Welcome Back From The Twin Cities
The IronPigs first trip to the Twin Cities of Minnesota was not a complete success. And, wouldn’t you figure being so far from home would trigger multiple roster moves? We’ll see how it goes in the future, but it didn’t seem like having the marketing behemoth ‘Pigs in town did much to move the attendance needle in St. Paul. Perhaps it did for the local organization?
At any rate, the series ended with the Saints taking the win, 4-2. The Pigs won games by the scores 11-7 and 10-6 while they lost games by the scores 9-7, 5-1, 7-4 and 12-8. So if they didn’t score double digits they weren’t winning. At least they were hitting some, but the pitching was problematic.
Who’s Hot and Who’s Not
INF Sergio Alcantara has been more hot than not. OF Steward Berroa has been hot–a good pickup. Felix Reyes did so well he got called up prematurely. INF Christian Cairo has been more good than bad lately. INF Carter Kieboom has been returning to his AAA form after joining the squad just prior to the season. C Caleb Ricketts might be starting to figure it out at the plate. After losing a bunch of relievers, Sweet Lou Trivino had a nice week. Trevor Richards continues to be solid.
Noted power hitter Ronald Moore is still finding his legs at Triple-A–but somehow socking dingers here and there. Starter Connor Gillispie saw the shine come off a bit. Starter Bryse Wilson continues to struggle–as does fellow starter Tucker Davidson. Reliever Genesis Cabrera can be hot or cold–lately cold.
How We Doing?
We open this series at 11-10, listed as 5th in the International League East–but only a half game behind the top team, Syracuse. But it’s the league standings that matter, as we find ourselves 3.0 games back of league-leading Memphis (AAA-STL). Considering we’ve dropped the past two series, this is nothing out of the ordinary and a couple good series could find us back in the discussion for the first-half title, which matters the most as it provides the opportunity to host playoff games.
Freefall, Panic, and Roster Moves
The parent organization finds themselves struggling extraordinarily. They’ve lost six in a row as of this writing and have gone 2-8 in their last 10 games and are 5-10 at home. There have been some bullpen injuries and what feels like a panic move calling up an ill-prepared Felix Reyes to play left field once a week.
On one hand, Justin Crawford had to toil an entire season in Triple-A while hitting in the mid-300s before he could get a 40-man spot and a shot in the big leagues. Felix hits a couple homers and plays left field three times and next thing you know, he’s called up. The injured Pedro Leon (hamstring) was the roster casualty. There was some speculation that they would sign him back to a minors deal as a show of good faith for cutting an injured player, but that might not come to fruition. It’s a cruel business sometimes; hopefully there’s a financial settlement but maybe not.
On the other hand, the Otto Kemp situation wasn’t working out early this season and the continuous losing doesn’t allow him to play his way out of it in the major league so he comes back to play left field and third base and find his hitting stroke. Bryan De La Cruz is just starting to heat up, and while he’s been seeing the ball well all season he’s only just recently hit it. If this move is seen as a temporary measure to get Otto some playing time until another opportunity or solution is found, then no big deal. Reyes can be optioned back at any time. De La Cruz would have needed DFA/waivers and could have been lost as roster depth while it’s still early in the season.
So we get it. But Reyes doesn’t have a ton of time in left field, is not going to benefit from being stapled to the bench with right hand pitchers on the mound, and doesn’t have the best plate discipline. Of course we were happy to see his homer in his first MLB at-bat, and we want him to do well, we can’t help but think this could impact his chances at a longer MLB career which could come with some continued development with regluar playing time in Triple-A.
Relievers Seth Johnson, Kyle Backhus, and Chase Shugart are all up with the Phillies due to injuries, leaving only Nolan Hoffman as a 40-man depth guy at AAA. In their place, Daniel Harper and Colin Peluse arrive from Reading, and John McMillon gets activated from the Development List. OF Cade “Clutch” Fergus is in Reading, while RHP Michael Mercado begins an official rehab assignment with Single-A Clearwater.
RHP and Column Favorite Griff McGarry traded to the Dodgers organization for International Slot Money. Sure, jokes about him beating the Phillies in the playoffs, but the Phillies have bigger worries right now and we wish Griff well and hope a change of scenery helps things along.
It’s a lot, so we’ll discontinue updating the pre-season roster post now, rather than at the end of the month. You can scroll back to find it on the main page if you like, to read some player capsules and such, but it will un-stick shortly.
Printable Roster 4/18/26
Welcome, Durham
The Pigs beat the Tampa Rays affiliate in North Carolina earlier in the season, 4-2, and now the Bulls arrive at Coca Cola Park to try to return the favor. We don’t mind seeing them despite the recent series, because that one wasn’t at home, and the rosters–as much as they can be at Triple-A–remain stable making it more of a fair re-match.
Didn’t see any old friends among their players on the roster, but former ‘Pig Reid Brignac is a coach on this team. Major Leaguer Garrett Cleavinger is listed as a rehab assignment for them right now. Prospects to look for include RHP Brody Hopkins (#2 Prospect), OF Jacob Melton (#3), RHP Ty Johnson (#17, Injured), 1B/OF Tre Morgan (#18, Injured) and C Dom Keegan (#19).
Durham is 8-13 and in last place in the IL East. They come in off a 3-3 home series with Norfolk.
Pitching Probables
Tuesday: RHP Jean Cabrera (0-1, 8.03) vs RHP Marcus Johnson (0-0, 3.48)
Wednesday: RHP Bryse Wilson (0-2, 12.71) vs RHP Brody Hopkins (0-1, 2.45)
Thursday: RHP Alan Rangel (2-1, 1.66) vs RHP Chase Solesky (1-0, 6.91)
Nice Weather This Week?
It’s gonna be cold to start the week, but it will warm up. Wednesday (62%) and Saturday (80%) look like the biggest risks for rain. Game time Wednesday looks like OK with afternoon clearing and passing showers likely. The nicest day looks to be Thursday, 76 degrees and mostly sunny.
What’s Going On At The Park?
Remember we have 6:35PM starts this week, until Sunday 1:15PM. Main Gates at 5:15 and Club Gates at 5:00PM.
Promotions for this week:
Tuesday: Tail Waggin’ Tuesday, Dollar Dog Night, Irish Heritage Night
Wednesday: Tacos and Tallboys, ’80s Night, Rubix Cube Giveaway (Adults)
Thursday: Twisted Thursday Happy Hour 5-7PM, ’90s Night
Friday: Super Hero Night, Philly Phanatic Appearance, Fireworks
Saturday: Caturday, Lint Roller Giveaway (Adults)
Sunday: Bluey Appearance, Post-Game Kids Run Bases
See you at the park,
@Kram207
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