December 29 Winter League Update – Highlights and Lowlights

Sean Ochinko
Sean Ochinko

 

As we approach the new year, let’s take a look at the highlights and lowlights from Blue Jays players in the Winter Leagues!

 

 

Arizona Fall League

 

Highlights: Catcher Sean Ochinko is showing some moxy in coming back from a suspension and a serious injury in hitting .310/.362/.500 in 42 at bats. Blake McFarland didn’t give up an earned run over 12 2/3 innings, striking out 15.

 

Lowlights: Roberto Osuna‘s numbers: 9.49 ERa and 22 hits in just 12 1/3 innings. That said, reports are pretty good on what he’s been able to do in recovering from Tommy John surgery.

 

Australian Baseball League

 

Anthony Alford
Anthony Alford

 

Highlights: All four of the Blue Jays’ players participating in the league have something to be excited about. Anthony Alford, despite a .217 batting average, is getting every day at bats (92 so far) and has shown all kinds of crazy talent. L.B. Dantzler has been streaky but is starting to show his power with a couple of home runs last weekend. Jack Murphy has been insane with a .354/.405/.535 line with four home runs while Christian Lopes has been a really pleasant surprise, hitting .344/.387/.469 with a couple of home runs and six doubles.

 

Dominican Winter League

 

Scott Copeland
Scott Copeland

 

Highlights: Matt Hague has had a solid season, hitting .289/.355/.336 over 149 at bats. Scott Copeland was dominant, posting a 1.23 ERA in seven games with 29 1/3 innings, walking 12 and striking out 21. Jimmy Cordero, the 100-mph-throwing youngster, has also been electric, allowing just one run in eight innings on five hits and six walks with nine strikeouts. Liam Hendriks continues to be incredible everywhere but the major but the majors with a 1.62 ERA with 32 strikeouts and six walks in 33 1/3 innings. Bobby Korecky has pitched 15 innings with just one earned run against.

 

Lowlights: Emilio Guerrero hasn’t played much (just two at bats) and neither has Andy Fermin (16 at bats). Ryan Tepera allowed six runs (five earned) in six innings, walking three and striking out three. Brad Glenn wasn’t able to get much going with a .242/.299/.313 line in 99 at bats.

 

Venezuelan Winter League

 

Highlights: New signing Ezequiel Carrera has been very good, hitting .275/.383/.431 with a pair of doubles, four triples and two home runs in 102 at bats. Greg Infante has a 2.89 ERA in the Venezuelan League, striking out 34 in 28 innings. Casey Lawrence started seven games with 39 2/3 innings and a 3.40 ERA, seven walks and 20 strikeouts. Arik Sikula went to Venezuela after pitching in the AFL and has a 2.35 overall ERA in 23 innings combined between both leagues.

 

Lowlights: Andy Burns only hit .205/.314/.250 in 44 at bats.

 

Mexican Winter League

 

Jorge Flores
Jorge Flores

 

Highlights: In Mexico, Ryan Schimpf hit three home runs in just 99 at bats with four doubles and a decent .704 OPS. New signing Juan Pablo Oramas has a 2.96 ERA in 15 starts, striking out 76 and walking only 30 in 76 innings.

 

Lowlights: Jorge Flores hasn’t taken advantage of his playing time, hitting .227/.284/.285 in 207 at bats in his home country.

 

Puerto Rican Winter League

 

Highlights: A.J. Jimenez is hitting .311/.372/.437 with eight doubles, a triple and a home run in 103 at bats in his home league. John Anderson has a 3.38 ERA in 10 2/3 innings.

 

Lowlights: Dickie Joe Thon is hitting just .200 in 35 at bats in the winter league.

 

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