Arizona Fall League rosters include top D-backs prospects
Sep 1, 2015, 2:23 PM
Arizona Diamondbacks' Josh Collmenter, right, is congratulated by teammate Oscar Hernandez after pitching the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies during a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 10, 2015, in Phoenix. The Diamondbacks defeated the Phillies 13-3. (AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
(AP Photo/Ralph Freso)
The Arizona Diamondbacks are sending eight prospects to the Arizona Fall League in 2015. The rosters, announced Tuesday, include five of the Diamondbacks top 30 prospects.
The Diamondbacks prospects will play for the Salt River Rafters alongside prospects from the Nationals, Rockies, Blue Jays and Mets. Opening day is October 13 and the season will run through November 21.
Daniel Gibson, LHP: A seventh-round pick by the Diamondbacks in 2013 out of the University of Florida, Gibson is currently with the Mobile BayBears (AA). Gibson has posted an ERA of 1.69 in 2015 with 56 strikeouts and 20 walks over 47.0 innings pitched.
Keith Hessler, LHP: Went unsigned after being drafted by the Diamondbacks out of Coastal Carolina in the 2010 draft only to sign as an amateur free agent the following June. Hessler made his professional debut on August 8 against Cincinnati, pitching in eight games before being optioned back to Reno. Has a 2.14 ERA in the minors in 2015 with 65 strikeouts and 15 walks over 59.0 innings.
Yoan Lopez, RHP (D-backs #5 prospect): The Diamondbacks signed Lopez out of Cuba in January for $8.25 million. Since signing with the D-backs, Lopez has spent the majority of his time with the Mobile BayBears (AA). Through his first 54.0 innings of minor league ball, Lopez has an ERA of 4.17 with 38 strikeouts and 24 walks.
Adam Miller, RHP (D-backs #26 prospect): A 20th round pick in 2013 out of Brigham Young, Miller is currently with the Mobile BayBears (AA). In 2015, Miller has posted an ERA of 2.82 through 54.1 innings with 60 strikeouts and 28 walks. Opposing batters are hitting .266 against him in 2015.
Oscar Hernandez, C: Originally signed by the Tampa Bay Rays as an amateur free agent in 2009, the Diamondbacks drafted Hernandez in the Rule 5 draft in 2014. Hernandez made his professional debut for the Diamondbacks on July 12, 2015 and has played in 14 games for the Diamondbacks. Hernandez is currently on a rehab assignment with the Reno Aces (AAA).
Jack Reinheimer, SS (D-backs #12 prospect): A fifth-round pick of the Seattle Mariners in 2013 out of East Carolina, the D-backs received Reinheimer from the Mariners in June as part of the trade involving Mark Trumbo. Since joining the Diamondbacks, Reinheimer has spent his time with the Mobile BayBears (AA) where he is hitting .272 through 70 games.
Gabriel Guerrero, OF (D-backs #14 prospect): Originally signed by the Seattle Mariners as an amateur free agent in 2011, the Diamondbacks also received Guerrero as part of the trade involving Mark Trumbo. Since joining the Diamondbacks, Guerrero is hitting .233 through 72 games with the Mobile BayBears (AA).
Daniel Palka, OF (D-backs #29 prospect): A third-round pick by the D-backs in 2013 out of Georgia Tech, Palka is currently with the Visalia Rawhide (A Adv.). Palka is hitting .278 through 122 games with 23 stolen bases, 33 doubles and 28 homeruns. His California League-leading 258 total bases are magnified through a slugging percentage of .531 in 2015.
All Double-A and Triple-A players are eligible to play if they are on a Double-A roster by August 1. Additionally, one player below Double-A is allowed per major league team. Other specifics on AFL eligibility are available on the Arizona Fall League website.
