Pipeline Preview: Groome returns to mound for Lowell

June 19th, 2017

Here's a look at top prospects to watch in today's Minor League action:
Hitter to watch: Harrison Bader (Cardinals' No. 6), Memphis vs. Round Rock (8:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
As the weather has heated up, so has Bader. The 23-year-old has seen his numbers increase each month this season and June has been no different. After going 1-for-4 with a homer on Sunday, Bader is batting .361 in June and .300 overall through 65 games. Bader has also homered in each of his past two games, bringing his season total to 12.

Pitcher to watch: Jay Groome (Red Sox's No. 2), Lowell vs. Vermont (6:35 p.m. ET)
Groome, the No. 36 overall prospect, returns to the mound for the first time since April 10, when he left his first start of the season with a lat strain after just 1 1/3 innings. The lefty, whom the Red Sox took in the first round of the 2016 Draft, has pitched just eight professional innings but possesses an impressive arsenal of pitches. Groome's best pitch is his curveball while his fastball works in the mid-to-upper 90s. He also throws a changeup that shows potential.

Monday's Top 100 prospect probables
No. 24 overall Brent Honeywell (Rays' No. 2), Durham vs. Norfolk (7:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
No. 98 overall Jack Flaherty (Cardinals' No. 5), Memphis vs. Round Rock (8:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)
More top prospect probables
(Phillies' No. 19), Lehigh Valley vs. Pawtucket (Triple-A)
(Angels' No. 11), Salt Lake vs. Tacoma (Triple-A)
Teddy Stankiewicz (Red Sox's No. 24), Portland vs. Erie (Double-A)
Austin Gomber (Cardinals' No. 14), Springfield vs. Tulsa (Double-A)
Corey Ray (Royals' No. 24), Northwest Arkansas vs. Arkansas (Double-A)
Jake Woodford (Cardinals' No. 17), Palm Beach vs. Charlotte (Class A Advanced)
(Tigers' No. 10), Lakeland vs. Dunedin (Class A Advanced)
Franklyn Kilome (Phillies' No. 5), Bradenton vs. Clearwater (Class A Advanced)
Taylor Widener (Yankees' No. 27), Tampa vs. Florida (Class A Advanced)