#ProTops: Two Toppers Headed To MiLB Playoffs
The minor league baseball season, for the most part, has come and gone and the playoffs are on the horizon, but only for two of our four…
The minor league baseball season, for the most part, has come and gone and the playoffs are on the horizon, but only for two of our four baseball ProToppers. That’s who we will start with.
Anderson Miller, Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A, Royals)
Miller, after garnering an All-Star selection in High-A this year, has played 50+ games with the Double-A Northwest Arkansas Naturals who are heading to the Texas League playoffs after winning the first half North Division crown.
Since getting the call up, Miller is slashing .224/.257/.296 with two home runs and 17 RBI.
Combined, between Wilmington and NW Arkansas, Miller has slashed .262/.329/.378 with nine home runs and 54 RBI.
Andrew Edwards, Northwest Arkansas Naturals (Double-A, Royals)
Edwards has spent a majority of his season with NW Arkansas, still trying to make his way back to Triple-A after being sent to NWA originally to rehab an injury.
The Kentucky native has won three games for the Naturals this year (as fickle as a stat that is, especially for minor league relievers), with his most recent victory coming back on July 23. Over his last six appearances, Edwards has allowed just one earned run, good enough for a 1.04 ERA (1 ER in 8.2 innings).
Edwards is also tied for third on the team with four saves.
Edwards and Miller will host either Springfield or Tulsa beginning Wednesday, Sept. 6 in the first round of the Texas League playoffs. Springfield and Tulsa are tied atop the second half North Division standings.
Danny Hudzina, Peoria Chiefs (Low-A, Cardinals)
After winning the New York-Penn League title last year, his first in professional baseball, Hudzina will be missing the postseason this year after Peoria failed to win either the first or second half title in the Midwest League.
Through 72 games, Hudzina is slashing .253/.312/.391 with eight home runs and 29 RBI for the Chiefs.
The one downfall to Hudzina’s game in 2017 was his defense, as he committed a team-worst 15 errors at third base this year.
Peoria looks set for a second place finish in the MWL’s Western Division, behind Quad Cities who took home the second half crown.
Kes Carter, St. Paul Saints (Independent)
With their loss to the Winnipeg Goldeneye on Tuesday, the St. Paul Saints were officially eliminated from playoff contention, meaning the season ends for Carter on Labor Day.
In 91 games split between Fargo-Morehead and St. Paul, Carter is hitting .291 with 14 long balls and 47 RBI. Carter has also committed five errors, which for an outfielder, is bordering on a lot.
In Tuesday’s playoff elimination loss, Carter still played well, knocking a home run and driving in two despite the Saints being downed 13–5.
As we learn more about how the North Division plays out in the Texas League, and who Miller and Edwards’ first round opponent will be, we will let you know. The regular season for all four players ends on Monday, Sept. 4.