Pipeline preview: Tellez looks to extend streak

June 4th, 2016

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in today's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Rowdy Tellez (Blue Jays' No. 8)
Tellez blasted his ninth home run of the season for Double-A New Hampshire on Friday to extend his hitting streak to 10 games, during which he's hitting .417 (15-for-36) with two home runs, 13 runs scored and 10 RBIs. The 21-year-old first baseman -- who posted a .143 average over his first 27 games -- has been on a tear for the better part of three weeks, with a .374 average, 17 extra-base hits and 22 RBIs in his last 23 games. Overall, Tellez has hit .251 with an .855 OPS and 32 RBIs through 50 games this season.
Pitcher to watch: Frankie Montas (Dodgers' No. 4)
Montas is set to make his first career Triple-A start as he continues to work his way back from February rib surgery. The 23-year-old right-hander, ranked No. 89 on the Top 100, has been sharp in his four short outings so far -- none longer than two innings -- allowing one run on four hits while striking out nine in 5 2/3 innings. Montas saw time both as a starter and a reliever in the big leagues last season with the White Sox, and he could potentially help the Dodgers in either role this year once he's built up the necessary arm strength and stamina. He takes the mound for Oklahoma City on the road against Round Rock at 7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV.
Duel of the day: Anderson Espinoza (Red Sox's No. 4) vs. Peter Lambert (Rockies' No. 13), Greenville at Asheville at 6:05 p.m. ET
Both Espinoza and Lambert were excellent in their previous duel on May 25, when the 19-year-old right-handers combined to allow one run on three hits in 11 innings. Espinoza (No. 34 overall) fired a career-high six scoreless innings of two-hit ball to pick up the win and then followed the performance by tossing five more scoreless frames in his latest turn for Greenville, giving him a 3.43 ERA in 44 2/3 innings on the season. Lambert, meanwhile, was the tough-luck loser as he surrendered one run on one hit over five innings, striking out five. In his full-season debut, the 2015 second-rounder has posted a 2.54 ERA and a 42/7 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 46 innings (10 starts) for Asheville.
Saturday's Top 100 prospect probables

No. 1 Lucas Giolito (Nationals' No. 1), Harrisburg at Richmond (6:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
No. 57 Grant Holmes (Dodgers' No. 3), Rancho Cucamonga vs. Inland Empire (A-Advanced)
No. 64 Amir Garrett (Reds' No. 4), Pensacola at Mobile (AA)
More top prospect probables

Stephen Gonsalves (Twins' No. 6), Fort Myers vs. Daytona (A-Advanced)
A.J. Cole (Nationals' No. 7), Syracuse vs. Buffalo (AAA)
Jacob Nix (Padres' No. 8), Fort Wayne vs. Dayton (A)
Jason Garcia (Orioles' No. 9) vs. Rob Kaminsky (Indians' No. 10), Bowie vs. Akron (AA)
Brett Martin (Rangers' No. 10), Hickory at Lakewood (A)
Ian Clarkin (Yankees' No. 10), Tampa vs. Charlotte (A-Advanced)
Clayton Blackburn (Giants' No. 11), Sacramento vs. Albuquerque (AAA)
Ariel Jurado (Rangers' No. 12), High Desert at Lake Elsinore (A-Advanced)
Ryan Borucki (Blue Jays' No. 12), Lansing vs. Bowling Green (A)
Ryan Yarbrough (Mariners' No. 12) vs. Brad Markey (Cubs' No. 29), Jackson at Tennessee (AA)
Jordan Stephens (White Sox No. 13), Winston-Salem vs. Wilmington (A-Advanced)
Yohander Mendez (Rangers' No. 13), Frisco vs. Springfield (AA)
Daniel Mengden (A's No. 14), Nashville at Omaha (AAA)
Kyle McGowin (Angels' No. 15), Salt Lake at Reno (AAA)
Ryne Stanek (Rays' No. 17), Montgomery at Jacksonville (AA)
Mike Clevinger (Indians' No. 7) vs. Brady Lail (Yankees' No. 18), Columbus at Scranton Wilkes-Barre (AAA)
Ricardo Sanchez (Braves' No. 18), Rome at Lexington (A)
Yeudy Garcia (Pirates' No. 18), Bradenton at Lakeland (A-Advanced)
Cody Poteet (Marlins' No. 19) vs. Brian Gonzalez (Orioles' No. 23), Greensboro vs. Delmarva (A)
Nick Wells (Mariners' No. 19), Clinton at Beloit (A)
Sandy Alcantara (Cardinals' No. 19), Peoria at Cedar Rapids (A)
Bubba Derby (Brewers' No. 20), Brevard County at St. Lucie (A-Advanced)
John Gant (Braves' No. 21), Gwinnett at Durham (AAA)
Zack Erwin (A's No. 22), Stockton vs. Visalia (A-Advanced)
Carson Sands (Cubs' No. 23), South Bend vs. West Michigan (A-Advanced)
Tyler Eppler (Pirates' No. 28), Altoona vs. Binghamton (AA)