Here are the day’s minor moves…
- The Twins announced that left-hander Mason Melotakis has cleared waivers and been outrighted to Triple-A. The 26-year-old lefty was designated for assignment last week in somewhat of a surprise move, as he’s long rated as one of their better bullpen prospects and had delivered strong results between Double-A and Triple-A this season. However, the former second-rounder’s velocity is also reportedly down in recent outings, which may have contributed to the decision to designate him and the lack of a claim. Through 27 2/3 innings between Double-A and Triple-A this season, Melotakis has a 2.28 ERA with 10.4 K/9, 2.9 BB/9 and a ground-ball rate north of 50 percent. He’ll head back to Triple-A Rochester and hope to work his way back into Minnesota’s plans later this year.
- The D-backs announced last night that catcher Oscar Hernandez, who was designated for assignment over the weekend, has cleared waivers and been sent outright to Double-A Jackson. The former Rule 5 pick (out of the Rays’ system in 2014) has posted a woeful .197/.263/.352 slash line through 156 Double-A plate appearances this year. Hernandez is still just 23, though, and he’s considered a strong defensive backstop. He’s shut down 43 percent of attempted stolen bases against him and has received strong framing grades from Baseball Prospectus in each of the past couple of seasons.
No Biggie but Oscar Hernandez came from the Rays.
Only off by a few letters! Ha. Thanks. Fixed that.
Hernandez was taken from the Rays, not the Royals
How the heck does this guy Melotakis, a young and effective lefty at every level, get DFA and then clear waivers?! Is velocity now more important than, you know, actual results on the field? Please tell me there’s more to this story…
Low-velo guys tend to do better in the lower minors, where nobody has plate discipline. As they move up the ladder they tend to get hammered. They can’t get away with mistakes.
But, he’s not a low velocity guy. He threw hard when he was drafted, and, after Tommy John, still throws hard. I’m glad he wasn’t claimed. I think Falvey dodged a bullet with this one….unless he knows something that we don’t know.
Double-A isn’t the low-minors.
Neither is the Mesa Fall League.
I wish my Cubs had claimed him.
Could have hit re-try. And, apparently, succeeded.
Check out Anthony Slama’s minor league stats.
Melotakis has been lights out and he has been in AA for a few years and hasn’t yet been given the opportunity for AAA despite being 26. I don’t know man, I feel like he could be a Rule V candidate assuming he’s not called back up. He isn’t eligible for minor league free agency until next offseason. He has very solid control too. I would have claimed him.
Hernandez, unsurprising, hasn’t done anything since sticking. He will become a free agent at seasons end. Someone will grab him due to age and defense
Nationals should have claimed Hernandez and turned him into a bullpen arm.
Or claimed the actual bullpen arm in melotakis. But your way sounds more fun.
Well played good sir
snakes should have got Vogt he can catch and hit not like all of snakes bad catchers