Spring Training MLB Prospect Report—March 19, 2021

CJ Abrams, SS, Padres: While Bobby Witt Jr. keeps getting starts for Kansas City, Abrams keeps excelling for the Padres, but generally as Fernando Tatis Jr.’s late-inning spring training replacement. Abrams got only one at-bat on Thursday, but he made it count as he doubled off Oakland’s Nik Turley for one of San Diego’s four hits and its only extra-base hit. Abrams has had only seven at-bats in the first four innings of games this spring. He’s had 23 at-bats from the fifth inning on. In comparison, Bobby Witt Jr., the other standout draftee from the 2019 draft, has 17 at-bats in the first four innings of games and 17 at-bats from the fifth inning on.

Nolan Gorman, 3B, Cardinals: Want to be confused? Gorman doubled off of Miami’s Zach Thompson to drive in three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning, sparking St Louis’ comeback. Blessed with that new 7-5 lead, St. Louis’ Zack Thompson struck out two batters in the ninth inning to pick up the save. The double was Gorman’s second of the spring. He’s hitting .200/.238/.300. While the Cardinals are working on getting him comfortable at second base (in light of Nolan Arenado’s acquisition), Gorman has yet to play second in a game.

Leody Taveras, OF, Rangers: Taveras tripled as part of a 2-for-5 day that raised his slash line to .250/.276/.429. Taveras is batting with Eli White for the Rangers’ center field job. A slow start by Taveras has created an opening for White to stake a claim to the position, but Taveras has started to heat up. After starting the spring with one hit in his first 13 at-bats, Taveras is 6-for-15 with three doubles and a triple in his last four games.

Jonathan India, 2B, Reds: India has been one of the consistent stars of the spring and he just keeps adding to his impressive spring resume. India went 2-for-4 with his third double of the spring. He’s now hitting .370/.500/.704 in 34 plate appearances

Daniel Lynch, LHP, Royals: If Bobby Witt Jr. and Nick Pratto are both having eye-opening spring training performances for Kansas City, Lynch is the counterbalance. The lefty is one of the better young pitching prospects in the game, but he has struggled this spring. Lynch gave up two runs on three hits in three innings yesterday, largely hurt by an Adam Engel home run. It’s the third home run Lynch has given up in his past three outings, and it helps explain his 8.38 spring ERA. Lynch has given up at least two runs in each of his four outings this spring.

Andrew Vaughn, 1B, White Sox: Vaughn continued his push to make the White Sox’s Opening Day roster with a home run in his only at-bat of a 9-7 win over the Royals. Chicago’s No. 1 prospect is now batting .294 with a .915 OPS as he pushes for the starting DH job.

Austin Allen, C, Athletics: Allen went 2-for-2 with two doubles in the A’s win over the Padres, Allen’s former team. The 27-year-old catcher is batting .316 with a .982 OPS this spring as he fights for the backup job behind Sean Murphy.

Owen Miller, 2B, Indians: Miller went 3-for-4 with a double in the Indians 4-3 loss to the Cubs. Miller, one of prospects the Indians acquired in the Mike Clevinger trade with San Diego last summer, is batting .333 this spring.

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