20 year old righthanded pitcher Ricky Vanasco was generating buzz in extended spring, and since joining Spokane for the start of Northwest League play, he has shown that the enthusiasm was warranted. Spokane’s Opening Day starter went 5 shutout innings last night, giving up just 2 hits against 4 walks and 9 Ks. In four of his five starts this season he has not been scored upon, and he has struck out 36 of the 93 batters he has faced this year. The 2017 Texas Rangers 15th rounder could end up getting a few starts for Hickory if he keeps this up.

And speaking of guys who could be in Hickory soon, Josh Jung had 3 more hits for the AZL Rangers last night, and in 3 games in the complex league he is 7 for 13 with a homer, a walk and 3 Ks. The #8 overall pick in the 2019 draft could be heading to the South Atlantic League sooner rather than later.