Kicking off this season's (usually) weekly rundown of top performers from the minor leagues, we'll also take a look at some names that aren't off to a hot start in the developmental ranks.
Class A Lakewood-
Who's hot...
First baseman/catcher Willians Astudillo is off to a great start, batting .447 with two doubles, a home run and nine RBI in 10 games for the BlueClaws. The 22-year-old Venezuela native spent the entire 2013 campaign on the disabled list with a left knee injury.
In three starts, right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. has a 2-1 record and a 3.00 ERA while striking out 15 and walking two in 18 innings of work. Leiter was drafted in the 22nd round last year out of the New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Who's not...
Third baseman Zach Green is having a slow start at the plate, batting .186 with two doubles, four RBI and three steals in 15 games. The 20-year-old righty hitter was selected in the third round of the 2012 draft.
Right-handed starter Ranfi Casimiro has a 0-2 record along with a 10.80 ERA through three games for the BlueClaws. Casimiro has struck out six and walked eight in 10 innings. The Dominican native stands six-eight and weighs about 200 pounds.
Class A Advanced Clearwater-
Who's hot...
Righty reliever Colton Murray is 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA in five appearances thus far this season. The 24-year-old has struck out 10 and walked two in 8 2/3 innings. Murray was the Phils' 13th round pick in 2011 out of the University of Kansas.
Left-handed starter Ethan Stewart has posted a 0-1 record with a 1.14 ERA through four games this season. The 23-year-old British Columbia native was selected in the 47th round of the 2010 draft by the Phillies.
Who's not...
Outfielder Justin Parr is struggling to start his first full year in the pro's. The lefty batting 23-year-old has posted a .082 average with a double and two RBI in 13 games for the Threshers. Parr, an eighth round draft choice last year, posted a .247/.332/.353 line in 56 games with short-season Class A Williamsport in 2013.
Righty starter Colin Kleven has a 0-3 record with an 8.80 ERA through three starts. The 23-year-old was the Phils' 33rd round draft pick in 2009.
Double-A Reading-
Who's hot...
Since getting demoted from the big league roster, Cesar Hernandez is on fire through seven games, playing mostly third base. The 23-year-old switch-hitter is batting .500 with a home run, five RBI and a stolen base. While adapting to the new position, the youngster, who was an All-Star second baseman in the minors, has three errors.
Outfielder Cam Perkins has been an excellent offensive producer for the Fightins, tallying a .415 average, with eight doubles, a triple, a homer, nine RBI and two steals. The 23-year-old was the Phillies' sixth round draft choice in 2012 out of Purdue.
Fightins closer Ken Giles looks great thus far this season. In six appearances, the 23-year-old righty has notched five saves and has yet to allow a run. In seven innings of work, the Phils' seventh round pick from 2011 has recorded 16 strike outs and has walked three batters. With just one hit, opponents are batting .043 against Giles.
Who's not...
Former top draft selection Anthony Hewitt is batting .148 with no extra base hits and two RBI through 10 games this year. The 25-year-old outfielder was selected with the 24th overall pick in 2008.
Triple-A Lehigh Valley-
Who's hot...
Backstop Koyie Hill is looking good, filling in for the injured Cameron Rupp. The 35-year-old is sporting a .393 average with two doubles, a triple and five RBI in nine games. Hill has played parts of 10 seasons in the big leagues and is a .206 hitter in 331 MLB games.
Left-hander Cesar Jimenez has allowed one earned while striking out 11 and walking three run in 11 2/3 innings (0.77 ERA) in four appearances with the Pigs. The 29-year-old Venezuelan posted a 1-1 record and a 3.71 ERA in 19 appearances in the big leagues last season.
Who's not...
Third baseman Maikel Franco had a nice game on Sunday, in which he went 3-for-5, but overall, the 21-year-old Dominican is sporting a .153/.231/.188 slash line in 16 games. Franco was widely regarded as the Phillies' top prospect heading into this season.
Outfielder Tyson Gillies is 3-for-23 (.136 avg) in five games to start his season with the IronPigs. Prior to joining LV last week, Gillies had gone 2-for-8 in two rehab appearance with Clearwater. The 25-year-old was dealing with a hamstring issue out of spring training.
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