It's far too early to judge the success of the Detroit Tigers' decision to trade Yoenis Cespedes for pitching prospects Michael Fulmer and Luis Cessa, but the first few outings for each pitcher in their new organization have provided mixed results. Fulmer, who starts for Double-A Erie on Tuesday, has continued his breakout season, compiling a 4-1 record and 2.60 ERA in five outings. The late push helped him take home Eastern League Pitcher of the Year honors, and one has to imagine he will get a chance at the major league rotation in 2016.
Then there's Luis Cessa. A raw prospect who was originally signed as an infielder, Cessa progressed slowly through the New York Mets' farm system. The 23-year-old righthander from Mexico started the season at Double-A, but was finally promoted after a strong 13-start performance. Things haven't gone his way since then, with a 7.71 ERA in his first 51 1/3 innings at the Triple-A level.
Development takes time, though, and Cessa might be starting to deliver on his potential. He threw seven shutout innings against Louisville on Monday evening, striking out seven while walking one. Sure, the Bats may be one of the more ironically-named teams in baseball this year -- their .672 OPS fourth-lowest in the International League -- but seeing Cessa dominate a team after struggling so much was a welcome sight for those hoping he can become more than his current projection as a middle reliever.
Toledo Mud Hens 2, Louisville Bats 1 (box)
A two-run single by Steven Moya in the bottom of the eighth was all the offense Toledo would need on Monday night in a 2-1 nailbiter. Moya's bases loaded knock absolved Luis Cessa of a hard-luck loss, as the new Tigers prospect was brilliant in seven strong innings. Cessa allowed an unearned run on four hits, striking out seven while throwing just 91 pitches.
Erie SeaWolves 2, Akron Rubber Ducks 1 (box)
Lefthander Josh Turley turned in a dominant outing down in Double-A, holding Akron scoreless for seven innings en route to his 12th win of the season. Turley struck out six and allowed just five hits, while relievers Confesor Lara and Paul Voelker combined to close out the victory. The heart of the Erie lineup -- Jeff McVaney, Dominic Ficociello, and Jason Krizan -- combined to go 7-for-11 with two doubles and two RBI.
Lakeland Flying Tigers 2, Brevard County Manatees 1 (box)
The Flying Tigers were outhit in the first game of their doubleheader with Brevard County, but they scraped a pair of runs across to win a low-scoring affair. Curt Powell led the way for Lakeland, scoring both times he reached base. Lakeland made good with the few chances they had, going 2-for-4 with runners in scoring position. Jonathan Maciel was able to skate around trouble for his fifth win, scattering seven hits in six innings of work.
Great Lakes Loons 5, West Michigan Whitecaps 1 (box)
The Whitecaps jumped out to a quick 1-0 lead thanks to a Michael Gerber home run in the first inning, but the Loons added five runs in the middle innings to hand Artie Lewicki his fourth loss of the season. Lewicki was responsible for just two of the runs, meanwhile striking out seven in five innings of work. Reliever Trey Teakell, previously the owner of a 1.14 ERA, allowed three runs on six hits in two innings.
Staten Island Yankees 6, Connecticut Tigers 2 (box)
The Yankees pounded out 13 hits, seven of them against Tigers starter Sandy Leon, in an easy 6-2 win on Monday evening. Leon was tagged for five runs (four earned) in 3 2/3 innings, including a pair of home runs. The Tigers offense wasn't able to reciprocate, with just six hits of their own on the night. Will Allen led the way with two hits for Connecticut.
★★★
Upcoming action
Mud Hens: Tim Melville (6-9, 4.86 ERA) will take the mound tonight as Toledo continues their four-game series with Louisville.
SeaWolves: Tuesday is Fulmer Day as top prospect Michael Fulmer (10-3, 2.06 ERA) takes on Akron's Adam Plutko (8-5, 3.05 ERA).
Flying Tigers: Kevin Ziomek (8-10, 3.60 ERA) goes for his ninth win of the season as the Flygers close out their series with Brevard County.
Whitecaps: The Whitecaps will send Spencer Turnbull (10-3, 3.19 ERA) to the mound tonight against the Loons' Isaac Anderson (1-2, 2.25 ERA).
Tigers: Tyler Alexander (0-2, 0.79 ERA) is still in search of his first win of his professional career. He faces Staten Island at 7:00 p.m. ET.