Stewart embraces Spring Breakout: 'What's not to love?'
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect. On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between
PHOENIX -- Sal Stewart was one fired-up Reds prospect.
On Sunday in the first inning during the organization's 9-7 Spring Breakout win over Brewers prospects, Stewart lifted a 2-2 pitch that sailed over the center fielder's head to the wall. Already not known as a speedster, he stumbled running between second and third base, but still beat the relay throw with a headfirst slide for a two-run triple.
Stewart, who is ranked No. 3 in the organization and No. 83 overall by MLB Pipeline, pounded his chest toward the visitor's dugout and yelled, "Let's go!"
"It means a lot to us and our organization," said Stewart, a third baseman who was the 32nd overall pick by the Reds in the 2022 Draft. "Every time I step between the lines, I’m trying to win. I’m also trying to show them that I’m ready for whatever circumstance comes.”
Stewart, who also hit a single in the fifth inning, was 2-for-5 with three RBIs. This was the second time that he’s been part of the Spring Breakout experience.
“It’s great to get out on the field with a bunch of good players," he said. "It’s awesome because the competition is great. What’s not to love?”
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
In 80 games for High-A Dayton last season, Stewart batted .279/.391/.454 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs. His season was cut short in July because of a right wrist laceration.
Stewart, 21, participated in his first big league camp this year and impressed manager Terry Francona.
“He’s a very advanced hitter," Francona said last Monday, after Stewart was sent to Minor League camp. "I don’t know when it is but he’s going to be a good Major League hitter. I firmly believe that."
O'Donnell matches Stewart
During a five-run top of the third inning, center fielder Ethan O'Donnell pulled a 1-1 pitch toward the right-field corner and reached third base standing up with a two-run triple of his own.
“I was talking to Cam Collier between at-bats and made some adjustments and I stuck to the plan there," said O'Donnell, who is ranked No. 18 in the organization. "He reminded me to stay through the ball and I work best looking to the other way. I give credit to Cam on that one.”
Collier, who is the No. 90 overall prospect and No. 4 in the organization, was unable to play as he recovers from left thumb surgery.
The lefty-hitting O'Donnell, 22, spent all of 2024 at Dayton and batted .269 with a .774 OPS, 10 homers and 40 RBIs in 104 games while working through a shoulder issue.
“That community in Dayton is unbelievable," said O'Donnell, a sixth-round pick out of Virginia in the 2023 Draft. "The support they have, the staff they have, let alone our organizational staff and our players in the locker room. Every day going to work was the best and to get that experience in a tough league against some good competition was phenomenal. Dealing with the ups and downs of baseball, the injuries, starting off slow, learning the mental grind of professional baseball. As much as you think you’re ready from college baseball, it’s a different beast.”
Serwinowski working on third pitch
Left-handed starting pitcher Adam Serwinowski, the Reds' No. 12 prospect, threw two innings and allowed one run, one hit and two walks with one strikeout. That strikeout came with a runner on first base when he got José Anderson looking at a strike-three fastball.
“You have to control the run game. I held the pause long and get a guy after he calls a timeout, make him wait and then he gets uncomfortable in the box and then I freeze him with a fastball," said Serwinowski, a 15th-round pick in 2022.
In his first full pro season during 2024 with Single-A Daytona, Serwinowski led the Florida State League with 25 starts and was eighth with 106 strikeouts. He posted a 3.57 ERA and 1.27 WHIP over 85 2/3 innings. Most of his starts were capped at four innings.
Serwinowski is in the process of developing his changeup.
“I’ve been working on that for about two weeks so far," he said. "It’s coming along quicker than you’d think. They’re letting me feel it out when I want to introduce it in games when I feel comfortable to throw. We found a grip that we think is good and [the pitch] will contribute to my pitching depth.”
Mey hits 102
The Reds dugout thoroughly enjoyed watching No. 20 prospect Luis Mey zip through a scoreless eighth inning in relief. Mey, who struck out two, reached 101 mph multiple times and topped at 102 mph with his final pitch for the strikeout.
"That was fun to watch," Triple-A Louisville manager Pat Kelly said. "For me, the impressive thing is he threw strikes. A lot of guys throw hard but are constantly behind. He was aggressive. He went after the guys"
Senior Reporter Mark Sheldon has covered the Reds for MLB.com since 2006, and previously covered the Twins from 2001-05.
Canadians, RBC Announce 2025 RBC We Care Wednesdays Charities
VANCOUVER, BC – The Vancouver Canadians and RBC are pleased to announce the return of RBC We Care Wednesdays, a community spotlight campaign that highlights the efforts, impact, and achievements of local charities through public awareness, a ticket fundraiser and in-stadium events that showcase each charity at Rogers Field at
13 Former C's Slated For MLB Spring Breakout
After a successful debut in 2024, MLB Spring Breakout – a four-day event showcasing the brightest stars of Minor League Baseball – returns from March 13-16 at Grapefruit and Cactus League stadiums during Spring Training. The Toronto Blue Jays have named their roster for the event, which includes 13 former
C's Debut Grandest Promo Schedule Of High-A Era
VANCOUVER, BC – With Opening Night at The Nat less than two months away, the Vancouver Canadians have released the deepest promotional lineup of the High-A era. Between nearly 20 giveaways, a trio of bespoke jerseys, theme nights, special guests, fireworks and more, 2025 will feature an entire roster of
Blue Jays Announce 2025 Canadians Coaching Staff
VANCOUVER, BC – The Toronto Blue Jays have announced the 2025 Canadians coaching staff, naming Jose Mayorga as skipper for the 2025 campaign. His staff will feature one familiar name – hitting coach Ryan Wright – and a group of newcomers set to make their High-A debuts this year: bench
2025 Promotions: Fireworks Dates Debut
VANCOUVER, BC – Already one of the top pyrotechnic displays in all Minor League Baseball, Canadians postgame fireworks at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium will light up the Vancouver night on nine different dates next season. That’s three more than in 2024 and the most since the High-A era
Dasan Brown Named Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner
VANCOUVER, BC – Minor League Baseball and Rawlings Sporting Goods Company, Inc. have named Canadians outfielder and fan favorite Dasan Brown as a 2024 Rawlings Gold Glove award winner. He is the first C's defender to earn a Gold Glove Award in franchise history. Brown, 23, recorded 226 putouts and
“Stro Show” Set For Sport’s Biggest Stage
While the connections between our humble franchise and the biggest stage in the sport are few this World Series, two former C’s pitchers are on the roster for the New York Yankees and could very much figure in to manager Aaron Boone’s pitching plans in the best-of-seven set. There’s also
C's Unveil 2025 Schedule
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians return to action for the 2025 season on Friday, April 4 at Tri-City and kick-off their home schedule on Tuesday, April 15 against Eugene to begin their 14th season as the High-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Like in 2024, all C’s home games
Three Canadians Honored As NWL's Best
VANCOUVER, BC – Minor League Baseball has named Peyton Williams (first base) and Jackson Hornung (catcher) to the Northwest League All-Star Team while crowning Brent Lavallee as the circuit’s Manager of the Year. Williams wasted no time posting terrific numbers after spending the first two months of the season on
Canadians Wrap '24 With Walk-Off Loss
SPOKANE, WA – In one of the most exciting games of the season, the Canadians fell 3-2 in 10 innings to the Spokane Indians [COL] on a walk-off hit by pitch at the Patterson Baseball Complex on the campus of Gonzaga University Saturday night. With the loss, the C’s drop
Game 3 Swings Spokane's Way In C's Loss
SPOKANE, WA – The Canadians scored early but couldn’t add on, as the Northwest League Championship Series trend continued with the first team to score falling in the later innings with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of the Spokane Indians [COL] Friday night at Patterson Baseball Complex on the
Comeback Win Evens NWLCS At One Apiece
VANCOUVER, BC – The final game at Rogers Field at Nat Bailey Stadium this year ended as it should: with the Canadians on top in front of a raucous crowd, who celebrated a 4-3 win over the Spokane Indians [COL] Wednesday night to even the Northwest League Championship Series at
C's Lose Late In NWLCS Game 1
VANCOUVER, BC – A run in the top of the ninth proved fatal for the Canadians in Game 1 of the Northwest League Championship Series, a 4-3 loss to the Spokane Indians [COL] at Rogers Field at The Nat. Tied at three entering the final frame, Spokane used a one-out
Regular Season Ends With 8-4 Win
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians cruised to an 8-4 win over the Eugene Emeralds [SF] in front of a sellout crowd Sunday afternoon at The Nat to end the regular season. Eugene scored two runs on back-to-back solo homers in the top of the first to take an early lead,
Thieves In The Night: C's Rob Emeralds With Walk-Off Win
VANCOUVER, BC – Down to their final at-bat, the Canadians snatched a walk-off victory from the Eugene Emeralds [SF] by putting the finishing touches on a three-run ninth to win 6-5 in front of a sellout crowd at The Nat Saturday night. After the Emeralds plated five runs in the
Long Ball, Walks Lobotomize C's In Loss
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians fell 10-7 to the Eugene Emeralds [SF] Wednesday night at The Nat after allowing a season-high four homers and matching a season high with 11 walks, four of which came into score. Despite the defeat, the C’s saw their magic number to make the playoffs
Penultimate Inning Powers C's To Victory
VANCOUVER, BC – A four-run bottom of the eighth was the difference in an 8-5 Canadians win over the Eugene Emeralds [SF] Tuesday night at The Nat. Vancouver’s magic number to clinch the second spot in the postseason is now down to two after Hillsboro’s loss at Tri-City tonight. Trailing
Canadians Can't Match Hops Thursday
HILLSBORO, OR –The Canadians dropped game three of their series against the Hillsboro Hops [AZ] 4-3 Thursday night at Hillsboro Ballpark. The C’s scored in the opening inning for the second consecutive night. Jace Bohrofen led off with a double, went to third on a flyout then scored on an
C's Score Early, Often In 10-5 Win
HILLSBORO, OR – A four-run opening frame was the first of five innings where the Canadians scored in their 10-5 win over the Hillsboro Hops [AZ] Wednesday night at Hillsboro Ballpark. Two homers provided the early fireworks. Jace Bohrofen singled before Peyton Williams clubbed his 11th homer of the season
Late Collapse Leads To Loss In Lid Lifter
HILLSBORO, OR – The Canadians saw their fortunes take a sharp turn for the worse Tuesday night after they surrendered six runs in the bottom of the eighth and lost to the Hillsboro Hops [AZ] 9-5. Leading 5-3 after seven and a half, the C’s sent Grayson Thurman (L, 6-3)
Jace Bohrofen Named NWL Player Of The Week
VANCOUVER, BC – Minor League Baseball has named Canadians outfielder Jace Bohrofen as the Northwest League Player of the Week for August 19-25 after he went 9-for-22 (.429) with a double, three home runs, 19 total bases, five runs scored, eight RBI and a walk in five games. He’s the
All-Around Team Win Earns C's Series Victory
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians secured the series and the season set over the Everett AquaSox [SEA] with a 6-1 win in front of a sellout crowd at The Nat on Sunday afternoon. After a scoreless first, the C’s took the lead for good in the second when Je’Von Ward
Turned Up To 11: C's Win Late
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians celebrated their first 11-inning game this season with a 3-2 walk-off win over the Everett AquaSox [SEA] Saturday night at The Nat. Tied 2-2 entering the eleventh, Grayson Thurman (W, 6-2) stranded the potential go-ahead run at third with a pair of Ks and a
C's Foiled By Frogs in Extras
VANCOUVER, BC – The Canadians failed to protect a two-run lead in the ninth and lost 3-2 to the Everett AquaSox [SEA] in ten innings Friday afternoon at The Nat. Leading 2-0 after eighth, the C’s sent Chay Yeager (BS, 3/L, 4-5) to the slope to begin the final frame
Harry's Heroics Lift C's To 6-4 Win
VANCOUVER, BC – A go-ahead double from Jay Harry with two outs in the bottom of the eighth was the decisive blow in Thursday night’s 6-4 Canadians win over the Everett AquaSox [SEA] in front of a sold-out crowd at The Nat. Tied at four after the Frogs plated a