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.
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 17
The Atlanta Braves have wrapped up eight more spring training games in addition to the highly anticipated Spring Breakout Game against Detroit. Atlanta came away with just a pair of wins during the week, but many former and potential Stripers got the chance for additional reps. Here’s an overview of
Stripers in Spring Training Update: March 10
The second week of Spring Training saw the Atlanta Braves win just one of six games while tying twice, bringing its overall record to 7-5 in Grapefruit League play. Many former and future Gwinnett Stripers have had the chance to play for the big-league club. Here’s an overview of who’s
Stripers Alums Mejia, Waddell Selected to Braves' Spring Breakout Roster
Major League Baseball announced today the rosters for its 2025 Spring Breakout, the second-annual Spring Training showcase of top prospects from all 30 big-league organizations. The Atlanta Braves' 24-player roster for their March 16 Spring Breakout game includes a pair of Gwinnett Stripers alums, pitcher Ian Mejia and infielder Luke
Gwinnett Stripers Announce 2025 Promotions Schedule
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers announced today their Promotions Schedule for 2025, the team’s 16th season at Coolray Field. The full calendar of giveaways, fireworks shows, theme nights, special appearances, and weekly promotions awaiting fans can be viewed now at GoStripers.com/promotions. This year’s slate of giveaways is highlighted by
Stripers Unite Braves Country for Coca-Cola® Preseason Party on March 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – All levels of Braves Country will unite at Coolray Field on Sunday, March 2 as the Gwinnett Stripers host the annual Coca-Cola® Preseason Party. The Stripers will welcome the mascots and promotions teams of the Atlanta Braves, Columbus Clingstones (Double-A), Rome Emperors (High-A), and Augusta GreenJackets (Class-A)
Atlanta Braves Announce Gwinnett Stripers’ 2025 Coaching Staff
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Atlanta Braves announced today their minor league coaching staffs for the 2025 season. The Gwinnett Stripers will be led by manager Kanekoa Texeira (2nd season), pitching coach Wes McGuire (1st season), bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (2nd season, 1st since 2023), hitting coach Dan DeMent (2nd season),
Gwinnett Stripers Now Hiring Gameday Staff for 2025
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers are now accepting applications for gameday staff for the 2025 season. Online applications can be submitted now at GoStripers.com/jobs, and an in-person Job Fair is scheduled for Saturday, February 8 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Suite Lounge at Coolray Field. Individuals
Gwinnett Stripers and Chopper the Groundhog Announce Groundhog Day Celebration for February 2
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In honor of Chopper the Groundhog – the only groundhog mascot in professional sports – the Gwinnett Stripers are planning a full and festive day on Sunday, February 2 that includes the launch of single-game ticket sales for the first half of the 2025 season. Chopper will
Gwinnett Stripers, Gray Media Partner for 30-Game Broadcast Schedule on Peachtree Sports Network
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Following the successful launch of a 13-game broadcast schedule in 2024, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced a continuation and expansion of their partnership with Gray Media to air select home games on Peachtree Sports Network (PSN) during the 2025 season. The Stripers, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta
Gwinnett Stripers Celebrate Holiday Season with New Holiday Packs
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Just in time for last-minute holiday shoppers, the Gwinnett Stripers have rolled out one of the most affordable options for any sports fan. Put the excitement of live baseball in your stocking with a Stripers Holiday Pack, on sale now through December 31. Each Holiday Pack includes:
Gwinnett Stripers’ Veterans Pack Available November 8-11
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – In observance of Veterans Day, the Gwinnett Stripers have announced the return of the Veterans Pack for the 2025 season. Veterans Packs are available to all service members and their dependents and may be purchased online at GoStripers.com. Packs are on sale for a limited time only,
Gwinnett Stripers Partnering with The Salvation Army for Non-Perishable Food Drive During “Flick or Treat” on October 26
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – The Gwinnett Stripers, in conjunction with The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County, will be accepting donations of non-perishable food items during the team’s annual “Flick or Treat” event (presented by Century Communities) at Coolray Field from 3-8 p.m. on Saturday, October 26. Attendees are encouraged to bring
Gwinnett Stripers’ Bryce Elder Selected to 2024 International League All-Star Team
LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. – Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB) announced today the league awards and All-Star teams for both Triple-A leagues, the International League and the Pacific Coast League. Gwinnett Stripers right-hander Bryce Elder was selected to the 2024 International League All-Star Team as one of four Starting Pitchers. The 25-year-old Elder
2024 Gwinnett Stripers: Year in Review
The 15th season of Triple-A baseball in Gwinnett County has officially concluded with the Gwinnett Stripers finishing the 2024 campaign with a 72-78 record. Although the Stripers were unable to secure a Triple-A championship, they played an indispensable role for the Atlanta Braves as the parent club navigated a challenging
Stripers Stifled 5-1 in Season Finale at Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – A.J. Smith-Shawver struck out 10 batters over 6.0 innings but also yielded four home runs as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-78) finished the 2024 season with a 5-1 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (73-76) on Sunday afternoon at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: Dane Myers hit solo
Four-Run Second Sinks Elder, Stripers in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-76) struck for four runs on five hits in the second inning against Bryce Elder and rode that frame to a 5-3 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (72-77) on Saturday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Bennett Hostetler homered and drove in three for
Missed Opportunities Cost Stripers in 3-2 Loss to Jumbo Shrimp
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luke Williams homered and Drue Hackenberg tossed 5.2 one-run innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (72-76) went 2-for-8 with runners in scoring position in a 3-2 loss to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (71-76) on Friday night at 121 Financial Ballpark. Jacksonville scored its three runs on a wild
Stripers Ride Six-Run First Inning to 9-4 Triumph in Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Luis Liberato launched a three-run home run to cap a six-run first inning and Luke Waddell lined a two-run single in the ninth to put the game away as the Gwinnett Stripers (72-75) earned a wire-to-wire 9-4 win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-76) on Thursday night
Stripers Lose 7-3 in Jacksonville Despite Anderson’s Quality Start
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Ian Anderson struck out five over 6.0 one-run innings for the Gwinnett Stripers (71-75) on Wednesday night, but the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (70-75) scored six runs off the bullpen to win 7-3 at 121 Financial Ballpark. The final series of the year is tied at 1-1. Decisive
Albies Belts Three-Run Homer as Stripers Slip Past Jacksonville
JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Beginning a rehab assignment for the Atlanta Braves on Tuesday, Ozzie Albies went 2-for-3 with a three-run home run to lead the Gwinnett Stripers (71-74) to a 4-3 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (69-75) at 121 Financial Ballpark. Decisive Plays: The game remained scoreless until the
Stripers' Offense Reemerges to Back Smith-Shawver's Quality Start in 6-2 Win Over Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves No. 2 prospect AJ Smith-Shawver turned in a sparkling start for the Gwinnett Stripers (35-34) to set the stage for an offensive resurgence to close the curtain on Coolray Field this season with a 6-2 win over the Buffalo Bisons (30-38) on Sunday afternoon at
Stripers' Offense Out of Rhythm Again in 4-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-34) were once again stymied offensively by the Buffalo Bisons (30-37) in a 4-1 loss on Saturday night at Coolray Field. Gwinnett has lost four-straight games. Decisive Plays: The Stripers scored first on an RBI sacrifice fly by Luke Williams in the third inning.
Offensive Woes Continue in 3-1 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Bryce Elder opened with 5.0 scoreless innings, but the Gwinnett Stripers (34-33) did not score until the ninth inning in a frustrating 3-1 loss to the Buffalo Bisons (29-37) on Friday night at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: Buffalo broke through in the sixth inning on an RBI
Home Runs by Baldwin, Martinez Not Enough to Back Hackenberg in 3-2 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – Atlanta Braves' No. 9 prospect Drue Hackenberg turned in his third-straight quality start but received little run support as the Gwinnett Stripers (34-32) only managed solo home runs from Drake Baldwin and J.P. Martinez in a 3-2 to the Buffalo Bisons (28-37) on Thursday night at Coolray
Stripers Run Out of Extra-Inning Magic in 6-3 Loss to Buffalo
LAWRENCEVILLE, GA. – The Gwinnett Stripers (34-31) overcame a 3-1 deficit in the bottom of the 10th inning but were eventually put away after a three-run 11th frame from the Buffalo Bisons (27-37) in a 6-3 loss on Wednesday afternoon at Coolray Field. Decisive Plays: After three scoreless innings opened