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Here are 3 prospects off to red-hot starts in minors for Diamondbacks
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- Here are 3 prospects off to red-hot starts in minors for Diamondbacks
The new minor league season has been underway for only a few weeks, meaning any of the results thus far might be quickly forgotten in a matter of time.
Off to a slow start? A strong few months will erase that. Swinging it well? Prolonged struggles will make it a footnote.
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Still, let's have a look at a few players in the Diamondbacks ' system who have gotten out of the gates quickly, including a couple who could play their way into a promotion before long.
1. Ryan Waldschmidt, OF
When the Diamondbacks needed to find a replacement for the injured Jordan Lawlar , one reason they didn't go to Waldschmidt, their top prospect, is because he had started somewhat slowly at Triple-A Reno.
Well, after going 5 for 22 (.227) in his first six games, Waldschmidt went 17 for 45 (.378) with four doubles, a triple and two homers in his following 12 games.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is expected back soon and Lawlar will return at some point after that, so the path for Waldschmidt to get at-bats in the majors isn't entirely clear. But if he keeps hitting like he has over the past couple of weeks, perhaps he forces the issue.
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2. Kayson Cunningham, SS
Cunningham, 19, was the Diamondbacks' top pick last year out of a Texas high school, but his pro debut, albeit brief, was not inspiring.
In 11 games, he hit just .255/.308/.277 with one extra-base hit, three walks and 15 strikeouts in 47 at-bats in Low-A Visalia.
His first 11 games back with Visalia this season have gone quite differently. Cunningham is 15 for 39 (.385) with a double, a triple, 10 walks and eight strikeouts.
When they drafted him last year, club officials talked about how his feel for hitting reminded them of Detroit Tigers rookie Kevin McGonigle. We're starting to see why they viewed him that way.
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3. LuJames Groover, 1B/3B
Groover was drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft because the Diamondbacks loved his pure hitting ability. They hoped power would come. They hoped a defensive home would materialize. But they knew he would hit.
A few years later, it seems they were right about the hit tool — and are still hoping for everything else.
Groover is raking for Triple-A Reno, posting a .371/.464/.457 line with 12 walks and 11 strikeouts. But he has just four extra-base hits, and his defensive reputation at third base could mean he eventually shifts to first.
Still, being able to hit can overweigh a lot of deficiencies. Plus, the Diamondbacks don't exactly have proven world-beaters playing first base in the majors at the moment.
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Carlos Santana and Pavin Smith are hurt. Ildemaro Vargas and Jose Fernandez are off to nice starts. Perhaps Groover hits his way into the conversation eventually.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: These Diamondbacks prospects are off to hot starts in minors
