San Francisco Giants: Handing out team awards for May

San Francisco Giants—Top Prospect Performer of May

Whilst the big league club has struggled, there have been some noteworthy performances in May by players on the Giants minor league affiliates.

The pick of the pitching prospects was 22-year-old Sean Hjelle, who continued his excellent form into May after a strong April showing.

Hjelle, the Giants’ second-round pick in the 2018 draft, spent the first part of the month with the Single-A Augusta Green Jackets before being promoted to the High-A San Jose Giants.

In five May starts for the two clubs combined, he gave up just four earned runs in 24 innings for an ERA of 1.50. He recorded 27 strikeouts while allowing just eight walks.

His best start came in his first appearance at the High-A level on May 25, when he struck out five and allowed just one run in a six-inning quality start.

My choice for the prospect of the month for May was Chris Shaw.

The slugging outfielder had an excellent month,  capped by promotion back to the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats on Thursday.

The team’s No. 11 prospect, according to MLB.com, hit .298/.373/.510 with five home runs among 12 extra-base hits on the month with the Double-A Richmond Flying Squirrels.

Shaw, who underwhelmed in his 2018 cup of coffee by slashing .185/.274/.278 in 54 at-bats, could be in line for a recall to the big league club sooner rather than later if he keeps things rolling over the next month or so in Triple-A.