Pipeline preview: Giolito set for Triple-A debut

July 18th, 2016

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in Tuesday's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Paul DeJong (Cardinals' No. 17), Springfield vs. Arkansas (7:30 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
DeJong, 22, belted a solo home run in game one of Double-A Springfield's doubleheader against Arkansas on Monday, giving him 17 home runs in his first full pro season. DeJong had some swing-and-miss issues as a result of jumping directly to Double-A from Class A Peoria, but his power has translated nicely, and he's cleaned up his defense at the hot corner.

Pitcher to watch: (Nationals' No. 1), Syracuse vs. Gwinnett (6:35 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Giolito, MLBPipeline.com's No. 1 overall prospect, is set to make his second start since returning from his first big league stint, where he allowed four earned runs on eight hits in 7 2/3 innings across two starts for the Nationals. It will also be Giolito's first Triple-A start, as he was promoted directly from Double-A Harrisburg and then had a tune-up outing for Class A Hagerstown last week. Between the two Minor League levels, the 22-year-old right-hander has registered a 3.35 ERA with 76 strikeouts and 34 walks in 78 innings (15 starts).

Duel of the day: Ryan Castellani (Rockies' No. 16) vs. Zack Erwin (A's No. 21), Modesto at Stockton (10:10 p.m. ET)
Castellani, whom the Rockies selected in the second round in the 2014 Draft, has had mixed results this season in the hitter-friendly Class A Advanced California League, logging a 4.05 ERA over 17 starts. The 20-year-old righty has done a good job keeping the ball in the park this season, allowing six home runs over 106 2/3 frames, during which he has piled up 100 strikeouts.
The California League hasn't been as kind to Erwin, as the left-hander enters the day with a 3-10 record and a 6.53 ERA through 18 appearances (16 starts) for Stockton. Despite throwing 2 1/3 innings in relief on Sunday, Erwin, whom oppposing hitters are raking against at a .325 clip, is slated to start for the Ports. Despite his struggles, the 23-year-old has fared well against Modesto this season, posting a 2.33 ERA over 19 1/3 innings.
Tuesday's Top 100 prospect probables
No. 66 Erick Fedde (Nationals' No. 4), Potomac at Salem (7:05 p.m. ET)
No. 92 Justus Sheffield (Indians' No. 5), Lynchburg at Wilmington (11:05 a.m. ET)
No. 97 (Astros' No. 7), Fresno at Round Rock (8:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
More top prospect probables
(Royals' No. 13), Omaha vs. Las Vegas (Triple-A)
(Giants' No. 21), Sacramento at New Orleans (Triple-A)
(Dodgers' No. 26), Oklahoma City at Tacoma (Triple-A)
(Indians' No. 26), Columbus vs. Louisville (Triple-A)
Josh Turley (Tigers' No. 27), Erie vs. Harrisburg (Double-A)
Tyler Eppler (Pirates' No. 28), Altoona at Hartford (Double-A)
(Angels' No. 4), Arkansas at Springfield (Double-A)
(Brewers' No. 19), Brevard County at Palm Beach (Class A Advanced)
Thad Lowry (White Sox No. 20), Winston-Salem vs. Myrtle Beach (Class A Advanced)
Elniery Garcia (Phillies' No. 21), Clearwater at Bradenton (Class A Advanced)
Sean Reid-Foley (Blue Jays' No. 3), Dunedin vs. Charlotte (Class A Advanced)
Josh Sborz (Dodgers' No. 18), Rancho Cucamonga vs. Lancaster (Class A Advanced)
Triston McKenzie (Indians' No. 6), Mahoning Valley at Auburn (Class A Short Season)
Bryan Hudson (Cubs' No. 13), Eugene vs. Hillsboro (Class A Short Season)
Drew Finley (Yankees' No. 15), Staten Island at Aberdeen (Class A Short Season)
Tyler Phillips (Rangers' No. 29), Spokane vs. Vancouver (Class A Short Season)
Antonio Santillan (Reds' No. 17), Billings vs. Orem (Rookie)