Cubs Minor League Weekend in Review (4/11 - 4/13): Go (Iowa) Cubs, Go!

[Billy Reich]

The Cubs’ minor league systems tread water on the whole - going 8-7 over the weekend with Iowa winning three straight while Myrtle Beach keeps everything balanced dropping three in a row. Things are heating up for the I-Cubs as they pick up 6 of their last 8 thanks to some key pitching contributions and hot bats. The Cubs notch 16 Ks in a 4-2 win on Saturday, Jaylen Palmer goes long bombs away twice for the Smokies, Drew Bowser adds 2 XBHs, and Cole Mathis flashes his potential with a 3-7 showing at the plate with two doubles for Myrtle Beach despite a 9-10 loss in extras.

Image courtesy of Image courtesy of Mark J. Rebilas via Imagn Image

Cubs Minor League Report: April 11–13, 2025

Farm System at a glance:

• Iowa Cubs (AAA): 3–1 over the weekend, 8-5 for the season

• Knoxville Smokies (AA): 3–1 over the weekend, 5-3 for the season

• South Bend Cubs (High-A): 2–2 over the weekend, 4-5 for the season

• Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Low-A): 0–3 over the weekend, 4-5 for the season

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Triple-A: Iowa Cubs (8-5)

Opponent: Toledo Mud Hens 

April 11: Loss, 3-7

Game Summary:
The Iowa Cubs struggled out of the gate this weekend, falling 4-1 against the Mud Hens behind a shaky start from Trevor Richards. A rough outing for Richards - getting the hook after allowing 3 runs in just 1.2IP to start the game. The bullpen had a rocky relief showing, putting up ten Ks - five from Books Kriske - but allowing seven walks, a trend that hopefully settles as pitchers settle in for the season.

Vidal Brujan and Moises Ballesteros continued to put their best foot forward with twin 3-5 days at the plate, but neither could manifest a run to keep the I-Cubs in the game. The two of them continue to put bat on ball leading the team with a .308 and .333 batting average respectively. Cubs top prospect Kevin Alcantara notched his first RBI of the young season with a sac fly in the 7th to give the team some life, but the bats ultimately go quite into the night as they struggle to bring runners home going just 1-12 with RISP.

The Cubs notched 12 hits, 4 stolen bases, and walked 7 times, but ultimately couldn’t convert that potential into runs, leaving 16 runners on base (including 9 in scoring position with 2 outs) in the loss.

Top Performers:

• Moises Ballesteros (C): 3-for-5, SB (3)  – .333 BA leads the team as the Cubs #4 prospect continues to show off his 60 grade hit tool.

• Vidal Brujan (SS): 3-for-5  – Three singles in a nice display of speed and bat to ball skills

• Kevin Alcantara (CF): 2-for-3, 2B, RBI (1), BB – Sac Fly RBI, double, stolen base and a walk.

• Nolan Clenney (RP): 2.0 IP, 2H, 0 ER, 1BB, 3 K – 2 innings of scoreless ball, continues to cling to his 0.00 ERA.

 

April 12: Win, 3–1 ; Win 4-2 (Double Header) 

Opponent: Toledo Mud Hens

Game Summary:
The Cubs take back to back wins during Saturday's  double header on the backs of some key pitching performances and timely hits. Connor Noland pitched 6 innings of one run ball in the early game while the Cubs’ bullpen combined for 16 Ks in the evening game. Alcantara and Ballesteros stay hot at the plate while Jack Neely and Keegan Thompson spin gems - sparking hope that the bullpen depth at Iowa can be a boon down the stretch for the major league club. The Cubs allowed just 3 runs across 16 innings on Saturday to advance to 7-5 on the young season.

Carlos Perez drove in 2 of the Cubs’ 3 runs in the morning game as he continues to try and show he’s still got gas left in the tank to be an impactful MiLB bench piece at age 34, and Jonathan Long racks up 3 hits and an RBI in an ongoing effort to prove he can be more than just the Next Great Cubs AAAA Player.

Top Performers:

• Connor Noland (SP): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K — another strong start from the righty starter as he pitched 6 innings for the second time in his three starts - allowing only 1 run in each.

• Kevin Alcantara (RF): 2-for-3, RBI, R — another 2 hit game for the Cubs’ #6 prospect.

• Keegan Thompson (SP): 2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K - Thompson stays hot with another scoreless appearance. He’s now sitting at 5.2 IP to start the season with 10 Ks and only 2 BB.

• Jack Neely (RP): 1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 K - All eyes will stay on Jack Neely - acquired last season for Mark Leiter Jr. - as he continues to shove in Iowa. He now sits at 2 saves, 4 Ks, and a 0.9 WHIP across 3 appearances this season. The major league club will hope he can keep it up so they can utilize him down the stretch as he - unlike Thompson - has a spot on the 40-man roster.

Roster Moves: Chase Watkins, LHP, was promoted to AAA Iowa. Nolan Clenney, RHP demoted to High-A South Bend from AAA Iowa.

 

April 13: Win, 2-0

Opponent: Toledo Mud Hens

Game Summary:
Cubs pitching shines again to lead the team to their third straight win. Jordan Wicks showed out with 5 Ks in just 3 IP in relief to hold the lead in a tight game. Wicks’ gem will keep him Jed’s radar as the major league club looks to explore their depth options in light of Justin Steele’s season ending injury news. Chris Flexen looked equally impressive, setting the stage for Wicks’ save with 6 innings of no run ball. Flexen has looked great to start the season, allowing just 1 run across 16.1 IP.

Christian Franklin and Ben Cowles do enough to drive in the Cubs’ two runs on the day, helping the Cubs advance to 8-5 on the season.

 

Top Performers:

• Chris Flexen  (SP): 6.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 4 K — Flexen continues to cruise as he drops his ERA to 0.55 on the season.

• Jordan Wicks (RP): SV, 3.0 IP, 0 H. 0 ER, 5 K - Wicks continues to audition for a major league call-up.

• Christian Franklin (RF): 2-for-5, 2B, RBI - Franklin adds the insurance run in the 9th.

Roster Moves: Chase Watkins, LHP, was assigned to South Bend Cubs from Iowa Cubs.

 

Double-A: Knoxville Smokies (5-3) 

Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas 

April 11: Win, 4-0 ; Loss, 6-7 (Double Header)

Game Summary:
The Smokies take game 1 behind a 7 K performance from starter Will Sanders. Jaylen Palmer goes yard twice in game one and Felix Stevens joins in with one of his own to boost the Cubs over the Trash Pandas. Ed Howard, the Cubs’ 2020 1st round draft pick, continues to struggle this year but adds one of his own with an RBI double.

Things didn’t go quite as well for the Smokies in game two as Nick Hull gave up 5 runs, 3 walks, and 2 home runs in just 2.2 IP. The team battled back to put 6 runs on the board thanks to a key 6th inning RBI from Felix Stevens, but ultimately fell short.

Top Performers:

•  Jaylen Palmer (DH): 2-for-4, 2HR, 2 RBI, 2 R – Palmer stays hot, moves to a .905 OPS to start the year.

• Will Sanders (SP): 4.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 7 K – Drops to a 0.93 ERA with 9 Ks in 9.2 IP.

• Felix Stevens (RF): 1-for-4, HR, RBI, R – Stevens notches his first homer of the year.

April 12: Win, 5–1

Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas

Game Summary:
The Smokies picked up another win on Saturday behind key base running and some good performances at the plate from Left Fielder Parker Chavers and DH Pedro Ramirez. Ramirez has had a strong start to the season including a double and an RBI single in the game. The team added a run on a passed ball, stole 2 bases, and walked 6 times, displaying the ability to impact the game from all angles. 

Chris Kachmar picked up his first win of the season behind 6 innings of one run ball, and the bullpen with 4 Ks across 3 scoreless innings in relief.

•  Chris Kachmar (SP): W, 6.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 K

• Parker Chavers (LF): 3-for-4, R, RBI, SB

• Pedro Ramirez (2B): 2-for-5, 2B, RBI

April 13: Win, 2–1

Opponent: Rocket City Trash Pandas

The Smokies cap off an excellent weekend where they go 3-1 with a beautiful 10th inning walk off on Sunday afternoon. BJ Murray ties the game with a big 7th inning homer and Pedro Ramirez scores the game winning run on a 10th inning sac fly to score Parker Chavers. Sam Armstrong kept the team in the game with a 5 inning 1 run performance, and the bullpen holds steady to clear the way for a back to back win.

Top Performers:

• Sam Armstrong (SP): 5.0 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 6 K – Armstrong continues to show off his stuff this season with 12 Ks in 10 IP.

• BJ Murray Jr (1B-3B): 2-for-4, HR, BB, RBI, R – BJ is having a slow start when it comes to putting the bat on the ball, but he’s doing damage when he does - getting on base and slugging .458.

 

High-A: South Bend Cubs (4-5)

Opponent: Peoria Chiefs 

April 11: Win, 4–3

Game Summary:
South Bend got rocked early thanks to a 3 run shot from Chiefs’ Chase Adkinson in the 2nd inning off of starter Nick Dean. It was one of Dean’s lone mistakes of the game as he put up 6 Ks across 4 innings. After the early runs, the Cubs’ bullpen put up 5 innings of 0 run ball to keep them in the outing, and the bats came to life in the 4th to put up all 4 of the teams runs. Ivan Brethowr got the team rolling and on the board with a solo blast off of Salas; Drew Bowser and Reginald Preciado kept the party going to go up 4-3.

Luis Rujano, Johzan Oquendo, and Kenyi Perez combined for another 7 Ks and allowed just 2 hits in their outings. Perez managed to hang on after having 2 on with 1 out in the 9th, but Bowser and Preciado held on with a game sealing double play.

Top Performers:

• Johzan Oquendo (RP): 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 K, W - a beautiful relief appearance from Oquendo to keep the team settled and in the game.

• Ivan Brethowr (RF): 1-for-3, HR, RBI, HBP, R - Got the Cubs cooking with a solo shot in the 4th.

• Cristian Hernandez : 2-for-4, SB, HBP - 1.142 OPS, do your thing, Cristian, we see you.

April 12: Win, 4–2 ; Loss, 2-4 (Double Header)

Opponent: Peoria Chiefs

Game Summary:
The Cubs split their double header with the Chiefs - winning the first and dropping the second. Cubs’ pitcher Ryan Gallagher made his professional debut in game 1 and looked good while doing it, allowing just 1 (unearned) run and striking out 3. He looked poised for a debut showing as well, allowing just 1 walk. Miguel Pabon and Cristian Hernandez combined to go 4-for-7, leading the Cubs to 4 runs off of just 6 hits.

The Cubs continued to do their thing on the basepaths by drawing another 6 walks, and the pitching staff had good control of the zone, allowing just 2 to the Chiefs.

Game 2 didn’t go quite as well as the 1st as starter Connor Schultz gave up 5 runs in 4 and ⅓ innings of work. His stuff looked great - striking out 5 and walking only 1 - but he couldn’t mitigate the damage to keep South Bend in the game. Preciado drove in a run in the 7th to bring the game tying run to the plate, but David Avitia popped up to end the game.

Top Performers: 

• Cristian Hernandez (SS): 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, R, SB – Another all around performance from Hernandez to keep the Cubs in the game.

• Ryan Gallagher: 4.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 K - not a bad start, welcome to the pros, Ryan!

• Ivan Brethowr: 1-for-2, 2B, BB, R, SB - Brethowr continues to shine on the season slashing .304/.515/.4.78.

• Yovanny Cabrera: 2.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 1 K

 

April 13: Loss, 9-11

Opponent: Peoria Chiefs

Game Summary:

The Cubs drop a heartbreaker after a thrilling 7 run 7th inning rally behind some good old small ball. They got em on, got em over, and got em home.The had 8 singles, 10 walks, and 6 different players had at least 1 RBI, but ultimately the Cubs couldn’t stay on top as the pitching staff gave up 11 runs across 6 different pitchers.

After going down early, the Cubs surged back. Drew Bowser started the scoring rally with a walk to bring in Reivaj Garcia and keep the bases loaded. Edgar Alvarez proceeds to do the same followed by a Carter Trice single to make the game 4-9. Rafael Morel reaches on an error, Cristian Hernandez walks, and Reivaj Garcia puts up an RBI single to close the gap to 8-9, but a wild pitch by Cubs pitcher Burl Callaway in the 8th brings the game to 8-11 and the Cubs fall just short of the team effort comeback. 

Top Performers: 

• Drew Bowser (3B): 2-for-3, 2B, BB, HBP, RBI, 2R

• Reivaj Garcia (2B): 2-for-5, 2 RBI, BB

• Cristian Hernandez (DH): 2-for-4, 2B, RBI, 2 BB

Low-A: Myrtle Beach (4-5)

April 11: Loss, 9-10

Opponent: Carolina Mudcats 

Game Summary:
Another heartbreaker in the minors as the Pelicans get walked off in the 12th inning on Friday despite the efforts of hopefully a star in the making but don’t count your chickens before they hatch Cole Mathis. He went 3-for-7 with 2 doubles, 3 runs, and an RBI.

The Pelicans had a pro debut of their own as Christian Gordon took the mound, but unlike fellow minor leaguer Ryan Gallagher, his start didn’t go nearly as well. The Mudcats spat on Gordon, putting up 5 runs on 4 hits and a walk in just 1 inning pitched. It’s never fun to get rocked, it’s even worse to get rocked in your debut. Brighter days will come, Chris. Evan Aschenbeck piggybacked off of Gordons start, and it a nice contrast, pitched 5 innings of 2 hit and no run ball.

Matt Halbach and Owen Ayers drove in 3 runs a piece en route to tying the game in the 9th, but unfortunately they couldn’t hang on and Pelicans reliever Luis Martinez-Gomez gave up the game winning run in the 12th.

Top Performers:

• Evan Aschenbeck (RP): 5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 6 K - a valiant effort from Aschenbeck in relief to mitigate the damage.

• Cole Mathis (DH): 3-for-7, 2 2B, 3 R, RBI - Things haven’t been smooth sailing for Mathis, but hopefully a strong night like tonight can get him on track.

• Christopher Paciolla (3B): 4-for-6, 2 2B, 2 RBI

April 12: Loss, 4-3

Opponent: Carolina Mudcats

Game Summary:
Another close game, another loss to the Pelicans at the hands of the Mudcats. Man, I hate losing to the Brewers, even when it’s low-A affiliates. JP Wheat pitched 4.1 innings to start the game and gave up 3 runs, but it’s Yenrri Rojas that ultimately picks up the loss in this one despite hurling 4.2 innings of 1 run ball. Another 8 Ks for the pitching staff, but the offense couldn’t quite get it done. The biggest highlight on the day was a solo shot from Center Fielder Leonel Espinoza. Espinoza added a double and Cole Mathis followed up on his performance from Friday to add another RBI, but an 8th inning sac fly from the Mudcats put the game out of reach.

Top Performers:

• Leonel Espinoza (CF): 2-for-4, HR, 2B, RBI, 2R

• Yenrri Rojas (RP): 4.2 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 K - a nice piggyback effort to pitch longer than the starter, but ultimately picks up the L.

• Jose Escobar (LF): 1-for-4, 2B

April 13: Loss, 6-8

Opponent: Carolina Mudcats

Game Summary:
The Pelicans ended the weekend on Sunday night with their 3rd straight loss to the Mudcats and only managing to pick up 1 win in the 6 game series. Another day, another close team loss. Each of the Pelicans’ 3 pitchers gave up at least 2 runs and the offense only managed to muster up 4 hits on the night. Leonel Espinoza and Matt Halbach continued to look good early in the season adding 2 RBIs each Sunday night, but the pitching staff continued to look shaky against the Mudcats offense. Charlie Hurley picked up the loss giving up 3 runs in 2 innings of relief.

The Pelicans went a measly 2-for-13 with RISP and left 10 on base. The team continues to play well around the margins but just can’t seem to put everything together. The team will look to bounce back on the road next week against the Augusta GreenJackets (4-5). 

Top Performers:

• Leonel Espinoza (CF): 1-for-2, 2 BB, HBP, 2 RBI, 2 SB - Espinoza continues to be a massive bright spot for the Pelicans this season.

• Angel Cepeda (2B): 1-for-4, 2B, BB, RBI, R, 3 SB

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