Arizona Fall League 2013 Update – Toronto Blue Jays Prospects

Toronto Blue Jays pitching prospect Marcus Stroman has been named to the Arizona Fall League’s Fall Stars Game. Photo Credit: MLB Prospect Portal

The last update we did about Toronto Blue Jays prospects playing in the 2013 Arizona Fall League was on Thursday so we have lots to catch up on today. The Salt River Rafters have played four games since that time so we’ll briefly cover each game and also have a quick update on other Blue Jays news from around the AFL.

Monday October 28, 2013

Aaron Sanchez continued his strong play and pitched 4 1/3 scoreless innings in what was his longest start in the AFL. He struggled out of the gate in the hitter-friendly league but has been excellent his last two starts. He did allow three walks yesterday but was able to work out of a jam in the fourth when he struck out Tyler Collins with the bases loaded to keep Mesa off the board. It was Sanchez’s first start on regular five days rest and says he “felt good” (h/t MiLB.com).

Batting Stats:

CF Kenny Wilson – 0 for 3, BB, SO, CS

DH Andy Burns – 2 for 4, R, RBI, SO, SB

C Derrick Chung – 1 for 3

Pitching Stats:

P Sanchez 4.1 IP, 1 H, 3 B, 4 SO, 0 ER, 61-32 (Pitches-Strikes)

Marcus Stroman 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 SO, 13-8

Catcher Derrick Chung also threw out a runner attempting to steal in the sixth.

Final: Salt River 3, Mesa 2

Saturday October 26, 2013

It was a quiet day for the Blue Jay Rafters in what turned into a shellacking of a baseball game. Andy Burns started at third base and had six plate appearances, which should give you a hint about the type of afternoon it was for the Rafters.

Batting Stats:

3B Burns – 2 for 5, 2 R, 1 BB, 1 RBI, SB

Final: Salt River 20, Glendale 0

Friday October 25, 2013

Drew Hutchison started on Friday for the Rafters and continued his impressive play. He wasn’t flawless however and allowed his first earned run in the league courtesy of a Byron Buxton first inning home run. Hutchison buckled down after that and only allowed one other hit, which was a soft single third. He struck out four batters and was attacking the strike down with 41 of his 59 pitches called for strikes. Kenny Wilson appeared to be swinging for the fences and had two doubles to go along with three strikeouts.

Batting Stats:

CF Wilson – 2 for 5, 2 2B, 3 SO, PO (picked-off)

C Chung – 0 for 3, HBP

Pitching Stats:

P Hutchison – 4.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO, 59-41

Chung also made his first AFL throwing error on a steal attempt in Friday’s game, which led to a run scoring on a wild pitch in the seventh.

Final: Salt River 4, Glendale 2

Thursday October 24, 2013

Wilson led off for the Rafters and managed two steals despite getting on base only once, which helped him later score a run. Burns and Chung also had RBIs for Salt River.

Batting Stats:

CF Wilson – 1 for 5, R, SO, 2 SB

1B Burns – 1 for 3, R, 2 RBIs, SF

C Chung – 2 for 4, RBI

Final Salt River 10, Surprise 9

Other News and Notes:

Pitchers Marcus Stroman and Aaron Sanchez were both selected to play in the Arizona Fall League’s “Fall Stars Game“, which was formerly known as the Rising Stars Game. Sanchez is ranked 20th on MLB’s Top 100 Prospect list and Stroman is 91st. The game takes place on Saturday, November 2nd at Surprise Stadium and according to the website will be streamed live on MLB.com.

Looking for John Stilson? Blue Jays From Away noticed that he’s no longer listed on Salt River’s roster but there’s no reason for his absence. My fingers are crossed that his funky delivery hasn’t led to another injury.