Cubs' Kilian cruises again for Solar Sox
MESA, Ariz. -- Before Caleb Kilian threw a pitch or Nelson Velazquez took a swing Tuesday afternoon at Sloan Park, the duo had already received a round of applause from the fans in attendance.
By the time the Cubs’ prospects had completed their respective outings, they received another.
Kilian, the reigning Arizona Fall League Pitcher of the Week, was stellar in Mesa’s 7-4 win over Glendale. Showcasing a fastball that sat at 94-96 mph and touched 98 mph, the Cubs’ No. 14 prospect held the Desert Dogs to two hits over four scoreless innings, notching four strikeouts without issuing a walk.
Velazquez, the reigning AFL Hitter of the Week, socked his league-leading sixth home run in the seventh. Generating an exit velocity of 105 mph, the Cubs’ No. 29 prospect sent a 98-mph fastball 395 feet to the opposite field with a 26-degree launch angle. His OPS sits at a gaudy 1.245 through 15 games.
The duo was presented with the weekly honors pregame in front of the home fans in Mesa, which also serves as the Cubs' Spring Training home. With a track record of Minor League success, the 24-year-old Kilian might be stepping on the same mound in a different context in about four months' time.
“I try not to worry about all that,” Kilian said. “I just tried to focus on today’s game.”
The right-hander has looked increasingly in control this fall. In his first outing out of the bullpen on Oct. 16, Kilian surrendered seven runs without recording an out. The fourth appearance was his longest and second straight scoreless start.
“They smacked me around that first outing out here, but they’re definitely some of the best hitters I’ve faced,” Kilian said.
Chief among the adjustments he's made against that kind of offense have been a new curveball and a changeup. On Tuesday, he was most happy with the reworked breaking ball.
“I had a few pop out [of my hand], but overall, I feel like it’s a better pitch,” Kilian said. “Sharper, a little faster velo to it.”
Over 26 career Minor League appearances (25 starts) dating to 2019, Kilian has posted a 2.09 ERA with an 8.6 K/BB ratio. Arriving from San Francisco in the Kris Bryant deal before the July 30 Trade Deadline, Kilian landed with Double-A Tennessee for this year's stretch run, fanning 16 while allowing seven earned runs over 15 2/3 innings in four starts with his new club.
“The preparation stays the same,” Kilian said. “I have my same routine, same sort of stuff; not a whole lot is different.”
Ryan Jensen (CHC 15) followed Kilian with his own 98-mph fastball. The right-hander worked four innings, giving up three runs on six hits and three walks, but the first two hits floated just over the heads of his infielders. Ultimately, Jensen was credited with the win, his second of the AFL.
In addition to his homer, Velazquez showcased his 60-grade arm from right field, cutting down runners attempting to take an extra base in back-to-back innings.