Braves prospects show promise in Spring Breakout
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- As Terry Pendleton prepared to serve as the manager of the Braves prospect team that played the Tigers prospect team in a Spring Breakout game on Sunday afternoon, he said fans should be patient with John Gil and Luis Guanipa, a pair of teenagers who have
NORTH PORT, Fla. -- As Terry Pendleton prepared to serve as the manager of the Braves prospect team that played the Tigers prospect team in a Spring Breakout game on Sunday afternoon, he said fans should be patient with John Gil and Luis Guanipa, a pair of teenagers who have experienced just one full season at the professional level.
“Both of them are young puppies, but you will continue to see them progress,” Pendleton said. “If they continue to grow the way they have, I think you will see them in the big leagues.”
Gil, who ranks as the Braves' No. 14 prospect, and Guanipa, who ranks No. 15 on the same list, were the two highest ranked Braves position player prospects to participate in this year’s event. Both should begin this season where they ended last season, with Single-A Augusta.
Both prospects produced a near .800 OPS in the Florida Complex League before receiving a promotion. With the elimination of short-season Rookie-level teams, they made the jump to the Single-A ranks and struggled. Guanipa had a .450 OPS in 32 games and Gil had a .552 OPS over 39 games.
This was a humbling experience for Guanipa, who received a $2.5 million signing bonus. Gil has successfully played the underdog role since receiving a far more meager $110,000 signing bonus.
“We knew what we were sending there,” Pendleton said. “We knew it was going to be kids that weren't going to get crushed by this. Some kids lose confidence and they're done. You have to be real sensitive with certain kids. You can't send them there knowing that if they fail or don't succeed, they're done. These two kids will fight you, too, until they’ve got nothing left, you know? We knew they would bounce back if they had success or didn't have success.”
Gil started at shortstop on Sunday and went 1-for-3 with an infield single. He exited under his own power after seemingly pulling a left leg muscle while attempting to beat out a grounder in the sixth. Guanipa batted ninth and went 0-for-2 with a strikeout while playing center field.
Three of Sunday’s pitchers ranked among the Braves’ Top 12 prospects. Here is a look at how they did:
RHP JR Ritchie (Braves No. 8 prospect): The 21-year-old right-hander’s parents were among the friends and family members who flew from the Seattle area to see him start this game. They were treated to seeing him work a perfect first inning against three players from MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 Prospects list -- Max Clark (No. 6), Kevin McGonigle (No. 28) and Thayron Liranzo (No. 81).
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Ritchie ended the first inning by striking out Liranzo with a 97 mph fastball. The young hurler, who was taken with the 35th overall selection in the 2022 MLB Draft, allowed two runs, surrendered five hits and recorded a pair of strikeouts in three innings of work. He missed most of the 2023 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
“It was a great experience all around,” Ritchie said. “I loved it and I felt great. It was everything I thought it would be.”
RHP Garrett Baumann (Braves No. 9 prospect): The 6-foot-8 pitcher towers over Isaiah Drake, his 6-foot roommate last year. Drake playfully got under Baumann’s skin in the dugout last year. The tall pitcher responded with an impressive performance over the remainder of that outing.
“He wasn’t happy about what [Drake] did, so I asked him a question,” Pendleton said. “'Why don’t you take that to the mound with you?' You could tell what he has to offer. At times, it seemed like he wasn’t sure of himself. I said, ‘Hey we need to see that bulldog on the mound.'”
Baumann’s inexperience and nerves were on display as he walked five of the 10 hitters he faced on Sunday. He flashed his potential with a 98 mph fastball that he will try to harness as he likely begins the upcoming season with High-A Rome.
RHP Didier Fuentes (Braves No. 12 prospect): The 19-year-old hurler was added to Atlanta’s roster Sunday and he took advantage of the chance to shine. He flashed an upper 90s fastball while recording three strikeouts in a scoreless seventh and added two more strikeouts in a scoreless eighth. He finished his outing with two strikeouts in a scoreless ninth, finishing his day with a game-high 7 K's.
Supervising Club Reporter Mark Bowman has covered the Braves for MLB.com since 2001.
Chesapeake Baysox Unveil New Alternate Identity: The Chesapeake Oyster Catchers
Bowie, MD (March 21, 2025) – The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are proud to introduce a new alternate identity for the 2025 season. For select home games, the Chesapeake Baysox will take the field as the Chesapeake Oyster Catchers as a tribute to the Chesapeake Bay’s
Baysox FREE Family Fun Fest Returns to Prince George's Stadium Saturday, March 22
Bowie, MD (February 18, 2025) -The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are happy to announce that their annual FREE Family Fun Fest, in conjunction with Macaroni KID Bowie-Crofton-Odenton, will take place on Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Prince George’s Stadium, with National
Baysox Announce 2025 Promotional Schedule
Bowie, MD (March 10, 2025) – The Chesapeake Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, are thrilled to announce their action-packed promotional schedule for the 2025 season. Fans can look forward to 19 postgame fireworks shows, exciting bobblehead giveaways, and a variety of fun-filled theme nights designed to make this
Eight Former Baysox Named to 2025 Orioles Spring Breakout Roster
Bowie, MD – March 6, 2025 - Major League Baseball announced rosters for the 2025 Spring Breakout on Thursday. Eight former Baysox feature on the Orioles roster for the event, with the squad set to host the best prospects from the New York Yankees organization on Saturday, March 15 at
The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission Teams Up with Maryland Stadium Authority and Attain Sports for $50 Million Renovation of Prince George’s Stadium
Bowie, MD (January 29, 2025) – The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC), in partnership with the Maryland Stadium Authority (MSA) and Attain Sports, owner of the Chesapeake Baysox—the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles—today announced plans to design and construct significant renovations to Prince George’s Stadium in Bowie,
Orioles Announce 2025 Chesapeake Baysox Coaching Staff
Bowie, MD – January 24, 2025 - The Baltimore Orioles and Chesapeake Baysox have announced the coaching staff for the 2025 season, highlighted by returning manager Roberto Mercado. This season will be the second for Mercado as the Baysox skipper. He was named the 17th manager in Baysox franchise history
Chesapeake Baysox 12 Days of Christmas Starts Cyber Monday
Bowie, MD – November 27, 2025 – The Chesapeake Baysox welcome the holiday season with their annual 12 Days of Christmas holiday offers. Starting on Cyber Monday, December 2 and running through December 17 the Baysox will offer different ballpark experiences or autographed items along with the purchase of a
Double-A Affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles Announce New Team Name: Chesapeake Baysox
Bowie, MD – November 22, 2024 – The Baysox announced today the team’s official renaming to the Chesapeake Baysox during a special event at The Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. The updated team name represents a new chapter in Baysox baseball, expanding the brand to better reflect the broad and
Baysox 2024 Arizona Fall League Recap
BOWIE, M.D. (November 19, 2024) - The 2024 Arizona Fall League concluded on Saturday night, as the Surprise Saguaros, led by 2024 Bowie Baysox manager Roberto Mercado with a roster that included four members of the 2024 Baysox, faced off against the Salt River Rafters for the AFL championship. The
Enrique Bradfield Jr. Named Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner
Bowie, M.D. (November 5, 2024) - Minor League Baseball, along with Rawlings Sporting Goods company, announced on Monday that 2024 Baysox outfielder Enrique Bradfield Jr. was named a recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award as one of the top defensive outfielders in Minor League Baseball for the 2024 season.
HOW TO FOLLOW: Baysox To Make Major Announcement On Friday, November 22
Bowie, M.D. - The Baysox are set to make a franchise announcement at an event on the morning of Friday, November 22 at 8:30 a.m. ET at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation in Annapolis. Fans can follow along with the announcement using any of the channels below: - Facebook - Click
DJ Kool to perform at Tacos & Tequila Music Fest
Bowie, M.D. (September 27, 2024) – D.C. hip-hop legend DJ Kool is scheduled to perform at the Tacos & Tequila Music Fest on Saturday, October 5 at Prince George’s Stadium. He will join an all-star lineup from the “I Love The 90s” tour featuring Vanilla Ice, Treach from Naughty by
Four 2024 Baysox to participate in Arizona Fall League
Bowie, M.D. (September 25, 2024) – Four players from the 2024 Bowie Baysox have been selected to participate in the Arizona Fall League (AFL), which begins on Monday, October 7. C Creed Willems, RHP Tyler Burch, OF Douglas Hodo III and RHP Houston Roth will play for the Surprise Saguaros
Samuel Basallo named Eastern League’s Top MLB Prospect
Bowie, M.D. (September 24, 2024) – Minor League Baseball has named C Samuel Basallo the 2024 Eastern League Top MLB Prospect, as voted on by league managers. In 106 games this season for the Baysox, Basallo slashed .289/.355/.465 with 22 doubles, 16 home runs, 55 RBI and nine stolen bases.
Baysox Announce 2025 Home Schedule
Bowie, M.D. (August 12, 2024) – The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced their home schedule for the 2025 Eastern League season. 2025 will mark the 33rd season of Baysox baseball. The Baysox will play 69 home games at Prince George’s Stadium, beginning with the home
Tacos & Tequila Music Fest Scheduled for October 5
Bowie, M.D. (April 10, 2024) - The Bowie Baysox, the Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced that for the first time ever at Prince George’s Stadium, the Tacos & Tequila Music Fest will take place on Saturday, October 5 from 3:00 pm – 10:00 pm. The award-winning Tacos
Dylan Beavers promoted to Triple-A Norfolk
Bowie, M.D. (September 18, 2024) - The Baltimore Orioles announced Wednesday afternoon that outfielder Dylan Beavers has been promoted from the Double-A Bowie Baysox to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. In 119 games this season, Beavers slashed .241/.343/.413 with 19 doubles, five triples, 15 home runs, 50 RBI and 31 stolen
Baysox defeated in 10 innings in season finale
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell in the regular season finale to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 5-4 in 10 innings on Sunday afternoon from UPMC Park. Bowie (30-39, 62-75) opened the
Baysox battle back in Saturday victory
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, scored two runs in the final two innings to defeat the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 2-1 on Saturday night from UPMC Park. Erie (38-29, 76-58) took the
Baysox bats sputter in Friday defeat
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, lost to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 5-1 on Friday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (29-38, 61-74) took the first lead of the game four batters in
Young delivers late in Thursday victory
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, took down the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 2-1 on Thursday night from UPMC Park. With the game tied at one with one out in the ninth and
Baysox let early lead slip in Wednesday defeat
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell to the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 10-6 on Wednesday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (28-37, 60-73) jumped out to a 3-0 lead two and a half
Baysox hold off SeaWolves for series opening win
BOX SCORE ERIE, PA. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, held off the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers, by a final score of 3-2 on Tuesday night from UPMC Park. Bowie (28-36, 60-72) took a 1-0 lead four batters in a Creed Willems
Orioles OF Heston Kjerstad to continue rehab assignment with Double-A Bowie
Bowie, M.D. (September 10, 2024) – The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, have announced that Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad is expected to continue his rehab assignment tonight against the Erie SeaWolves from UPMC Park in Erie, Pa. First pitch tonight is scheduled for 6:05 pm. Kjerstad has
Baysox defense stumbles late in home finale loss
BOX SCORE BOWIE, MD. — The Bowie Baysox, Double-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, fell to the Harrisburg Senators, Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, by a final score of 7-3 on Sunday afternoon in the regular season home finale from Prince George’s Stadium. Bowie (27-36, 59-72) took a 2-0