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.
Bluefield Ridge Runners announce 2023 coaching staff
The Bluefield Ridge Runners have announced their on-field coaches for the 2023 Appalachian League season. Hitting coach Jerry Greeley, returning pitching coach Garrett Schilling and fourth coach Chris Allen will round out the experienced staff set to serve under Ridge Runners manager and former Major League skipper John McLaren. “On
Appalachian League's 2023 managers set to take the helm
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Over the last several weeks, Appalachian League teams have announced their managers for the 2023 season. That group includes four brand-new faces with more than 150 years of combined experience in professional baseball. Former big league manager John McLaren, along with Dennis Cook, Bill Kinneberg and
Ridge Runners bring McLaren aboard as 2023 manager
The Bluefield Ridge Runners announced that former Major League skipper John McLaren will manage the team in 2023. McLaren began his professional career in the Appalachian League with the then-member club of Covington, Va. He played seven seasons in the Minor Leagues, reaching the Triple-A level, after being selected by
Appalachian League participates in MLK Day of Service
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - Appalachian League executives participated in the 28th annual MLK Day of Service on Jan. 16, 2023, volunteering in nine communities across North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Tabbed as a “day on, not a day off” to celebrate the life and legacy of the Civil
Appalachian League celebrates 2022 charitable contributions
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that the league’s charitable outreach grew to more than $3.4 million of gift-in-kind and monetary donations this year. Additionally, the league and its clubs volunteered more than 11,000 hours of community service. The league’s reach impacts the towns and cities their 10
Appy League adds Justin Morgenstern as director of player personnel
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League is pleased to announce the hiring of Justin Morgenstern as the new director of player personnel. Morgenstern joins the Appalachian League from the Philadelphia Phillies, where he was an area scout since 2016. Morgenstern spent his first three years with the organization covering
Bluefield Ridge Runners announced as recipient of Lee Landers Community Service Award
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that the Bluefield Ridge Runners have been named the recipient of the 2022 Lee Landers Community Service Award. The Lee Landers Community Service Award is presented to the club that demonstrates an outstanding, ongoing commitment to charitable service, support and leadership within
Redden named Appalachian League Humanitarian of the Year
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield's Parker Redden (Delaware) was named the Humanitarian of the Year. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season
Appalachian League announces Humanitarian of the Year nominees
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 10 nominees for its 2022 Humanitarian of the Year award. The Humanitarian of the Year award is given to the Appalachian League player that has been judged to have made the most notable contributions in his community during the season through
2022 All-Appalachian League Team announced
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the 2022 All-Appalachian League Team. The honorees were nominated and voted on by the league’s managers. The All-Appalachian League Team is highlighted by Bluefield’s Jackson Feltner, who was named Player of the Year, and Burlington’s Mason Ruh, who earned Pitcher of the
Feltner awarded Appalachian League Player of the Year
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield's Jackson Feltner (Morehead State) was named the Player of the Year. Feltner hit .347 with eight home runs and 38 RBI in 50 games played for Bluefield this season. The Ridge Runners first baseman went 67-for-193 with nine doubles, 44
McCrystal, Wohlgemuth earn Appalachian League monthly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Burlington's Ryan McCrystal (East Carolina) and Bluefield's Nate Wohlgemuth (Rogers State) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Month of July, respectively. McCrystal hit .410 with three home runs and 31 RBI in 22 July games for the Burlington Sock
Petersen, Wohlgemuth earn Appalachian League weekly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced today that Kingsport's Sam Petersen (Iowa) and Bluefield's Nate Wohlgemuth (Rogers State) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Week of July 25-31, respectively. Petersen hit .438 (7-for-16) with one home run and seven RBI in four games played for the
Johnson Jr. hits walk-off single, East tops West at 2022 Appy League All-Star Game
BURLINGTON, N.C. -- The East defeated the West, 6-5, at the 2022 Appalachian League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance on Tuesday night at Burlington Athletic Stadium. After Greeneville's Brock Daniels (Missouri) hit a game-tying two-run single with two outs in the top of the ninth, Danville's RJ Johnson Jr
Roster announced for 2022 Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance
The Appalachian League announced the rosters for the second Appy League All-Star Game presented by Visit Alamance. The rosters will feature 44 of the league's top players from the East and West Divisions, as nominated and voted on by the league's managers. The Visit Alamance All-Star Game is scheduled to
McGeary, Wohlgemuth earn Appalachian League weekly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield's Haydn McGeary (Kentucky) and Nate Wohlgemuth (Rogers State) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Week of July 11-17, respectively. McGeary hit .591 (13-for-22) with five extra-base hits and six RBI in six games played for the Bluefield Ridge
Feltner, Cooper claim Appalachian League monthly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield's Jackson Feltner (Morehead State) and Burlington's Trey Cooper (NC State) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Month of June, respectively. Feltner hit .372 with four home runs and 22 RBI in 24 games played for the Bluefield Ridge
Feltner, Taylor earn Appalachian League weekly honors
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- The Appalachian League announced that Bluefield's Jackson Feltner (Morehead State) and Greeneville's Riley Taylor (Oklahoma State) were named the Player and Pitcher of the Week of June 13-19, respectively. Feltner hit .458 (11-for-24) with two home runs, two doubles, and 11 RBI in six games played
Former Ridge Runners outfielder named Golden Spikes Award Semifinalist
CARY, N.C. - USA Baseball announced that former Bluefield Ridge Runners outfielder Kendal Ewell is a semifinalist for the 2022 Golden Spikes Award. The Golden Spikes Award honors the top amateur baseball player in the country. Kendal Ewell, a sophomore outfielder at Eastern Kentucky University, played in 45 games for
Appalachian League introduces new extra-innings format
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The Appalachian League announced the addition of a "sudden death" extra-innings rule and the return of seven-inning games on Sundays. EXTRA INNINGS: Similar to the Frontier League and MLB Draft League, the Appalachian League will implement a "sudden death" extra-innings format. During the plate meeting prior
Ridge Runners announce Mike Weatherford as hitting coach
The Bluefield Ridge Runners are pleased to announce that Mike Weatherford of Denton, Texas, has been named as the hitting coach for the 2022 season. Weatherford spent his collegiate days at Oklahoma. Weatherford joins the Ridge Runners staff for his first season in Bluefield. Weatherford spent the 2021 season with