With two top 100 prospects that are catchers, it’s easy to overlook the rest of the catching prospects in the Pirates system. One that has certainly gotten stuck behind Henry Davis and Endy Rodriguez is Greensboro catcher Abrahan Gutierrez.
He certainly showed enough of a hitting ability to advance to Double-A entering the season, but due to the logjam in the upper levels, and the Pirates still valuing him getting playing time behind the plate, Gutierrez is still in Greensboro.
An early season trip to the injured list put a good sized dent in his playing time, but he’s hit the ground running since returning to the lineup recently.
Since coming back May 26, Gutierrez has played in three games and is quickly filling the box score with hits. In 12 at-bats, he has seven hits — three of which have been doubles — while driving in seven runs.
A look at the Abrahan Gutierrez RBI double from back in the first inning #LetsGoBucs pic.twitter.com/kNKc06mA9o
— Anthony Murphy (@__Murphy88) May 26, 2023
He’s picked up three hits in two of those three games he’s played in.
Now that we are in June, we may start to see more and more movement when it comes to where players are assigned.
Gutierrez has always had a great approach at the plate, always being one of best when it comes to Swinging Strike rate (SwStr%) and line drive rate. Him being in Greensboro has less to do with him and more the situation with Davis and Rodriguez.
It’s going to take a couple of big domino pieces falling to get things moving, but he could be on the move shortly after they do.
Prospect Notes
— Matt Fraizer had one of the oddest days at the plate you will see. He picked up a lone hit, a single, but also drove in five runs on the day.
His scoring plays included four fielder’s choice and a single. Certainly not the most ideal way of driving in runs, but a testament to why it is so important to put the ball in play, opens the possibility of almost anything happening.
— It’s a big weekend series for the Pirates against the St. Louis Cardinals, and it’s a pair of young starting pitchers up to set the tone for a month they are looking to bounce back after a rough May.
It looked like Roansy Contreras was heading to a bullpen role (he did come in relief over the weekend), but is getting new life to right the ship staying in the rotation.
Luis Ortiz is taking strides since coming up in May, and will face the Cardinals for the first time since getting chased in the first inning during his last start of 2022. With the depth running thin, it’d be nice to see someone step up behind Mitch Keller, and these two would probably be the most ideal candidates.
Daily Video Rundown
The draft is quickly approaching, with NCAA tournament getting underway this weekend. Dylan Crews has long been the frontrunner to go first overall, and hasn’t done anything to really make people think otherwise.
WE ARE LIVING IN @CONNORSCOTT24'S WORLD!!! pic.twitter.com/rgsopLaDAW
— Altoona Curve (@AltoonaCurve) June 2, 2023
Connor Scott has been on a tear recently offensively, but a good reminder at what he does best, make plays in the outfield.
#pirates fans have been waiting for this for a while. OF prospect Lonnie White hits one for a single in an ext game. Welcome back Lonnie! pic.twitter.com/0kMEDGhRwH
— Florida Prospect Report (@FLProspectPod) June 1, 2023
In a draft full of intriguing players, the tools that Lonnie White had stood out on its own. Unfortunately injuries have kept him off the field for the most part of his professional career. After missing the first part of the season, he’s back at it in extended spring training.
Pirates Prospects Daily
By Tim Williams
**Thomas Harrington Gets Promoted to Greensboro; Brandan Bidois Joins Bradenton
**Matt Gorski Displays Athleticism And Versatility
Song of the Day
+ posts
Anthony began writing over 10 years ago, starting a personal blog to cover the 2011 MLB draft, where the Pirates selected first overall. After bouncing around many websites covering hockey, he refocused his attention to baseball, his first love when it comes to sports. He eventually found himself here at Pirates Prospects in late 2021, where he covers the team’s four full season minor league affiliates.
Cardinals Devil Magic alive and well with an assist from Polacios drop.
Every time Ro strikes out the side tonight, I shotgun a beer.
Ro bringing the heat!!!!!! Yeah baby!!!
Got my hibachi steak and chicken….ready for action! Let’s go!!!!
Man that Connor Scott play to end the game was nice. Given the situation, 2 outs bottom of ninth and bases loaded, the Curve could’ve be up 3 runs instead of one and it probably still ends the game with a loss for the Curve if he doesn’t come up with it and the ball skips its way to the wall.
Edit: just noticed it was top of 9th, not bottom but the point remains that’s at least a bases clearing hit if not an inside the park homerun if Scott doesn’t make the catch.
I watched about 5 minutes of the Dylan Crews video. Sorry to say what I saw was no big shakes, 70% ground ball hits. Was expecting more.
For those wondering about Travis Swaggerty and his wife. Neither one can catch a break!
https://triblive.com/sports/pirates-prospect-travis-swaggertys-wife-peyton-seeks-treatment-for-blood-disorder-after-raccoon-bite/
This is horrible. Talk about crazy stories. Prayers for a full recovery.
Is Peguero getting close to going to Indy?
SS Liover Peguero
Game stats: 2 for 4, two RBIs, two walks
Season stats: .256/.337/.403, 12 doubles, one triple, four home runs, 23 RBIs, 13 steals, 43 games
Bat looks better this year. What about his defense? Still having issues with the routine play?
Hopefully soon, then Cheng to Altoona. Davis can move up to Indy as well and get Gutierrez to Altoona.
I’ve been watching the E section of box scores regarding Peguero almost as much as his hitting. I want to say his name is appearing much less often than earlier in the season. At his E rate last year and earlier this year, he could hit .500 and he would not be at SS. Let’s hope his D is also taking a step forward.
Hey a Lonnie White sighting…Here is to hoping he can play the rest of the season…
We had similar sentiments.
Prayers for Lonnie White’s health.
We have gone from having a dearth of catchers to riches. I wonder if Abe could be peddled down the road for an MLB bat?
Everybody light a candle to St. Sebastian, can’t hurt!