Chicago Cubs Minor League Wrap: August 24

There was a lot of movement in the minor league system today, but the big ones to know are that outfielders Owen Caissie and Christian Franklin, the Cubs’ 4th-round pick in 2021, have been promoted to low-A Myrtle Beach from the Arizona Complex League. To make room for them, Catcher Pablo Aliendo and outfielder Yohendrick Pinango were promoted to High-A South Bend.

Iowa Cubs

The Iowa Cubs split a doubleheader with the Omaha Storm Chasers (Royals), losing the first game 8-6 in eight innings and winning game two, 8-1.

Starter Ryan Kellogg put the I-Cubs down early after giving up three runs in the third inning and three more in the fourth. The three runs in the third inning came on a home run by Bobby Witt Jr. Kellogg’s final line was six runs on eight hits over 3.2 innings. Kellogg struck out four and walked one.

Erich Uelmen relieved Kellogg and retired all seven batters he faced, allowing the Cubs to get back in the game and tie it. Uelmen struck out three.

Ethan Roberts pitched the rest of the game and got the loss when he allowed two runs in the eighth. Roberts allowed two runs on two hits over two innings. One of the runs in the eighth was unearned, of course, because of the automatic runner. Roberts struck out three, walked one and hit one batter.

The I-Cubs scored five runs in the fifth inning in game one. DH Nick Martini had a two-run single and he was followed by a two-run double by first baseman Alfonso Rivas.

Martini was 2 for 4 and scored one run.

Rivas was 2 for 3 with a walk. He also went 1 for 4 in game two, extending his hitting streak to 11 games.

In game two, starting pitcher Matt Swarmer gave up a home run to the leadoff hitter in the top of the first inning. After that, he gave up almost nothing. Swarmer got the win after allowing one run on four hits over six innings. Swarmer struck out seven and did not walk anyone.

The I-Cubs hit three home runs in game two. Catcher Caleb Knight hit a two-run blast in the second inning, his second on the season. Knight was 1 for 3.

In the third inning, DH Jared Young clubbed his sixth home run with the bases empty. It was his sixth of the year and his second with the I-Cubs. Young also had an RBI single in the fifth inning for two total RBI on the game. Young was 2 for 3 and scored twice.

Second baseman Trent Giambrone hit the third and final home run of the day in the fifth inning with two men on. It was Giambrone’s third home run of 2021. He was 2 for 2 with a walk. He scored twice to go along with the three RBI.

Tennessee Smokies

The Tennessee Smokies were uncovered by the Chattanooga Lookouts (Reds), 8-3.

Dakota Chambers has been good in most of his starts this season, but when he has a bad one, he really has a bad one. Tonight he had a bad one as he allowed seven runs on seven hits over just 1.2 innings. He gave up two home runs. Chalmers walked two and struck out three.

Second baseman Carlos Sepulveda was 2 for 3 with two walks. He scored one run.

Christopher Morel was 2 for 4 with a double and one run scored.

Chase Strumpf had a two-run single in the top of the first inning but was pulled out of the game in the middle of the fifth inning. He did not appear to be injured. Strumpf was 1 for 2.

South Bend Cubs

The South Bend Cubs were beating the Peoria Chiefs (Cardinals), 7-2 in the top of the sixth inning when the rains came. Because the score was 2-2 after five innings, the game was suspended and will be finished before Tuesday’s game.

Alexander Canario had a home run in this game.

Myrtle Beach Pelicans

The Myrtle Beach Pelicans pinned the Columbia Fireflies (Royals) to a board, 6-1.

Starter Richard Gallardo pitched the first four innings and allowed just one run on five hits. He walked two and struck out a career-high six batters.

Sheldon Reed got the win in relief in his first game with the Pelicans. Reed pitched 1+ inning sand gave up no runs. He allowed one hit to lead off the sixth, after which he was pulled. Reed walked one and struck out three.

Dawel Rodriguez picked up the rare four-inning save. Rodriguez only allowed one baserunner in those final four innings, a leadoff single in the ninth inning. He struck out three.

Second baseman Ed Howard hit a two-run home run in the second inning, his third of this season (and his career). Howard was 1 for 3.

Before anyone asks, Howard was playing second base to get him and shortstop Kevin Made in the lineup at the same time. Made was 1 for 4 with a double and one run scored.

Right fielder Jacob Wetzel hit a two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth to put this game out of reach. It was Wetzel’s seventh home run of the year. He was 2 for 4 with a stolen base.

Owen Caissie played left field and Christian Franklin was in center for this game. Both players were 0 for 3 with a walk in their low-A debuts. Caissie did score on Wetzel’s home run.

Highlights:

ACL Cubs

Were beating the Angels, 9-4 in the 8th.

Second-round pick James Triantos hit a home run. So did Felix Stevens.