The final day of July brought not only a Trade Deadline for the ages, but also an exciting night of action around the Minor League landscape. Kaelen Culpepper (MIN) and Walker Jenkins (MIN) rocked a doubleheader at Double-A, Matt Koperniak (STL) flexed for the Redbirds and on the mound, Brandon Sproat (NYM) wrapped up a sterling month with a scoreless outing.
Kaelen Culpepper, SS, Wichita (MIN No. 5/MLB No. 84)
Culpepper took advantage of the doubleheader yesterday after racking up nine total bases and five hits between the two games. The 2024 first-round Draft pick tied his career high for hits in a single game as he tallied four knocks in the first game, including his 15th home run of the year. Culpepper, who is only a month into his Double-A Wichita career, finishes a monster July with 30 hits, a 1.064 OPS, 8 extra-base hits, and 14 RBIs in 18 games. Gameday (Game 1)
Walker Jenkins, OF, Wichita (MIN No. 1/MLB No. 12)
Jenkins had similar success to his teammate Culpepper as he also had a round-tripper and a double in the two games Wichita played. He had four hits yesterday, to bolster his 2025 resume. The 20-year-old outfield prospect keeps improving with each day. After missing all of May with a left ankle sprain, he still holds a .291 BA, .874 OPS, 5 HRs and 18 RBIs in 43 games this season. Gameday (Game 2)
Matt Koperniak, LF, Memphis (STL No. 22)
Koperniak showed off his power for Triple-A Memphis with two long balls in a 7-4 victory against Norfolk. The two blasts drove in five of the seven Redbird runs. Koperniak, a fifth year pro, now has his third multi-hit game in Memphis’ last five games. In a down year, he finds himself hitting his stride after an impressive month of July. He slashed .299/.337/.584 with 20 RBIs in 20 games this month. Gameday
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Brayan Cortesia, SS, DSL Nationals (WAS No. 21)
Cortesia is brand new to professional baseball, but looked very comfortable yesterday for the DSL Nationals where he went 2-for-2 with a whopping four stolen bags en route to a 7-5 victory over the DSL Arizona Black. The 17-year-old Venezuelan was just signed back in January, but has hit his stride seamlessly for the Nationals organization. Cortesia is a speedy shortstop batting .357 with 18 stolen bases in just 27 professional games. It's already the second time this season that the infielder has swiped four bags. Gameday
Brandon Sproat, RHP, Syracuse (NYM No. 5)
Sproat dominated on the mound for Triple-A Syracuse, tossing five scoreless innings in a sharp outing against Buffalo. The 24-year-old right-hander struck out nine, scattered three hits and issued three walks. The Mets No. 5 prospect finishes July with 27 innings across 5 games, 33 strikeouts and a 0.67 ERA. Gameday
Yoniel Curet, RHP, Montgomery (TB No. 15)
Curet dazzled for Double-A Montgomery with five nearly flawless innings, allowing just one hit while striking out seven in his start against Pensacola. The 21-year-old didn’t issue a walk and needed just 77 pitches to earn the victory in last night's ballgame. This is Curet’s third consecutive scoreless outing. The young pitcher completed his first month in Double-A pitching to a 1.45 ERA with 19 strikeouts across 5 games. Gameday
Brandon Birdsell, RHP, Iowa (CHC No. 8)
Birdsell delivered a gem for Double-A Tennessee, spinning six scoreless frames while allowing just two hits in a win over Indianapolis. The 25-year-old righty walked one and struck out six, marking his first win on the Triple-A affiliate of the 2025 season. This is Birdsell’s first scoreless outing since being activated from the 60-day IL on July 18. Gameday
Kendry Chourio, RHP, Columbia (KC No. 11)
Chourio impressed in his Single-A debut with Columbia, becoming the youngest pitcher at the level since 2013. The 17-year-old righty worked four innings, giving up just two hits and one run while striking out four without issuing a walk. The Royals No. 11 prospect was promoted from the ACL Royals after posting a 2.45 ERA and 17 strikeouts across 3 games. Gameday