Friday's top AFL prospect performers

Here’s a look at Friday’s top performers in the Arizona Fall League from each team’s Top 30 Prospects list.

Blue Jays: Addison Barger, 2B (No. 13), Salt River Rafters
Barger made headlines with a two-homer day earlier this week, fresh off a year where he was a breakout star in Toronto's system, hitting 26 homers with 91 RBIs and a .933 OPS across three levels. He stayed hot Friday, lacing a two-run single as part of a two-hit day in the Rafters’ loss to Mesa. He now has 7 RBIs through three AFL games, to go along with five hits in 11 at-bats.

Brewers: Abner Uribe, RHP (No. 26), Glendale Desert Dogs
Dependable pitching can be difficult to find in the AFL, so the scoreless seventh inning Uribe threw in the Desert Dogs’ 10-6 win over Scottsdale stood out on a day the two teams combined to issue 20 walks. Of the 11 hurlers to appear in the game, Uribe was one of only four who did not issue at least one free pass. The 22-year-old with the 80-grade fastball also registered a punchout in his scoreless frame.

Marlins: Victor Mesa Jr., OF (No. 13), Mesa Solar Sox
The 21-year-old Mesa Jr.’s all-around hit ability stands out more than his power from a tools perspective, but he’s showing he’s certainly capable of leaving the yard this year in the AFL. Mesa only hit five homers across 121 games at High-A Beloit this season but has two in three AFL games after homering in Mesa’s 6-3 win over Salt River on Friday. Mesa’s two-run blast in the second inning opened the scoring for the Solar Sox. Left on left, no less.

Phillies: Francisco Morales, RHP (No. 11), Surprise Saguaros
Command has long been an issue for the hard-throwing Morales, who appeared in three big league games for the Phillies this season. But it wasn’t a problem Friday, when Morales logged a perfect inning of relief in the Saguaros’ win over Peoria. Morales needed only 14 pitches to retire the side in order in the fourth, racking up two strikeouts along the way. He also threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings in his AFL debut, earlier in the week.

Pirates, Nick Gonzales, 2B (No. 5), Surprise Saguaros
The No. 7 overall pick from the 2020 Draft followed up his multi-hit game Thursday with another nice performance Friday, doubling and driving in three to lead the Saguaros to their 6-5 win over Peoria. Gonzales’ two-run two-bagger sparked Surprise’s three-run first, and he added a key sac fly later. He’s been on of the AFL’s hottest hitters in the early going, batting .429 with three extra base hits through four games. It's his second straight impressive showing in the developmental circuit. More »

Reds: Matt McLain, SS (No. 5), Glendale Desert Dogs
Cincinnati’s system is overflowing with exciting shortstop prospects, which could force the grinder-type McLain to move to another position long-term. But the game’s No. 73 overall prospect is playing on the AFL stage more because his first season at Double-A was interrupted by a wrist injury that caused him to miss a month; he still posted an impressive .363 on-base percentage with 17 homers and 27 steals. So far in the AFL, McLain is hitting .300 with a .900 OPS, boosted by his 3-RBI day Friday. McLain doubled home two runs in the Desert Dogs’ three-run first, and drove in another run with a walk later as Glendale trounced Scottsdale, 10-6.
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