Mariners Minor League Report: Who’s Hot and Who’s Not

Feb 26, 2015; Peoria, AZ, USA; Seattle Mariners infielder Patrick Kivlehan poses for a portrait during photo day at Peoria Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Tacoma Rainiers: 25-31, 4th in PCL Northern Division

Hot – Jesus Montero – 1B/DH

The 25-year-old Venezuelan product is mashing this season in Tacoma. Montero may not be fondly remembered by most M’s fans, but he is more than deserving of a promotion. Jesus is hitting .310 with 3 home runs and 18 RBI’s since May 21st. He has posted a .391 on base percentage and slugged .500 over his last 16 ballgames. He is typically very impatient at the plate, but he has nursed 9 free passes and struck out just 11 times in his last 69 plate appearances. I would have preferred to see him get a chance in Seattle rather than trading away key prospects for a very similar player in Mark Trumbo.

Not – Justin Germano – RHP

Justin Germano started the season red hot, but has since cooled significantly. Over his last 3 outings, Germano is 1-1 with a 5.21 ERA. Those numbers leave plenty to be desired, but he has still registered an impressive 16:3 strikeout to walk ratio over his last 19.0 innings pitched. The 32-year-old right-hander also pitched 5.1 shutout innings his last time out against the New Orleans Zephyrs on June 2nd. Hopefully, he can keep it going and earn a promotion at some point.

Hot – Patrick Kivlehan – OF

After a slow start to the season, the Mariners’ number 4 prospect has really opened some eyes recently with the Rainiers. Kivlehan is hitting .311 with 4 home runs and 12 RBI’s since May 21st. He has also posted a .338 on base percentage and slugged .623 over his last 61 at bats. The Rutgers alum has worked hard to transition from third base to the outfield this season, and he should find a spot in Seattle before long. He currently leads Tacoma with 10 home runs this season.

Not – Stephen Landazuri – RHP

The 23-year-old tore up AA with the Jackson Generals before earning the promotion to Tacoma in May. Things have not gone so smoothly for Landazuri with the Rainiers, going 0-2 with a 10.34 ERA across his first 4 outings. He has struck out just 4 hitters and walked 6 during his 15.2 innings pitched. I think the Mariners’ number 19 prospect will turn things around shortly. He is a very talented young pitcher, and he could make an impact in Seattle soon.

Hot – Leon Landry – CF

Leon Landry has come out of nowhere to make a name for himself. The 25-year-old is tearing up the PCL as of late, hitting .342 with 4 home runs, 8 RBI’s and 1 stolen base over his last 13 games. Landry has posted a .442 on base percentage and slugged .658 over that stretch. He appears to be playing over his head right now, but if he can sustain it, he will be in the running for a September call-up.

Next: Jackson Generals