Pipeline preview: Cards' Weaver aims to remain unbeaten for Springfield

June 21st, 2016

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in today's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch:Jeimer Candelario (Cubs' No. 7), Iowa vs. Nashville (8:08 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Candelario has been on a tear offensively since being promoted to Triple-A on June 8, hitting .316/.471/.605 over 12 games for Iowa. He's tallied 11 RBIs and scored eight runs in that span, while seven of his 12 hits have gone for extra bases. On the season, the 22-year-old third baseman is slashing .234/.349/.403 with five home runs and 21 doubles in 68 games between the Double- and Triple-A levels.

Pitcher to watch: Luke Weaver (Cardinals' No. 3), Springfield at Tulsa (8:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Weaver missed the first two months of his season due to a left wrist fracture, but the right-hander has quickly made up for the lost time since returning to the mound in early June. The 22-year-old right-hander is 3-0 in his three starts for Double-A Springfield, with a 0.89 ERA and a 25-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 20 1/3 innings. In his most recent outing, Weaver allowed one earned run while completing a career-high eight innings against Northwest Arkansas.

Duel of the day: Victor Alcantara (Angels' No. 4) vs. Pedro Fernandez (Royals' No. 20), Arkansas at Northwest Arkansas (7:30 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Despite a rough 2015 campaign in the California League, Alcantara has made strides this season with the move up to Double-A Arkansas. He's posted a 3.93 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings (13 starts) for the Travelers. The 23-year-old has been increasingly sharp of late, too, with a 2.93 ERA in 27 2/3 innings across his past five starts.

Fernandez is set to make his third start (sixth appearance) for Double-A Northwest Arkansas since being promoted from Class A Advanced Wilmington, where he was 3-1 with a 2.14 ERA in six starts.
Tuesday's Top 100 prospect probables
No. 30 Robert Stephenson (Reds' No. 2), Louisville at Buffalo (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
No. 49 Jake Thompson (Phillies' No. 2), Lehigh Valley at Norfolk (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
More top prospect probables
A.J. Cole (Nationals' No. 7), Syracuse at Pawtucket, twin bill opener (AAA)
Ryan Merritt (Indians' No. 26), Columbus vs. Rochester (AAA)
Tyler Danish (White Sox No. 11), Charlotte at Durham (AAA)
Jairo Labourt (Tigers' No. 10), Lakeland at Clearwater (A Adv)
Mac Marshall* (Giants' No. 25), Salem-Keizer at Boise (Class A Short Season)
*Making 2016 debut