Orioles Arizona Fall League Update
Orioles Prospects have put together a decent start to the Arizona Fall League, putting up a 5-5 record so far. Lead by one of the more known players, Steve Wilkerson is soon to be a house hold name in the greater Baltimore area.
Steve Wilkerson (2B)- Being overlooked by many no one, including me, thought much of Wilkerson. With bigger prospects heading to the Fall league roster, it is hard to think that Wilkerson would get much attention. The twenty-five year old has made a name for himself and is my sleeper to make the roster out of Spring Training. Lacking infield depth, Wilkerson has shown why he should be on Buck’s mind as he makes roster decisions. Wilkerson is hitting .355/.459/.581 this fall and has three multi hit games and two triples. The speedy second basemen can also steal some bags which is something the Orioles seem to not have had since Felix Pie.
Anthony Santander (OF)- After being called up this past September, Santander playing in thirteen games put up decent numbers. Batting .267 in 30 at bats he looked like a possibility to be in the hunt for a roster spot. Since then things have gone poorly, playing in Arizona this Fall he’s hitting .115 (3-for-26) in seven games. All signs look like he will start in AAA with the a chance to be on the 40 man if things go well.
Ryan Mountcastle (SS/3B)- Breaking out of a slump, Ryan went 3-for-4 with a homerun and double in the Orioles latest Fall game. Leading up to that he was not doing to well with a bad 7-for-31, hitting .226. The slow start is holding Mountcastle back from having outstanding numbers. He has now reached base in the last seven games. Mountcastle will have to stay hot in order to put up the numbers he was expecting.
Keegan Akin (LHP)- The fifty-fourth overall selection in the 2016 draft, Keegan Akin has had an encouraging start to his minor league career. In High-A he put up a 4.14 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP over twenty-one starts. Yes, they are not great numbers for a MLB starter but the kid is only twent years old and with the Orioles pitching prospects failing to produce this a great sign. The southpaw has made three relief appearances. In six innings Akin has a 1.50 ERA. Encouraging for the future of the O’s bullpen, Aiken is shutting down left handed hitters with an 0-for-8 mark.
