Scottsdale, Arizona – After the completion of the first week of play, the Arizona Fall League has announced its Player and Pitcher of the Week for games during the September 18-24 timeframe.
Player of the Week: Scottsdale Catcher Joey Bart (San Francisco Giants)
Bart jump-started his Fall League season by homering twice on Opening Night in Mesa and followed it up with another two-hit performance, including a double, on Thursday night against Surprise. He finished his week leading the league in batting average (.556), home runs (2), on-base percentage (.667), slugging (1.333), extra-base hits (3), and total bases (12).
Pitcher of the Week: Glendale RHP Victor Castaneda (Milwaukee Brewers)
In his only start of the week, Castaneda walked the leadoff man against Scottsdale and would not allow another baserunner over the next four innings, even erasing the leadoff walk with a double play from the next hitter. He threw 56 pitches and did not factor in the decision after striking out six overall, including five consecutive hitters across the second and third innings.
Regarded throughout professional baseball as the “finishing school” for top prospects since its inception in 1992, the six-team league features elite young players from every Major League Baseball Club. Due to construction at Scottsdale Stadium and Surprise Stadium this fall, the AFL will play at four Cactus League stadiums — Camelback Ranch-Glendale, Peoria Sports Complex, Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, and Sloan Park. The 14th annual Fall Stars Game (Saturday, October 12) and AFL Championship Game (Saturday, October 26) will be played at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. Schedule can be found and Tickets for Arizona Fall League games can be purchased at ballpark ticket windows or at MLB.com/AFL.