Dominican Summer League Cardinals Notebook 8-19-19

The Cardinals Blue opened the week extending their winning streak to ten game, but fell in the final contest.  The club is 39-18 and are tied for first, with Rockies, in the South Division.  They are 21-9 at home and 18-9 away.

The Cardinals Red won their first game of the week, then lost two, and ended things on a three-game winning streak.  The club is 28-38 and fighting to stay out of the cellar of the San Pedro Division.  They are 16-17 defending home field and 12-21 on the road.

Week In Review:

August 12, 2019: The Cardinals Blue opened the week visiting the Twins.  The Redbirds got the game started with a run in the first and Twins answered back but added two runs in three separate frames for the win.  Allinson Benitez, Nelson Prada, and Dionys Rodriguez combined for five scoreless innings of relief.  Darlyn Del Villar singled twice, doubled, tripled, and drove in four runs.

August 12, 2019:  The Cardinals Red opened their week hosting the Diamondbacks Two.  The D-Backs jumped out in front early with three runs in the first two frames but the Redbirds came storming back and tacked on five in the seventh.  Augusto Calderon struck out five of 11 batters faced and had one run score on him.  Fernando Brazoban, Smith Vargas, and Albert Inoa each singled, doubled, and knocked in one run.

August 13, 2019: The Cardinals Red visited the Diamondbacks Two for the second game of the series.  The D-backs got revenge as they kept the Redbirds from scoring in the first five frames and plated six of their own.  Brayan Ramirez struck out two and held two inherited runners on base over a scoreless inning and a two-thirds.  Luis Andujar collected one RBI.

August 13, 2019: The Cardinals Blue stayed out on the road and faced the Rockies.  The Rockies put four on the scoreboard and kept the Redbirds off until the seventh.  The Cardinals tied things up, sent the game into extras, and clinched the win with four in the tenth.  Fernando Diaz singled, doubled three times, and drove in two runs.

August 14, 2019: The Cardinals Red opened a two-game set against the Phillies White, with the first as a visitor.  The Redbirds plated a run in the second inning and went silent for the remainder of the game as the Phils start quiet and scored two in the final two frames for the win.  Yonael Dominguez struck out three over four scoreless frames for the start.  Miguel Marcos singled and knocked in one run.

August 14, 2019: The Cardinals Blue returned home to take on the Orioles Two.  The Redbirds took an early lead, gave it up, and exploded with seven runs in the sixth for the victory.  Benjamin Arias struck out four over two scoreless relief innings.  Hansel Otamendi singled, walked three times, and pushed three runs across.

August 15, 2019: The Cardinals Red hosted the Phillies White in the second game of the series.  The Redbirds plated two runs in the first and sprinkled in a handful more to stay in front enough for the win.  Diorys Guerrero opened and allowed one run over four innings while striking out four.  Roblin Heredia singled, walked, tripled, and drove in two runs.

August 16, 2019: After a day off, The Cardinals Blue welcomed in the Angels.  The Halos went to town early scoring five times over the first three frames but the Redbirds came right back as they plated six and kept the Angels scoreless over the final six innings for their tenth straight win.  Dionys Rodriguez tossed three scoreless relief innings.  Gustavo A. Rodriguez collected two singles, one walk, and two RBIs.

August 16, 2019: The Cardinals Red looking to spoil a postseason appearance visited the Cubs Two.  The Redbirds took advantage of errors by the Cubbies and scored four in the first two frames and two more in the eighth to take the contest.  Henry Gomez struck out four over five scoreless inning in the start.  Sander Mora singled, doubled, and drove in one run.

August 17, 2019: The Cardinals Red welcomed in the Cubs Two for the second game of the series.  The Redbirds jumped out in front early but the Cubbies made a comeback that ended up falling short for the two-game sweep.  Hancel Rincon allowed one run over four innings in the start.  Erick Thomas walked and hit a three-run homer.

August 17, 2019: The Cardinals Blue, looking to ended their ten-game winning streak, hosted the Yankees.  After three scoreless frames, the Yanks plated five runs combined in the fourth and fifth innings.  The Redbirds attempted to comeback but fell short in the ninth.  Victor Villanueva pitched a scoreless inning of relief and held one inherited runner on base.  Elvin DeJesus singled twice, walked, homered, and knocked in three runs.

Who's Hot:

Elvin DeJesus (Blue) has scored at least one run in his last nine games played and has reached base safely in his last 15.  The 17-year old switch-hitter went 7-for-19 (.368) with one double, one triple, one home run, five RBIs (three w/two-outs), eight runs, seven walks, one stolen base, and three strikeouts.  He played four games at second base (assisted in one double play and two fielding errors) and one as designated hitter.  The January 11, 2018 free agent signing is currently hitting .324 with three doubles, two triples, one home run, eight RBIs, and nine walks in nine games this August.

Fernando Diaz (Blue) will look to extend his 16-game on-base streak into the next week, which includes hitting safely in his last two games.  The 17-year old left-handed hitter went 8-for-21 (.381) with five doubles, five RBIs (three w/two-outs), five runs, three walks, one hit by pitch, and five strikeouts.  He played four games at first base (assisted in three double plays and two fielding errors) and one as designated hitter.  The March 26, 2019 free agent signing leads the team in home runs and total bases.

Yonael Dominguez (Red) has given up one or less runs in four of his seven starts this season.  The 17-year old right-hander started on August 14th and allowed four hits, no runs, one walk, and struck three out.  He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 4-to-1.  The February 11, 2019 free agent signing has given up eight hits, one earned run, and struck seven out over nine inning this August.

Luis Garcia (Red) extended his scoreless streak to seven games.  The 18-year old right-hander tossed two scoreless innings on August 14th and allowed one hit and struck one out.  On August 17th, he gave up one hit and no runs over one inning for the save (2).  He had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 5-to-3.  The November 29, 2018 free agent signing has thrown a consecutive 12 innings without giving up a run.

Henry Gomez (Red) has thrown two consecutive quality starts after having a stretch of four poor.  The 17-year old right-hander opened on August 16th and tossed five scoreless innings allowing four hits, two walks, and struck four out for the winning decision (1-1).  He had a ground out-to-fly out ratio of 7-to-2.  The July 28, 2018 free agent signing has seen his ERA drop to 4.39 after peaking at 5.64 at the beginning of the month.

Sander Mora (Red) has a 27-game on-base streak which includes a six-game hitting streak.  The 18-year old right-handed hitter went 10-for-23 (.435) with three doubles, four RBIs, five runs, three walks, four stolen bases, three strikeouts, and two caught stealing.  He played three games at shortstop (one fielding and one throwing error), two at third base (one fielding error), and one at second base (assisted in one double play).  The July 2, 2017 free agent signing leads the team in runs scored, hits, and stolen bases.

Nelson Prada (Blue) earned a win and save in each of his two appearances this last week.  The 19-year old left-hander pitched two scoreless innings on August 12th allowing one hit, one walk, and striking out one for the winning decision (5-1).  On August 16th, he closed out the game one one scoreless inning and gave up one hit for the save (1).  He had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 1-to-2 and held one inherited runner on base.  The August 30, 2016 free agent signing has calmed quite a bit after a rough start to his season as he has only allowed five runs since the beginning of July or last 15 innings.

Dionys Rodriguez (Blue) has allowed a run in his last three appearances.  The 18-year old left-hander struck out two of three batters faced on August 12th.  Then on August 16th, he pitched a season-high three innings and allowed one hit, no runs, and struck two out.  He had a combined ground out-to-fly out ratio of 3-to-1.  The May 14, 2018 free agent signing has seen his ERA fall from 16.88 on June 26th to 5.84 now.

Gustavo A. Rodriguez (Blue) had a five-game hitting streak come to an end in his final game last week.  The 19-year old right-handed hitter went 6-for-19 (.316) with one triple, six RBIs, two runs, three walks, seven strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.  He played all five games in right field and committed one fielding error.  The July 2, 2017 free agent signing leads the team in doubles, RBIs, and strikeouts.

Smith Vargas (Red) will look to continue with his hitting streak which is at five games now.  The 17-year old right-handed hitter went 9-for-20 (.450) with one double, two RBIs, seven runs, one walk, one hit by pitch, five stolen bases, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.  He played all five games in centerfield, where he had one outfield assist, and also was lead off hitter in all five.  After hitting .184 in June, the January 8, 2019 free agent signing settled in and has been hitting .286 over the months of July and August.

Notes:

Michael Ozoria (Blue) has been out the entire season, Josue Ramirez (Blue) since June 4th, Alexander Samuel (Red) since July 10th, Jose Rodriguez (Blue) since July 12th, Endri Salas (Red) and Jesus Jaquez (Red) since July 22nd, Angel Cuenca (Red) and Eduar Pimentel (Blue) since August 8th.

Miguel Maiz (Red) returned to action after missing almost two weeks.  The 18-year old right-hander pitched scoreless inning on August 13th and struck one out.

St. Louis signed 16-year old outfield Keyshawn Rombley from Aruba, on August 11th: Ben Badler Twitter

Darlin Moquete (Blue) has reached base safely in 38 games, Albert Inoa (Red) in 28 games, Hansel Otamenti (Blue) in 16 games, Jose Zapata (Blue) and Luis Andujar (Red) in 12 games.

Dominican Summer League Stats:

The Cardinals Blue are hitting .256 (458-for-1791) with 85 doubles, 16 triples, 21 home runs, 259 RBIs, 638 total bases, 333 runs, 265 walks, 69 stolen bases (7th worst), 489 strikeouts, 18 caught stealing, .368 OBP (t-7th), .356 SLG, and .724 OPS.

The Cardinals Red are hitting .253 (510-for-2016) with 92 doubles, 23 triples, 17 home runs, 295 RBIs (6th), 699 total bases, 370 runs (6th), 372 walks (1st), 109 stolen bases (10th), 543 strikeouts (5th worst), 34 caught stealing, .377 OBP (5th), .347 SLG, and .724 OPS.

The Cardinals Blue have a 35-17 record with 3.75 ERA, 1.36 WHIP (10th best), three shutouts, 14 holds (t-10th best), and 12 saves.  They have allowed 441 hits, 243 runs (6th best), 196 earned runs (7th best), 21 home runs, 199 walks (5th best), hit 40 batters (t-5th best), and struck 418 out (8th worst) over 470 innings.

The Cardinals Red have a 24-36 record with 4.70 ERA, 1.58 WHIP (t-6th worst), ten holds, and five saves (2nd worst).  They have allowed 537 hits (7th worst), 369 runs (7th worst), 276 earned runs (8th worst), 32 home runs (t-5th worst), 300 walks, hit 58 batters, and struck 467 out over 528.1 innings.

Sander Mora (Red) is tied for second in runs scored, tied for fourth in walks, and fourth in stolen bases.

Diowill Burgos (Red) is tied for fourth in home runs and tied for ninth in RBIs.

Luis Andujar (Red) is tied for ninth in RBIs.

Albert Inoa (Red) is tied for fourth in walks and tenth in OBP.

Gustavo A. Rodriguez (Blue) is tied for eighth in strikeouts.

Smith Vargas (Red) is tied for eight in stolen bases.

Gustavo J. Rodriguez (Blue) is fourth in ERA and eighth in WHIP.

Angel Cuenca (Red) is sixth in ERA, ninth in innings pitched and second in WHIP.

Edgar Manzo (Red) and Engels Martinez (Blue) are tied, with others, for sixth in home runs allowed.

William Miranda (Blue) is tied for fifth in holds.

Final Regular Season Week (2019 Record, Record Vs. Cardinals):

Blue:
August 19: @ Nationals (19-4)(2-5)
August 20: Mets One (31-28)(2-5)
August 21: @ Phillies Red (continuation of July 31st and regular game)(36-21)(2-4)
August 22: Twins (21-38)(3-4)
August 23: @ Rockies (40-19)(3-4)
August 24: @ Orioles Two (26-31)(1-6)

Red:
August 19: Mets Two (31-35)(1-7)
August 20: @ Mets Two
August 21: Rangers Two (29-37)(4-4)
August 22: @ Rangers Two
August 23: Brewers (34-32)(6-4)
August 24: @ Brewers

Past Notebooks:
June 10, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Angel Cuenca, Bryan Matute, Hansel Otamendi, and Nelson Prada.
June 17, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Angel Cuenca, Sander Mora, Reinys Portillo, Claudio Ramirez, Gustavo A. Rodriguez, and Gustavo J. Rodriguez.
June 24, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Ludwin Jimenez, Reinys Portillo, Gustavo A. Rodriguez, and Jose Zapata.
July 1, 2019: Darlyn Del Villar, Yonael Dominguez, Darlin Moquete, Hansel Otamendi, Reinys Portillo, Luis Rodriguez, and Luis Tena.
July 8, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Brandon Hernandez, Albert Inoa, William Miranda, Hancel Rincon, Gustavo A. Rodriguez, and Gustavo J. Rodriguez.
July 15, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Angel Cuenca, Brandon Hernandez, Albert Inoa, William Miranda, Wilmer Ortega, and Gustavo J. Rodriguez.
July 22, 2019: Diowill Burgos, Augusto Calderon, Darlin Moquete, Sander Mora, Wilmer Ortega, Gustavo J. Rodriguez, and Smith Vargas.
July 29, 2019: Luis Andujar, Angel Cuenca, Brandon Hernandez, Albert Inoa, William Miranda, Leudy Pena, Claudio Ramirez, and Luis Tena.
August 5, 2019: Luis Andujar, Angel Cuenca, Fernando Diaz, Luis Garcia, Darlin Moquete, Wilmer Ortega, Claudio Ramirez, Yordy Richard, and Luis Rodriguez.
August 12, 2019: Luis Andujar, Fernando Brazoban, Fernando Diaz, Luis Garcia, Roblin Heredia, Edgar Manzo, Reinys Portillo, and Gustavo J. Rodriguez.

DSL: Cardinals Blue Beat Angels 6-5: Gustavo A. Rodriguez Singles Twice, Walks, & Drives In Two Runs; Dionys Rodriguez Strikes Out Two Over Three Scoreless Innings; Cristoffer Zapata Strikes Out One Over Two Scoreless Innings For The Win

Individual Highlights:
Hansel Otamendi started in centerfield and batted second.  0-for-2 with one RBI, two walks, one sac fly, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Darlyn Del Villar started at shortstop and batted third.  0-for-3 with two runs, one walk, one stolen base, and one strikeout.
Fernando Diaz started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  3-for-4 with two doubles, one two-out RBI, one run, one walk, and one strikeout.
Jose Zapata started at catcher and batted fifth.  0-for-3 with one RBI, one sac fly, one hit by pitch, one strikeout, one throwing error, and threw out one of two base runners.
Gustavo A. Rodriguez started in right field and batted sixth.  2-for-3 with two RBIs, one walk, and one strikeout.
Carlos Arcia started at third base and moved to shortstop, batting eighth.  1-for-3 with one run, one walk, one stolen base, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Darlin Moquete started in left field and batted ninth.  1-for-1 with one run, three walks, and one stolen base.
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the fourth and pitched three innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out.  (g/f:3-0)
Cristoffer Zapata entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, one walk, and struck one out for the winning decision (2-1).  (g/f:2-2)
Nelson Prada entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed one hit and no runs for the save (1).  (g/f:1-0)

Rough Outing:
Wilmer Ortega started and pitched three innings.  He allowed five hits, five runs (four earned), one walk, hit two batters, and struck three out.  (g/f:0-1)

Boxscore

DSL: Cardinals Blue Beat Yankees 5-2: Gustavo A. Rodriguez Singles & Drives In Two Runs; Engels Martinez Strikes Out Four & Allows Two Runs Over Six Innings For The Win; William Miranda Strikes Out One Over Two Scoreless Innings For The Hold

Individual Highlights:
Darlin Moquete started in centerfield and batted leadoff.  1-for-4 with one RBI, one run, one sac fly, and one stolen base.
Darlyn Del Villar started at shortstop and batted third.  2-for-4 with one triple, one RBI, two runs, one strikeout, and assisted in one double play.
Brandon Hernandez started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  2-for-4 with one double and one RBI.
Gustavo A. Rodriguez started in right field and batted fifth.  1-for-4 with two RBIs.
Fernando Diaz started at first base and batted sixth.  2-for-4 and assisted in one double play.
Luis Rodriguez started at catcher and batted eighth.  1-for-3 with one walk.
Engels Martinez started and pitched six innings.  He allowed five hits, two runs (one earned), one walk, hit one batter, threw one wild pitch, and struck four out for the winning decision (2-3).  (g/f:6-2)
William Miranda entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck one out for the hold (4).  (g/f:10-9)(g/f:1-1)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out for the save (2).  (g/f:0-1)

Boxscore

DSL: Cardinals Blue Beat Rockies 8-0: Gustavo J. Rodriguez Strikes Out Three Over Four Scoreless Innings; Leudy Pena Singles, Homers, & Drives In Four Runs; William Miranda Strikes Out Three Over Three Scoreless Innings For The Win

Individual Highlights:
Darlin Moquete started in right field and batted leaodff.  2-for-5 with one triple, one RBI, one run, one strikeout, and one outfield assist.
Gustavo A. Rodriguez started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  2-for-5 with one double, two runs, and two strikeouts.
Brandon Hernandez started at third base and batted fifth.  3-for-4 with one double, one two-out RBI, two runs, and one strikeout.
Leudy Pena started in left field and batted sixth.  2-for-4 with one home run, four two-out RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Fernando Diaz started at first base and batted eighth.  2-for-4 with one home run, one RBI, and one run.
Carlos Arcia started at second base and batted ninth.  1-for-2 with one run and two walks.
Gustavo J. Rodriguez started and pitched four innings.  He allowed five hits, no runs, one walk, and struck three out.  (g/f:2-2)
William Miranda entered in the fifth and pitched three innings.  He allowed three hits, no runs, one walk, and struck three out for the winning decision (3-0).  (g/f:2-3)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the eighth and pitcheed two innings.  He allowed no hits or runs, and struck two out.  (g/f:1-1)

Rough Outing:
Hansel Otamendi started in centerfield and batted second.  0-for-5 at the plate.

Boxscore

DSL: Rockies Beat Cardinals Blue 8-1: Yordy Richard Strikes Out Three Over Four Scoreless Innings; Brandon Hernandez Singles, Doubles, & Drives In One Run; Dionys Rodriguez Pitched One Hitless/Scoreless Inning

Individual Highlights:
Darlin Moquete started in centerfield and batted leadoff.  2-for-4 with one stolen base and one strikeout.
Elvin DeJesus started at second base and batted second.  1-for-4 with three strikeouts and assisted in one double play.
Gustavo A. Rodriguez started in right field and batted fourth.  0-for-1 with one run and three walks.
Brandon Hernandez started at third base and batted fifth.  2-for-4 with one double, one RBI, one strikeout, and one fielding error.
Leudy Pena started in let field and batted sixth.  0-for-3 with one walk, one strikeout, and grounded into one double play.
Jose Zapata started started as designated hitter and batted seventh.  1-for-4 with one double.
Fernando Diaz started at first base and batted eighth.  0-for-3 with one hit by pitch and one strikeout.
Yordy Richard entered in the third and pitched four innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, one walk, hit one batter, struck three out, and assisted in one double play.  (g/f:3-3)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the eighth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs.  (g/f:2-0)

Rough Outing:
Rest Of The Team

Boxscore

DSL: Nationals Beat Cardinals Blue 9-5: Carlos Arcia Singles, Walks, & Drives In Two Runs; Gustavo A. Rodriguez & Jose Rodriguez Each Single, Walk, & Knock In One Run

Individual Highlights:
Elvin DeJesus started at second base and batted leadoff.  2-for-5 with one run, one stolen base, one strikeout, and one missed catch error.
Hansel Otamendi started in centerfield and batted second.  0-for-3 with one run, one walk, and one hit by pitch.
Gustavo A. Rodriguez started in right field and batted fourth.  1-for-3 with one RBI, one run, one walk, and one sac fly.
Jose Zapata started at catcher and batted fifth.  0-for-2 with one run, three walks, and threw throwing errors.
Jose Rodriguez started in left field and batted seventh.  1-for-4 with one two-out RBI, one walk, one strikeout, two fielding errors, and one outfield assist.
Carlos Arcia started at shortstop and batted eighth.  1-for-4 with two two-out RBIs and one walk.

Rough Outing:
Engels Martinez started and pitched 4.1 innings.  He allowed three hits, four runs (two earned), three walks, hit one batter, threw two wild pitches, and struck three out for the losing decision (1-1).  (g/f:6-4)
Juan Peralta entered in the seventh and pitched to four batters.  He allowed one hit, on earned run, and one walk.  (g/f:0-1)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the seventh and pitched 1.2 innings.  He allowed five hits, three earned runs, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out.  (g/f:2-1)(ir-s:2-1)
Victor Villanueva entered in the ninth and pitched to three batters.  He allowed one hit and no runs.  (g/f:2-0)(ir-s:1-1)

Boxscore

DSL: Orioles Two Beat Cardinals Blue 9-5: Elvin DeJesus Singles, Doubles, & Drives In One Run; William Miranda Picks Off One Batter Over Two Scoreless Innings; Jose Rodriguez Singles & Knocks In One Run

Individual Highlights:
Elvin DeJesus started at second base and batted leadoff.  2-for-5 with one double, one RBI, one run, and assisted in one double play.
Carlos Arcia started at shortstop and batted second.  1-for-3 with one RBI, one run, two walks, one stolen base, two strikeouts, and two fielding errors.
Darlyn Del Villar started as designated hitter and batted third.  0-for-3 with one RBI, one walk, one sac fly, and one strikeout.
Fernando Diaz started at first base and batted seventh.  1-for-3 with one double, one run, one hit by pitch, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Jose Rodriguez started in right field and batted eighth.  1-for-3 with one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, and one strikeout.
Erik Pena started at third base and batted ninth.  2-for-3 with one run, one stolen base, and one strikeout.
William Miranda entered in the fifth and pitched two innings.  He allowed two hits, no runs, hit one batter, and picked one runner off.  (g/f:5-0)

Rough Outing:
Hansel Otamendi started in centerfield and batted fourth.  0-for-4 with one walk.
Luis Rodriguez started at catcher and batted sixth.  0-for-4 and threw out two base runners.
Wilmer Ortega started and pitched four innings.  He allowed eight hits, four runs (two earned), one walk, threw one wild pitch, one balk, and struck one out.  (g/f:8-2)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the seventh and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed three hits, five earned runs, three walks, and struck three out for the blown save (1) and losing decision (0-1).  (g/f:1-0)
Victor Villanueva entered in the eighth and pitched to three batters.  He allowed one hit and no runs.  (g/f:1-0)(ir-s:3-3)

Boxscore

DSL: Phillie Red Beat Cardinals Blue 5-4 In 10 Innings: William Miranda Strikes Out Four Over Two Scoreless Innings; Darlyn Del Villar Walks & Hits A Solo Home Run; Gustavo A. Rodriguez Doubles Twice & Drives In One Run

Individual Highlights:
Elvin DeJesus started at second base and batted leadoff.  2-for-5 with one stolen base, two strikeouts, and assisted in two double plays.
Darlyn Del Villar started at shortstop and batted third.  1-for-4 with one home run, one two-out RBI, two runs, one walk, one stolen base, one strikeout, one fielding error, and assisted in one double play.
Gustavo A Rodriguez started in right field and batted fifth.  2-for-5 with two doubles, one RBI, one run, and one strikeout.
Brandon Hernandez started at third base and batted seventh.  0-for-2 with one walk, one hit by pitch, two strikeouts, and assisted in one double play.
Jose Zapata started at catcher and batted eighth.  2-for-4 with one two-out RBI, one strikeout, one passed ball, grounded into one double play, one fielding error, and threw out one of four base runners.
William Miranda entered in the seventh and pitched two innings.  He allowed three hits, no runs, one walk, and struck four out.  (g/f:0-1)

Rough Outing:
Fernando Diaz started as designated hitter and batted fourth.  0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Luis Ortiz started and pitched 4.2 innings.  He allowed five hits, three unearned runs, one walk, threw one wild pitch, one throwing error, and struck three out.  (g/f:6-5)
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the fifth and pitched 1.1 innings.  He allowed two hits, one earned run, one walk, and struck two out.  (g/f:1-1)(ir-s:1-1)

Boxscore

DSL: Cardinals Blue Beat Nationals 8-7: Leudy Pena Singles Twice, Homers, & Drives In Two Runs; Hansel Otamendi Knocks In Two Runs; Gustavo Rodriguez Strikes Out Four & Allows One Run Over Four Innings

Individual Highlights:
Elvin DeJesus started at second base and batted leadoff.  2-for-3 with one run, one walk, one sacrifice, and one stolen base.
Hansel Otamendi started in centerfield and batted second.  0-for-4 with two RBIs, one run, one sac fly, two strikeouts, and grounded into one double play.
Darlyn Del Villar started at shortstop and batted third.  2-for-5 with two doubles, one RBI, and two strikeouts.
Fernando Diaz started at first base and batted fourth.  2-for-4 with one double, one two-out RBI, one run, two strikeouts, and one fielding error.
Leudy Pena started in left field and batted sixth.  3-for-4 with one home run, two two-out RBIs, one run, and one strikeout.
Diego Velasquez started as designated hitter and batted eighth.  1-for-3 with one home run, one RBI, one run, one hit by pitch, and two strikeouts.
Carlos Arcia started at third base and batted ninth.  1-for-2 with one home run, one RBI, three runs, two walks, and one strikeout.
Gustavo J Rodriguez started and pitched four innings.  He allowed three hits, one unearned run, one walk, hit two batters, one pickoff error, and struck four out.  (g/f:3-1)
Nelson Prada entered in the ninth and pitched one inning.  He allowed no hits or runs for the winning decision (1-0).  (g/f:1-0)

Rough Outing:
Gustavo A Rodriguez started in right field and batted fifth.  0-for-4 with two strikeouts.
Dionys Rodriguez entered in the fifth and pitched one inning.  He allowed three hits, six earned runs, one home run, four walks, one  balk, threw one wild pitch, and struck two out.  (g/f:1-0)
Hancel Rincon entered in the sixth and pitched three innings.  He allowed one hit, no runs, and struck three out.  (g/f:4-2)(ir-s:3-2)

Boxscore

Dominican Summer League Cardinals Roster Adjustments 5-31-19

Assigned to Red: Benjamin Arias, Fernando Brazoban, Hemerson Corder, Yonael Dominguez, Henry Gomez, Dionys Guerrero, Roblin Heredia, Victor Herrera, Albert Inoa, Jesus Jaquez, Oliver Lopez, Miguel Marcos, Bryan Matute, Edgar Manzo, Endri Salas, Juan Sanchez, Erick Thomas, Smith Vargas

Assigned to Blue: Carlos Arcia, Fernando Diaz, Brandon Hernandez, Engels Martinez, William Miranda, William Ortega, Hancel Otamendi, Michael Ozoria, Eduar Pimentel, Reinys Portillo, Yordy Richard, Hancel Rincon, Jose Rodriguez, Diego Velasquez

Transferred from Blue to Red: Diowell Burgos, Angel Cuenca, Derek Diaz, Ramon Fernandez, Sander Mora, Larimel Soriano, Miguel Yedis

Transferred from Red to Blue: Luis Ortiz, Erik Pena, Nelson Prada, Dionys Rodriguez, Gustavo A. Rodriguez, Gustavo J. Rodriguez, Ronald Suarez

2018 Dominican Summer League Reliever Of The Year: Leonardo Taveras

The Dominican Summer League relievers, much like the starting rotations, struggled on the mound when the 2018 season opened and had its hiccups as the season went on.  But by the end of the year, we saw several arms stand out and take the reigns in their new roles.

June	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	HBP	K	SV	SVO	ERA
H.De Los Santos	7	17.2	22	11	11	0	16	0	15	0	0	5.60
L.Taveras	8	14.1	11	6	5	0	10	0	16	2	2	3.14
R.Garcia	7	14.0	13	12	11	1	15	1	18	1	2	7.07
F.Pacheco	8	13.2	5	1	1	0	2	0	23	4	4	0.66
D.Rodriguez	8	12.0	9	9	8	0	14	1	11	1	2	6.00
W.Madera	6	11.2	14	6	6	0	5	1	9	1	2	4.82
A.Trompiz	8	11.2	21	11	9	0	4	0	8	1	2	6.94
J.Ramirez	7	11.1	15	13	11	0	14	3	7	0	0	8.92
N.Prada	7	10.2	10	7	6	0	7	1	10	1	2	5.06
M.Maiz	5	10.1	11	4	4	1	4	2	12	1	1	3.48
L.Soriano	6	9.1	11	12	8	1	4	1	5	0	0	7.71
S.Santana	7	8.2	7	6	5	1	12	0	9	1	1	5.19
D.Diaz	5	8.1	8	10	9	0	4	2	8	0	0	9.72
M.Yedis	6	7.2	13	11	11	1	4	2	4	0	0	12.91
J.Puello	2	7.0	6	3	1	0	2	0	8	0	0	1.29
S.Tabata	8	6.2	3	1	1	0	2	1	5	1	2	1.35
R.Avelino	10	6.2	5	15	14	0	22	3	9	0	1	18.90
A.Cuenca	2	6.1	4	0	0	0	1	0	5	0	0	0.00

Freddy Pacheco was hands down the hurler the stood out the most in June leading the both teams in strikeouts and saves.  Leonardo Taveras, Wilman Madera, and Miguel Maiz were a little ways away but showed strong months.  Roy Garcia was pushed, as a returning member, but failed to get on track.

July	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	HBP	K	SV	SVO	ERA
W.Madera	8	21.0	15	6	5	2	7	0	22	2	2	2.14
J.Victorino	6	17.2	16	7	7	0	5	2	11	0	0	3.57
L.Taveras	8	12.0	10	8	6	1	9	1	13	4	7	4.50
A.Ortega	6	10.2	8	3	2	0	4	0	9	0	0	1.69
R.Garcia	6	10.2	9	14	11	0	14	1	10	0	1	9.28
R.Avelino	7	8.2	7	6	6	0	12	1	14	0	1	6.23
N.Prada	6	8.0	10	5	2	1	1	0	12	1	1	2.25
D.Rodriguez	7	8.0	7	9	7	0	13	2	7	1	2	7.88
A.Trompiz	6	8.0	9	3	2	0	3	1	3	1	2	2.25
S.Santana	6	7.1	5	5	4	0	4	0	5	0	0	4.91
A.Cuenca	3	7.0	5	1	1	0	2	1	7	1	1	1.29
L.Soriano	5	7.0	5	5	5	0	5	1	6	0	0	6.43
L.Tena	6	6.2	6	6	5	2	5	2	6	1	2	6.75
A.Calderon	7	6.2	7	11	9	1	7	8	2	0	0	12.15
H.DeLos Santos	5	6.1	5	3	3	0	8	1	6	1	1	4.26
S.Tabata	4	6.0	1	1	0	0	2	1	12	0	0	0.00

As Pacheco and Rodard Avelino were promoted, we saw the additions of Jhon Victorino and Angel Ortega along with improvements from Madera, Nelson Prada, and Anthony Trompiz.  Taveras continued to convert saves, for the most in the month of July.  Garcia and Dionys Rodriguez struggles dragged down their months.

August	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	HBP	K	SV	SVO	ERA
S.Tabata	8	12.0	5	4	2	0	6	0	19	1	2	1.50
A.Ortega	5	11.1	9	1	1	0	5	3	15	1	1	0.79
L.Taveras	7	11.0	5	1	1	1	5	0	15	2	2	0.82
N.Prada	6	9.2	5	3	3	0	3	0	10	0	2	2.79
H.De Los Santos	5	8.2	5	6	5	0	8	1	10	0	1	5.19
R.Garcia	6	8.2	8	11	9	0	14	1	10	0	1	9.35
M.Yedis	5	7.0	3	3	3	1	4	1	5	0	0	3.86
A.Trompiz	5	6.2	8	3	2	0	3	0	6	1	1	2.70
S.Santana	7	6.2	9	6	4	1	4	1	7	1	1	5.40
G.Rodriguez	5	6.1	4	0	0	0	5	0	2	0	0	0.00
L.Tena	5	6.1	4	2	2	0	6	0	5	0	1	2.84
V.Villanueva	4	6.0	3	1	1	0	3	0	2	0	0	1.50

Sebastian Tabata received a big push in the final month of the season and showed he could handle it.  Ortega, Taveras, Prada, Trompiz, and newcomers Gustavo Rodriguez and Victor Villanueva were also pitching well.  Garcia, looking to finish strong, was having trouble with his control.

2018	G	IP	H	R	ER	HR	BB	HBP	K	HD	SV	SVO	ERA	WHIP
L.Taveras	23	37.1	26	15	12	2	24	1	44	1	8	11	2.89	1.34
W.Madera	16	36.2	34	13	12	2	14	1	36	1	3	4	2.95	1.31
R.Garcia	19	33.1	30	37	31	1	43	3	38	1	0	1	8.37	2.19
H.De Los Santos	17	32.2	32	20	19	0	32	2	31	3	0	1	5.23	1.96
N.Prada	19	28.1	25	15	11	1	11	1	32	1	0	2	3.49	1.27
J.Victorino	12	26.1	25	12	10	0	8	4	15	1	0	1	3.42	1.25
A.Trompiz	19	26.1	38	17	13	0	10	1	17	1	3	5	4.44	1.82
A.Ortega	13	26.0	19	5	4	0	11	3	28	1	2	2	1.38	1.15
S.Tabata	20	24.2	9	6	3	0	10	2	36	0	0	2	1.09	0.77
D.Rodriguez	19	24.1	21	24	20	1	32	5	26	0	2	4	7.40	2.18
S.Santana	20	22.2	21	17	13	2	20	1	21	4	2	2	5.16	1.81
L.Soriano	16	21.0	27	25	19	1	14	3	17	3	0	1	8.14	1.95
J.Ramirez	16	20.1	23	19	17	0	25	6	16	2	0	3	7.52	2.36
M.Maiz	10	20.0	20	13	11	1	8	3	21	1	1	2	4.95	1.40
F.Pacheco	11	18.0	7	4	3	0	8	0	35	0	4	5	1.50	0.83
M.Yedis	14	18.0	19	17	17	2	10	3	12	3	0	0	8.50	1.61

Ortega, Tabata, and Pacheco make good cases for the award but when looking at which relievers were continuous, consistent, and improving throughout the entire season, arms Taveras and Madera stick out the most.  Taveras edges out Madera in innings pitched, strikeouts, and saves.  Madera is just so close but in my eyes comes up a tab bit short.  My personal pick for the DSL 2018 Reliever of the Year goes to Leonardo Taveras.

2018 DSL Starting Pitcher Of The Year: Julio Puello