Here’s what stood out over the weekend matchup between the San Jose Giants and the Ontario Tower Buzzers.
Gonzalez’s Short Show
It may not have been fireworks night at Excite Ballpark, but there were plenty of fireworks on the field. Fans didn’t have to wait long to see why Josuar Gonzalez is the organization’s top prospect and one of the most exciting players in Minor League Baseball.
In his first at-bat in affiliated baseball, he ripped a 109-mph single into right field, showcasing a strong hit tool and some advanced pop for an 18-year-old. It didn’t end there. He went on to steal second a few pitches later, but he was gunned at third trying to take an extra bag on a passed ball.
Despite the aggressive move not working, it was a perfect example of what San Francisco has been missing for years. A toolsy, athletic speedster who causes chaos all over the field.
Unfortunately, his debut was cut short when he felt discomfort in his lower half during his third at-bat. He exited the game without much discussion, but, thankfully for Giants fans, it was merely precautionary and he is expected to return to San Jose’s lineup within the next week.
Hernandez’s Advanced Professionalism Shines
While it may not have been as exciting a debut as Gonzalez’s, Luis Hernandez — the organization’s third ranked prospect — showed exactly what makes him so exciting. The middle infielder displayed an impressively mature approach for a 17-year-old who skipped the DSL entirely.
He clearly has a plan in the batter’s box and rarely deviates from it. It may have taken until his last at-bat of the weekend to secure his first hit — a double into the left-center gap — but he worked a handful of walks and never looked overpowered.
Hernandez was tested early on the defensive side, fielding a late square bunt in the first inning of his affiliated baseball debut. He later made the play of the weekend, ranging into foul territory before unleashing a throw across the diamond that resembled a young Manny Machado.