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

Bakersfield Blaze – 34-57, 5th Place in California League Northern Division

Hot – Tyler Pike – LHP

Tyler Pike was once considered a top prospect in the M’s system, however that was a couple years ago, and a lot has happened since then. Pike has done a nice job since being reassigned to Bakersfield, and he sports a 1-0 record an an ERA of 2.50 ERA in the month of July. The 21-year-old lefty has fanned 21 and walked 9 through 18 innings. He has rehabilitated his image a bit this season in the California League, and there is still a decent chance he could one day make the big leagues.

Hot – Burt Reynolds – OF

Burt Reynolds is a famous Hollywood film star, however this Burt Reynolds has been staring in Bakersfield this season. The 26-year-old is hitting .250 with 1 double, 2 home runs, 6 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases through 13 games in July. Reynolds is unlikely to ever suit up for the M’s, but it is nice to see him succeeding. He spent 3 years in independent ball prior to latching on with Seattle in 2014.

Not – Nelson Ward – 2B

The University of Georgia alum started strong for the Blaze this season, but Nelson Ward’s numbers have tailed off in recent weeks. Ward is hitting just .212 with 2 doubles, 1 triple, 5 RBI’s and 2 stolen bases in July. The 22-year-old middle infielder still has a reasonably bright future in the organization, but he needs to break out of his current cold steak.

Hot – Dan Altavilla – RHP

The 22-year-old right-hander has put forth a solid effort in 2015, and become one of the top pitchers on the Blaze’s staff. Dan Altavilla has pitched well in July, going 2-1 with a 2.29 ERA. He has struck out 17 and walked 5 across 19.2 innings pitched. Altavilla is fresh off hurling a complete game shutout against the Visalia Rawhide on July 12th. The 22-year-old has a bright future, and it should be fun to see how he develops in the years to come.

Next: Clinton LumberKings