted out of Louisiana Tech in 2018, Kent Hasler dominated in three seasons of independent ball before the Brewers had the good fortune to sign him in May 2021.

After registering a 3.07 ERA and 16.4 K/9 in 44 innings in 2021 (mostly at Low-A Carolina), the 26-year old Hasler continues to wreak havoc in 2022, this time against High-A opposition.

Through two months, his 1.04 ERA, 0.98 WHIP, 13.5 K/9 and .159 batting average against are all pretty strong signs that Hasler’s ready to face a more advanced challenge.

Speak of the angel: Kent Hasler was promoted to AAA Nashville on June 4th.

Hasler’s May numbers

• ERA: 0.71
• WHIP: 0.95
• K/9: 14.9 – 21 in 12 2/3 innings
• AVG: .152
• OPS: .409
• Win-Loss: 3-0
• Saves: 0

Honourable Mentions:

RHP Junior Montero (0.00 ERA, 11.3 K/9), RHP Joey Matulovich (0.77 ERA, 0.60 WHIP), RHP Connor Sadzeck (1.13 ERA, 12.4 K/9), RHP Zach Vennaro (1.00 WHIP, 2 saves), LHP Pablo Garabitos (1.00 WHIP, 12.0 K/9), RHP Luis Contreras (0.84 ERA, 11.0 K/9), RHP Harold Chirino (1.38 ERA, 0.69 WHIP)

Checking in on Last Month’s Winner: RHP Peter Strzelecki – AAA Nashville
Mr. Strzelecki was inconsistent in his 6 AAA relief appearances, reverting to the mean a bit

• AAA in May: 7.04 ERA, 1.96 WHIP, 17.6 K/9 in 7 2/3 innings

However, seeing his overall strong performance, Peter had his contract selected by the Brewers on May 30th to reach the major leagues for the first time.

Thank you all for reading and following our minor league heroes at Brewer Fanatic.

Do you agree with the selections for May? Let us know what you think in the comments below!