Easily the most anticipated hitter on the Eugene roster is the big right handed slugging outfielder Eloy Jimenez. It is a toss up whether Jimenez or Gleyber Torres was the best prospect in their International Free Agent class, and that is an exciting thought given how well Torres has played so far.
Jimenez was not as polished a hitter as Torres in the spring, so while Torres opened the year in South Bend his fellow signee was continuing to refine his game and getting ready for the Eugene season. Don’t let that difference in timeline convince you that Jimenez is not a potentially significant prospect, though. He absolutely is. For starters, he is probably the best power bat in this organization below Double A.
Finally in action, and batting third, Jimenez got off to a very good start for the Emeralds. He had their first hit (actually their first two hits) and their first RBI, not to mention their first outfield assist (actually, their first two outfield assists). He also triggered their first two double plays.
You read that right. From right field he started both a 9-4-3 and a 9-2-4 double play in the same game. We can interpret that to mean he has a good arm (he does), or that weird things happen in the low levels of the minors (they do). Or both.
Regardless, it is a very nice start to the season for one of the most promising players in the very low levels of the organization. Hopefully he can hit his way onto the South Bend roster quickly so we can start watching his home games on MiLB.tv.
Scores From Yesterday
Iowa – Iowa turned two big innings into a 7-2 win.
Tennessee – Rain suspended this game, and the players had some fun.
Myrtle Beach – The Pelicans were rained out altogether.
South Bend – The Cubs tied this one up in the seventh, but they lost it in the tenth 2-1.
Eugene – Eugene was held to just three hits in this 6-1 loss.
Performances of Note
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