LSU’s MLB assembly line churned out its latest product on Friday.
Tommy White smoked a double into the gap in left center for his first major league hit as Dylan Crews and the Nationals spanked the A’s 23-4. White has hit everywhere he’s ever played, and that is likely to continue at the game’s highest level.
Gage Jump started the game on the mound for the Athletics. And while his start wasn’t exceptional, he’s off to a great start in The Show. White had been knocking on the door of the big leagues all summer and finally got the call. He probably won’t be the last Jay Johnson export to end up in the MLB this season.
Who are the next three?
Kade Anderson
If Seattle has a single pitching injury, Anderson is probably on the next plane out. The Mariners are in first place in some part due to the fact that they’ve stayed remarkably healthy. They’ve only used six starting pitchers this season. My Cubs have used 12.
Anderson is carving up the minor leagues. His AA ERA is 1.36 in 14 started. He’s got 108 strikeouts and 10 walks. There’s little doubt Anderson will be up this summer. He’s one of the five best prospects in baseball.
If Seattle stays healthy, Anderson could become a bullpen weapon as the playoffs approach.
Tre Morgan
Morgan was Tampa’s minor league hitter of the year two seasons ago. He was excellent in climbing all the way to AAA in Durham. This year, he got off to a rough start and then got hurt. After 10 days in the rookie league, he’s back with Durham as of Friday night when he hit a pair of homers for the Bulls.
Tampa, like Seattle, is also in first place, so they aren’t in experimentation mode. Morgan will have to earn his way up or someone will have to get hurt.
Anthony Eyanson
The velocity gains for Eyanson have been impressive. He’s pitching in the upper 90s in Boston’s organization. He absolutely blew away High-A early this year with a 0.44 ERA in 20.1 innings. He struck out 34 and walked three and was promoted to AA. He’s worked 35 innings and produced a 1.78 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 17 walks.
Boston has made a charge and is now in playoff position. Eyanson is the top pitching prospect in the organization and could absolutely slot into their bullpen as the summer progresses. He dominated at LSU thanks in large part to his breaking ball. Now with a high 90s fastball, he’s got big league stuff.
