Pipeline Preview: Florial takes hot bat into FSL playoffs

September 5th, 2017

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in today's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Estevan Florial (Yankees' No. 4), Tampa vs. Dunedin (6:30 p.m. ET)
Florial, the No. 86 overall prospect, ended the season swinging a hot bat as he slashed .299/.364/.448 in August and enters the Florida State League playoffs riding a five-game hitting streak. The 19-year-old began the season with Class A Charleston, where he hit .297 with a career-high 11 homers in 91 games. Florial was promoted to Tampa on August 1 and hit .303 with two homers and 14 RBIs through 19 games to conclude the regular season.

Pitcher to watch: Jacob Heatherly (Reds No. 17), Billings vs. Great Falls (9:00 p.m. ET)
Heatherly, the Reds' third-round selection, takes the mound looking to bounce back from a couple of rough outings. The 19-year-old has given up eight earned runs over his past two starts (6 1/3 innings). The left-hander has appeared in eight games to begin his professional career and is 2-1 with a 4.38 ERA.

Duel of the Day: Seth Romero (Nationals' No. 5) vs. Johan Oviedo (Cardinals' No. 22) Auburn vs. State College (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Romero takes the mound seeking his third straight scoreless outing. The 21-year-old, whom the Nationals selected in the first round, hasn't given up a run over his past nine innings and has held his opponents scoreless in four of six starts to begin his professional career. Romero struck out a career-best seven in his last start, but he is still seeking his first professional win.

Oviedo is also looking to build off past results as he's thrown well in his past two outings as well. He has allowed three earned runs over his past two starts (13 innings), including eight innings of one-run ball on Aug. 26. The righty gave up two earned runs in five innings in his most recent turn and has a 3.83 ERA through 20 starts across two levels this season.