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

Apr 25, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners right fielder Stefen Romero (7) runs towards third base on a 2-RBI double hit by first baseman Justin Smoak (not pictured) during the eighth inning against the Texas Rangers at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Tacoma Rainiers – 44-49, 4th Place in Pacific Coast League Northern Division

Hot – Stefen Romero – RF

This former top prospect has generated plenty of excitement this season in Tacoma. Stefen Romero is hitting .333 with 7 doubles, 2 triples, 2 home runs, 12 RBI’s and 3 stolen bases in July for the Rainiers. Romero has performed better every month of the season, and now boasts an impressive .303 batting average with 11 home runs and 56 RBI’s. The 26-year-old is more than deserving of another chance in Seattle, and I expect he will get his shot before the end of the summer.

May 14, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners pitcher Roenis Elias (29) throws the ball against the Boston Red Sox during the second inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Not – Roenis Elias – LHP

The Guantanamo, Cuba product fared reasonably well with the M’s before being sent down a couple weeks ago. However, his fortunes have changed for the worse in Tacoma. Roenis Elias is 0-0 with a 6.14 ERA across 3 outings since July 7th. He has struck out 10 and walked 4 over his last 14.2 innings pitched. Home runs have been a problem, as he has surrendered 3 dingers this month with the Rainiers. Elias is almost guaranteed to return to Seattle this summer, but his recent performance is far from encouraging.

Hot – Steve Baron – C

It appears Steve Baron is finally starting to live up to his potential. The former 1st round selection is hitting .342 with 3 doubles, 1 home run and 6 RBI’s across 11 games in the month of July. Baron is widely regarded as a defensive specialist, and his 56% caught stealing percentage justifies his reputation. The 24-year-old backstop is hitting .325 with 4 doubles, 1 home run and 8 RBI’s since being called up to Tacoma in early June.

Not – Forrest Snow – RHP

The Seattle native has been a regular in the “hot” category throughout the season, but the past few weeks have not been kind to Forrest Snow. The 26-year-old right-hander is 1-2 with a 5.94 ERA through 3 starts in July. Snow has struck out 15 and walked 9 across 16.2 innings of work. Opponents are hitting .288 off him this month, and he has been touched up for a pair of home runs. Snow is still putting together a nice season, but hopefully he can break out of his slump this week.

Next: Jackson Generals