SF Giants pitching prospects rundown (5/14 - 5/20)

Make sure to revisit our weekly SF Giants prospect rundowns to keep up with each of the organization’s minor-league affiliates.

SF Giants pitching prospects rundown (5/14 - 5/20)

If you do not feel well acclimated to the prospects throughout the farm system, you might want to revisit this year's Prospect Week article (specifically the SF Giants 2022 prospects depth chart) or purchase the 2022 SF Giants Prospects Primer filled with scouting reports of 150 San Francisco Giants prospects from the best of the best to the unheard-of prospects. If you’re just interested in the biggest names, then the monthly updated 2022 Top 30 Prospects is just what you need.

River Cats Pitching Prospects

Notable Performers

Enmanuel de Jesus: 2 G (2 GS), 9.1 IP, 7 H, 4 R (4 ER), 5 BB, 14 K, 3.86 ERA
Tristan Beck: 1 G (1 GS), 6 IP, 3 H, 2 R (2 ER), 1 BB, 6 K, 3.00 ERA
Raynel Espinal: 1 G (1 GS), 6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 1 HBP, 1 BB, 4 K, 0.00 ERA

Enmanuel de Jesus brought his strikeout stuff this week highlighted by his 4.1 innings of two-hit work with nine strikeouts. The walks have been an issue with de Jesus this season as he allowed at least two walks in six straight appearances but he's picking up the pace recently on the strikeout column. His breaking ball looks pretty good as well as his fastball and it's just honing it in that is what's holding de Jesus back this season.

After a couple of rough outings, Tristan Beck has finally put a strong outing at the Triple-A level against Tacoma. The good thing for Beck is that he's still throwing strikes (65% strike rate) and he is not getting beat via the long ball unlike Frisbee when he got promoted last season. Beck's 9.68 ERA in the Triple-A level should go down (5.73 xFIP) but what Beck could become is still a pending question to be answered.

Raynel Espinal has been the best starting pitcher in the River Cats staff this season with a 2.70 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 30 innings this season. His funk really stands out and he keeps on being consistent even though his walk rate is a bit high (11.3%). His near five-foot release height gives his pitches a good plane above the zone where he attacks hitters with his fastball and slider. There is a chance that Espinal could see the big leagues this season and potentially be a good relief pitcher with some starter traits.