Texas Rangers in Double-A: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not For Frisco?

Mar 5, 2015; Jupiter, FL, USA; A general view of baseballs on the field at Roger Dean Stadium prior to a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and Miami Marlins. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

This was a tough one to call honestly. Starters Jake Thompson (2-2, 3.76) and Alec Asher (1-2, 3.65) have both been solid in the rotation, while 27-year old reliever Francisco Mendoza has yet to allow a run in twelve innings. That all said, I’m giving the award to Thompson on the heels of his 12 strikeout performance from last night.

While Thompson and Asher have very comparable stats, it was the 21-year old righties’ lower walk total (6 to 12) that sealed the deal. The Rockwall native has become a severe ground ball pitcher this season, with a 1.78 GO/FO ratio compared to his career ratio of 1.08.

Thompson was acquired with Corey Knebel in the Joakim Soria trade with the Tigers at the deadline last season. Knebel was then shipped to Milwaukee in the Yovani Gallardo deal in January. In the top 200 prospect rankings from February, FanGraphs listed Thompson as their #29 prospect, behind other Texas Rangers’ prospects Joey Gallo and Alex Gonzalez. There they mention that Thompson could become a bullpen option later this season with his delivery requiring “some effort” while he tends to hit a little higher on the radar gun in short stints.

No matter where he ends up this season, he’s our Pitcher of the Month from Frisco!

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