Minor League Baseball Returns with Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week

Baseball is back in full swing as all four tiers of full-season Minor League baseball take to the field. With this renewal comes the latest edition of the Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week.

The Triple-A season kicked off on March 27, but stats will be tracked starting April 2, which marks the Opening Day for most Double-A, High-A, and Single-A teams. With over ten games played by each team, notable performances have emerged nationwide, featuring four prospects from the Top 100 along with two each from the Giants, Rays, and Mariners.

Eligibility for Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week

To qualify for the Pipeline Prospect Team of the Week, Minor League players must rank within their club’s Top 30 prospects according to Pipeline’s lists. Players currently in the Majors are not eligible.

Prospect Team of the Week (April 2-12)

C: Jesus Rodriguez, Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A)

Giants No. 18
.478/.520/.826, 5 G, 11-for-23, 2 HR, 2 2B, 6 RBI, 8 R, 2 BB, 1 K, 1 SB

Acquired in the Camilo Doval trade, Rodriguez has flourished in the Pacific Coast League. Over five games, he has showcased his versatility, playing both catcher and second base. The 23-year-old notched multiple hits in four games and finished the week with a four-hit game, which included a homer and a double.

1B: Blake Burke, Biloxi Shuckers (Double-A)

Brewers No. 18
.289/.372/.789, 9 G, 11-for-38, 6 HR, 1 2B, 9 RBI, 10 R, 4 BB, 11 K, 3 SB

Burke, known for his power hitting, leads all players outside Triple-A with six homers already this season. He’s also shown impressive speed with three consecutive steals, building on an already promising Minor League career.

2B: Pedro Ramírez, Iowa Cubs (Triple-A)

Cubs No. 8
.313/.371/.688, 8 G, 10-for-32, 3 HR, 3 2B, 7 RBI, 8 R, 3 BB, 8 K, 3 SB, 1 CS

Ramírez has made a strong case for himself at the highest level of the Minors by displaying advanced hitting skills, highlighted by his effective contact rate and impressive power metrics.

OF: Theo Gillen, Bowling Green Hot Rods (High-A)

Rays No. 1
.333/.419/.889, 8 G, 9-for-27, 4 HR, 3 2B, 9 RBI, 10 R, 2 BB, 7 K, 3 SB

Having a breakout month, Gillen hit four home runs over just two games. While known for his speed, his recent power hitting has put him firmly in the spotlight for this season.

LHP: Kade Anderson, Arkansas Travelers (Double-A)

Mariners No. 2
1-0, 0.00 ERA, 2 G, 2 GS, 9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 3 BB, 17 K, 0.89 WHIP

Making an impressive debut after being drafted third overall, Anderson has proved his worth by striking out a total of 17 batters in just two games while maintaining an impeccable earned run average.