Many of your favorite Sheet Boyz are live and in living color for today's edition of TDS. Nasty Nate Rasmussen's on AAA, Mashin' Matt Thompson's at AA, Mack Daddy Mitch Stachnik's holding down A+, the Great Grant Carver has A on deck, and "The Face of Baseball Media," "the Middle Man" Rhys B. White's got the complex covered. Oh, and Drew Wheeler snuck in to mess it all up with the MLB level. Sorry.

MLB

Covered by Drew Wheeler

‼️Carlos Rodon, LHP NYY (MLB)

6.0 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 5 K

Rodon has had a strong campaign, yes – and his day was stellar, certainly deserving of more than this set-up blurb. The workhorse collected 13 swings-and-misses and attained a 36 percent Called Strike and Whiff rate on the game, but he was still overshadowed on the mound. Who?! What?! How?! Well, it’s only because of…

🆕‼️Chase Burns, RHP CIN (MLB)

5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 8 K

About one week ago, Mitch Stachnik wrote how Burns could “make an instant impact down the stretch [for the Reds] as they fight for one of the final Wild Card spots.” Well said, Mitch – looks like the Reds believed you! Many smart folks called Burns the best pitching prospect in the game and he showed why on Tuesday, hucking the five fastest pitches in the contest, striking out the side in his first frame, and collecting five Ks in his first six at-bats. In fact, Burns really only ran into trouble in the fourth frame when Ben Rice led off the inning with a homer on a first-pitch 89 MPH slider which did not seem to break like Burns wanted. Against Aaron Judge the next AB, Burns worked the MVP to a 3-2 count (a pair of high fastballs watched, a swing at a slider outside, another slider outside taken, a fastball fouled off) before Judge touched another high inside fastball for a single. Burns wriggled nearly all the way free, retiring Cody Bellinger and Paul Goldschmidt before Jazz Chisholm Jr. singled a four-seamer at the bottom of the zone to reach. In the sixth AB of the frame, Anthony Volpe sent a first pitch slider into center field, where TJ Friedl dove short, allowing the ball to travel to the wall in a bases-clearing triple. Them’s the breaks, sadly. On the day, Burns had a 40 percent whiff rate on his slider and a 26 percent whiff rate on the fastball, scoring a 30 percent CSW rate overall. Three Ernies against the Yankees or not, the kid is simply electric. We’re living in good times, folks.

Seiya Suzuki, LF CHC (MLB)

3-for-5, HR, R, 3 RBI, K

It’s no secret I love Seiya Suzuki – some of your first exposure to me may well have been an article deep diving his skills and MLB potential for SP Streamer several years ago – and it feels so good to finally see it all click for one of the best hitters in the game. On the day, Seiya cracked the game’s three hardest-hit balls (113.9, 110.2, and 108.6 MPH, respectively), with the second of these representing his 21st homer of the campaign, a 404-foot shot off a Michael McGreevy sinker down in the zone. Invest where it’s possible, admire everywhere. Kattobase, Seiya-san!

🍔🍟Nico Hoerner, 2B CHC (MLB)

3-for-4, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, SB

Well, well – the rare combo meal for Nico, who combined his first homer of the year with his 15th swipe. This sort of day is rare for Hoerner, and thus is doubly worth celebrating. Can of Coke to ‘ya, Nico!

Nolan Gorman, DH STL (MLB)

3-for-4, HR, R, RBI, K

A little more than a week ago, Doc Eisenhauer wrote maybe it’s time to trust Nolan Gorman despite the myriads of painful memories suggesting otherwise. Well, if you listened to Darren, you may have had Gorman in your lineup for this three-hit attack, featuring a 432-foot shot, his sixth of the season. All three of Gorman’s hits were of the hard-hit variety – I’m still not totally sold, but there may be something here once again.

💣💣Joey Ortiz, SS MIL (MLB)

2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 4 RBI,

Speaking of “still not totally sold,” hello Joey. Ortiz has long performed the samba on my last nerve, toying with projection and lacks of opportunity then sitting still when they do arise. However, a D-D-D-D-DOUBLE DONG DAY cannot be ignored. The shots, Ortiz’s third and fourth of the campaign, sandwiched a Caleb Durbin bop in Brewers scoring on the day. Joey’s first came on a four-seamer at 91 MPH right down Main Street and flew off his bat like a laser beam, 104.6 MPH from the wood and going 397 feet to left center. The next inning, Andrew Heaney didn’t make the same mistake again, but Heaney did watch one changeup outside before connecting with the second one to go 398 feet, 102.4 off the bat to the same location. What’s more – Ortiz also made a nice over-the-shoulder grab to secure a Spencer Horwitz would-be-single to shallow left. These are the kinds of games which spark breakouts or are like the final wisps of a once bright light. No matter which, it’s worth calling out. One final note, Ortiz looks sort of like an evil Nate Rasmussen. “How you doin’,” indeed!

Cal Raleigh, C SEA (MLB)

2-for-4, 2B, R, RBI, BB, K

We talked about it on the On Deck Podcast releasing Friday, but Cal Raleigh can win MVP. If you think he can’t, kindly remove your Yankees cap, scratch your noggin, and try again.

Riley Greene, LF DET (MLB)

4-for-5, 2B, 2 R, 2 RBI, K

It isn’t as enforced as the double dong rule, but a four-hit game always needs to be mentioned. Greene is having himself a season amidst the Tigers’ wonderful play and batted .800 on the day, including his 21st two-bagger of the year. Well done and can of Coke to ‘ya, sir.

Denzel Clarke, CF ATH (MLB)

2-for-3, HR, R, 2 RBI

I am just here to tell you if Denzel Clarke puts it all together – the insane, body-on-the-line, reckless-abandon defense, the speed, the raw power displayed last night via a 422-foot, 103.2 MPH home run off TARIK SKUBAL OF ALL PEOPLE – he will be an absolute next-level freakshow monster man.

George Springer, DH TOR (MLB)

3-for-5, HR, 3 R, 4 RBI

George Springer turned back the clock on Tuesday, socking his 11th homer of the year in Grand Slam fashion, clearing the ducks from the pond with two outs late in the game. The last month of play has made Springer one of draft-day’s most potent values – enjoy it while we can, folks.

Michael Toglia, 1B COL (MLB)

3-for-5, 3 2B, 2 RBI, K

THAT’S A TRIPLE DOUBLE! Toglia has been nothing short of disappointing this season – Tom Gates probably said it best about a month ago when he wrote 2024 may have been the outlier for Toglia, correctly calling out the popular sleeper pick for his lack of pop despite a similar pitch mix. In this game, Toglia’s doubles came on a Jack Dreyer curveball outside (78.8 MPH), a Justin Wrobleski fastball up and inside (98 MPH), and a Wrobleski cutter inside (91 MPH). Maybe this is a corner being turned? Maybe this is a blip? Maybe I’m amazed at the way you love me all the time? Maybe I’m afraid of the way I love you?

💣💣Christian Moore, 2B LAA (MLB)

2-for-4, 2 HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, 2 K

Moore, Moore, Moore! What a microcosm of Christian Moore – and what an honor to write up what I’ll pre-emptively call his breakout game, a DOUBLE DONG PERFORMANCE in the Daily Sheet. Greg Weissert’s four-seamer at 94 was too far in the heart of the zone for the former Volunteer, who knocked it 387 feet at 108.4 (somehow only the second-hardest-hit ball of the game) for his first homer. An inning later, Moore watched a Justin Wilson fastball outside at 95 MPH before fouling off a 93 MPH cutter then cranking an 88 mph slider 392 feet at 107.7 off the bat to win the Halos the game. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – there will be growing pains, but I like Moore to fall on the good side of Blessing’s Law (any second baseman must hit 25 HR or steal 25 bases to be valuable) for the long term.

Marcelo Mayer, 2B-3B BOS (MLB)

3-for-4, 3B, R, RBI, K

Three hits including a three-bagger for Mayer. Strong performance from the young man, can of Coke to him.

‼️Garrett Crochet, LHP BOS (MLB)

7.0 IP, 3 H, 0 ER, 3 BB, 10 K

Beautiful day to be a former Volunteer, huh? The Red Sox locked their guy down and for good reason – he can be simply unhittable some days. Crochet dialed his fastball up to 98 MPH on the day and earned a 27% CSW, cementing the ‘ole double exclamation mark. Unfortunate he couldn’t finish the game, as I suspect he may not have allowed the two Moore blasts which cost Boston the game. 

‼️Ryne Nelson, RHP ARI (MLB)

5.0 IP, H, ER, 3 BB, 7 K

Uhhhh, okay, go off, King. Nelson was essentially a one-pitch pitcher in the game, sticking to his four seamer for the duration of his five one-hit innings. A solo shot to Luis Robert Jr. was the only blemish for Nelson on the day and it had some skepticism to it (a homer in 17/30 parks, 101.7 off the bat for one of three sliders thrown on the day). Ironically, two of his three sliders were to Robert and while it’s been Nelson’s key offspeed pitch this year, he went to the curveball more – though none nearly as much as the heater, which was up to 97 on the day. With a 24% CSW rate and 12 swings-and-misses, Nelson easily earns the double-blam for the day. Good work, kiddo.

Ketel Marte, 2B ARI (MLB)

2-for-4, HR, R, RBI

Ketel Marte hit his 15th homer of the year – a 106.7 MPH, 401-foot shot – in this contest, which will likely, sadly always be overlooked because of his show of emotion on the field. This is hardly a soapbox and I am hardly one to be standing on one, digital or not, but fans need to be better. The human beings on the field have lives outside of the diamond and it sickened me to see the kinds of putrid things players must deal with sometimes. As always, please remember to be nice to yourself and nice to each other.

Triple-A

Covered by Nate Rasmussen

James Outman, RF LAD (Triple-A)

2-for-5, HR, 3 RBI, BB, K

After James Outman’s great 2023 season, he has been unable to readjust to MLB pitching. Pitchers have adjusted to Outman, who chases too much and doesn’t make enough contact in or out of the zone. Outman does, however, have some real power and might just need a change of scenery to turn his career around.

💣💣 Chad Wallach, C LAA (Triple-A)

3-for-5, 2 HR, 8 RBI, K

Chad Wallach was responsible for 8 of 18 runs for the Bees today in a triumphant 18-15 slugfest. Wallach is a journeyman who has played in brief MLB stints every year from 2017 to 2023. He’s now 33 years old, making him one of the oldest players still playing in the minor leagues.

Jorge Barrosa, CF AZ (Triple-A)

2-for-3, HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2 BB

Barrosa struggled in a brief big league stint earlier this year, but he is likely still the next man up in the Arizona outfield after the Corbin Carroll injury. Barrosa plays good defense, which gives him enough of a floor for some more MLB chances, even if the bat lags behind the rest of the profile.

Edouard Julien, 2B MIN (Triple-A)

3-for-4, HR, K

Edouard Julien really struggled in the big leagues this year, leading to -0.5 WAR while being a nonfactor on both sides of the baseball. Julien doesn’t hit the ball very hard and has below-average bat speed to pair with high strikeout rates. His defensive woes also limit him, making him more of a DH despite playing second base on an injury-riddled Twins team. He is a good candidate for a change of scenery at the trade deadline this year.

‼️Pierson Ohl, RHP MIN (Triple-A)

4 IP, 3 H, K

Pierson Ohl is a sleeper pick for one of the best minor league pitchers this year. He made his first start at Triple-A today after logging 13 long relief appearances in Double-A. The command is a 70, with Ohl walking less than a batter per 9 innings, which really limits runners on the bases. Ohl isn’t just a command guy, though; his stuff plays slightly above average despite a poor fastball. Ohl has some Zebby Matthews to him, without the same upside due to his stuff limiting his ceiling.

Chase DeLauter, RF CLE (Triple-A)

2-for-3, 3B, 2 R, RBI, 2 BB

Chase DeLauter just needs to stay healthy. If there weren’t enormous injury concerns, DeLauter would likely be a top 30-ish prospect in baseball for me; he is a consistent hitter with a good blend of contact and power. Notably, this Cleveland Triple-A lineup is a lot of fun right now, with Chase DeLauter hitting 3, Jhonkensy Noel hitting 4, and CJ Kayfus hitting 5. Good luck, pitchers.

‼️Adam Mazur, RHP MIA (Triple-A)

6 IP, 4 H, 6 K

Adam Mazur has struggled since starting his 2024 season in Double-A, when he was also with the Padres. He is simply a spot starter for Miami right now, deploying 6 pitches at a pretty balanced distribution to throw off hitters. In his lone MLB start this year, he struggled to keep the ball down in the zone, leading to hard contact. I don’t think the ceiling is incredibly high for Mazur, but he could wind up being a consistent back-end starter at some point.

Tristan Peters, CF TB (Triple-A)

3-for-5, HR, 2B, 2 R, 6 RBI

Tristan Peters went off today and is having a real bounce-back season after a down 2024. The lefty swinger is already 25, but makes enough contact to think he’ll make an MLB squad at some point in his career. The Rays have younger, more exciting options than Peters right now, but you never really know what Tampa Bay is thinking.

‼️Joe Boyle, RHP TB (Triple-A)

4 IP, 3 H, ER, 3 BB, 7 K

A lot of people were hoping Joe Boyle would get a start in Tampa Bay this week, but as of right now, he’s still hanging around Triple-A. I’ve been really impressed with Doyle this year, honing in on his command without sacrificing his stuff. We need to stop letting the Rays get these guys. Next thing you know, Shintaro Fujinami is going to be a Ray.

💣💣 Jakson Reetz, C NYM (Triple-A)

2-for-3, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 2 BB

Jakson Reetz entered the game after Francisco Alvarez’s first plate appearance. Alvarez left the game from sun exposure, heat exhaustion, dehydration, really whatever you prefer to call it when a guy is too hot. Reetz was impressive after entering for Alvarez, going yard twice while getting on base 4 times in 5 PA’s.

Jarred Kelenic, CF ATL (Triple-A)

0-for-4, 2 K

What happened to Jarred, man? There was a time when Kelenic was a promising big leaguer with flaws, and before that, there was a time when Kelenic was one of the biggest prospects in baseball. Kelenic had previously been able to rake in Triple-A, but nowadays he’s struggling with a batting average hovering around .200. It’s been a sad fall for a player who was once one of the more exciting players in baseball.

‼️Cameron Weston, RHP BAL (Triple-A)

6 IP, H, BB, 7 K

Cameron Weston might be the closest O’s pitching prospect to the big leagues at this point. The profile is not overly exciting, but he’s an innings-eater that could develop in the MLB once the Orioles decide they’re out of the playoff race. Weston needs to show a bit better command this year before he’s really ready for a shot at the bigs. Nights like tonight help his case.

🔜Tanner Houck, RHP BOS (Triple-A)

1.2 IP, 3 H, 4 ER, 2 BB, 2 K

Tanner Houck has had a horrible season and really struggled in his second rehab appearance in Triple-A. Before injury, Houck was pitching to an 8 ERA in 43 innings pitched. Houck is young enough that he can turn things around, but this year might just be a wash for the crafty righty with Boston needing upgrades at starting pitcher.

‼️Troy Melton, RHP DET (Triple-A)

5.1 IP, 6 H, ER, BB, 10 K

Today was Troy Melton’s Triple-A breakout after struggling in his first 10 Triple-A innings this year. Melton has a big fastball, with developing offspeed that garners plenty of whiffs. Melton could easily slot into the Detroit bullpen in the next year without a starting pitching spot opening up anytime soon. 

Double-A

Covered by Matt Thompson

‼️ Patrick Copen, RHP LAD (Double-A)

5 IP, 6 H, ER, 3 BB, 4 K

He didn’t have his best stuff at all in this one but Copen still got the job done. He’s a spin god with insane breaking ball whiff rates, and Copen is an interesting arm for fantasy. It’s tough for a Dodgers pitching prospect to break through though, so while he benefits from the org he also is surrounded by so much talent. Side note, but did you know he is blind in one eye when he was hit by a combeacker a year ago? Glad to see him having his best season.

Hayden Mullins, LHP BOS (Double-A)

6 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 ER, BB, 6 K

Mullins is interesting. He sits 92-93 from the left side but the fastball eats up hitters due to the flat approach angle he gets from his funky arm slot. His slider is his best secondary, and he also mixes in a cutter and a changeup. That’s pretty much all you ask for from this arm slot. Mullins probably fits best in relief due to his unique traits and the other talented arms in this organization. 

Wilber Dotel, RHP PIT (Double-A)

6 IP, 5 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 5 K

Dotel is fantastic and absolutely piles up whiffs. Dotel developed a splitter this winter and it has been awesome. He has three secondaries that get whiffs around 35% of the time, and has become a no-brainer 40-man addition this winter, which is his platform year. Dotel is an add for me where you can.

‼️ Tyson Hardin, RHP MIL (Double-A)

6 IP, 6 H, ER, 0 BB, 6 K