THE FLATS — As we reach the end of June and the All-Star break is on the horizon, we check in #ProJackets in the 2022 MLB season.
Through 61 games, Charlie Blackmon has continued to be terrific for the Rockies. Despite a second-straight season hitting .270 after four out of five years above .300, Blackmon raised his OPS to .789, a full 20 points higher than last season. “Chuck Nazty” has been red-hot in the month of June, hitting .325 for 27 hits, 10 extra-base hits and 14 RBI. The former Yellow Jacket reached two milestones this month, hitting his 200th career home run (on the 11th anniversary of his Big League debut, nonetheless), and setting the franchise record for most career triples at 54 on June 17.
CHUCK MAKES HISTORY‼️
54 career triples passes Dexter Fowler for most in franchise history! pic.twitter.com/65pUX7Sh6k
— Colorado Rockies (@Rockies) June 18, 2022
MLB.com: Charlie Blackmon’s simple approach paying off at the plate
After a terrific May in Durham on assignment, Luke Bard (Tampa Bay) went and made four shutout appearances with the Rays in June, surrendering just two hits in six innings of work in relief. Bard returned to Durham on June 20 after pitching two no-hit innings against the Orioles on June 19.
Joey Bart (Giants) continues to work on his issues at the plate, working closely with San Francisco hitting coach Justin Viele before reporting to Triple-A Sacramento this month. In working to decrease his strikeout numbers (49 in 90 at-bats), Bart opened his assignment with a 2-for-4 outing in Tacoma on June 19, drawing a walk and zero strikeouts.
Buck Farmer (Reds) has been on assignment with the Louisville Bats since May 10, joining another #ProJacket in Deck McGuire, who has been with the Bats since May 27. Since the start of June, Farmer has found more of his stride, working to a 3.68 ERA over six appearances, allowing just three hits and punching out 14 in 7.1 innings of work. He’s held hitters to just a .125 average and has averaged a 0.95 WHIP since June 1.
Sam Clay (Nationals) was optioned to the Rochester Red Wings on June 9. Clay continues to work his way back, holding a 8.44 ERA in the month of June in Rochester, with five runs allowed in 5.1 innings on six appearances.
Around the Minors
- Daniel Palka (Syracuse Mets) was named the International League Player of the Week (June 13-19) for hitting .440 (11-for-25) with five RBI, two home runs, four doubles, nine runs scored and three walks in six games against Norfolk. In an 18-game stretch leading up to June 19, Palka reached base in every game, hit .375 with 20 RBI, five homers, six doubles, 12 runs scored and eight walks for a .438 on-base percentage.
- Derek Dietrich continues to rake in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre
- Xzavion Curry continues to dominate on the mound for the Double-A RubberDucks. In 12 games and 10 starts this season, Curry has four wins, a 4.04 ERA and 76 strikeouts in 62.1 innings of work.
- Tristin English still has a cannon with the Hillsboro Hops
