October 11, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Fall/Winter Roundup: Rosier on roll as AFL kicks off
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Arizona Fall League
The highlight of the first week-plus of the AFL season has been the play of outfielder Corey Rosier. The 24-year-old, acquired in the deal with San Diego that included Jay Groome and Eric Hosmer, has hit safely in each of his six starts for the Desert Dogs. He is 9 for 24 (.360) with a double, triple, and three stolen bases. He has seen time at all three outfield positions, getting three starts in center field, two in left field, and one in right.
Boston's top-ranked prospect in the circuit was Brainer Bonaci, who went 1 for 7 with four strikeouts in the first two games of the season. He did not appear for the rest of the week, and news came out Tuesday that he has been replaced on the roster by Tyler McDonough.
Nathan Hickey has also seen significant playing time in the desert, getting starts in five of Glendale's eight games. He is just 2 for 14 but has drawn 8 walks in 22 plate appearances, good for a .455 on-base percentage.
Five pitchers have also gotten work for Glendale, each making two appearances apiece. Lefty Zack Penrod drew the opening day start, getting the loss despite allowing just one run on three hits in four innings. He came back with a victory on October 9, giving up just one hit across four scoreless frames, striking out five. Felix Cepeda has twice worked a scoreless inning, getting credit for a save on Monday. Wyatt Olds has three scoreless frames across his two outings. Bryan Mata has pitched exclusively out of the bullpen, going a scoreless inning in his first appearance and surrendering a pair of runs his second time out. Christopher Troye has allowed one run on three hits in three innings, striking out four.
Photo Credit: Corey Rosier by Kelly O'Connor