Pipeline preview: Akron seeks sweep behind Rodriguez

September 16th, 2016

Here's a look at top prospects to watch Friday in Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Nellie Rodriguez (Indians' No. 24), Akron at Trenton, Game 3 of Double-A Eastern League Finals (7 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
Rodriguez has hit well in the postseason so far and will look to put together another strong offensive effort as Akron goes for a sweep in the Eastern League Finals. The 22-year-old first baseman has hits in five of six playoffs games and is batting .319 with four RBIs.

Pitcher to watch: (Yankees' No. 6), Trenton vs. Akron, Game 3 of Double-A Eastern League Finals (7 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
The Thunder will turn to the No. 82 overall prospect with their season on the line. Sheffield, who began the year with Indians' organization, has thrown well since being acquired by the Yankees, but he was lit up in his previous postseason start (six earned runs in 4 1/3 innings). In the regular season, Sheffield made six starts across two levels in the Yankees organization, posting a 1.50 ERA in 30 innings.

Friday's Top 100 probables

No. 82 Justus Sheffield (Yankees' No. 6), Trenton vs. Akron, Game 3 of Double-A Eastern League Finals (Akron leads series 2-0)
More top prospect probables:
• Justin Donatella (D-backs' No. 26), Visalia vs. High Desert, Game 2 of Class A Advanced California League Finals (High Desert leads series 1-0)
(Braves' No. 11), Rome at Lakewood, Game 4 of Class A South Atlantic League Finals (Rome leads series 2-1)
• Jose Suarez (Angels' No. 30), Orem vs. Billings, Game 2 of Rookie-level Pioneer League Finals (Orem leads series 1-0)