Fall/Winter Roundup: Mata re-signed to minor league deal; Rivera stands out in Puerto Rico

Entering the week, two players were in flux as Bryan Mata was designated for assignment and Alex Speas was a minor league free agent. Both got resolved, with Mata re-signing to a minor league deal (along with Isaiah Campbell), while Speas signed a minor league deal with Minnesota. The action was a bit lighter this week with the Arizona Fall League done for the season, but there were some notable performances. 

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Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League (LBPRC/Puerto Rico)

Eduardo Rivera (pictured), a 21-year-old left-handed pitcher, continues to shine for Santurce. In two appearances this week, including one start, he allowed one run over five innings while walking one and striking out seven. His ERA sits at 0.93 after nine innings, and he has two walks to 16 strikeouts. Brian Van Belle lost his only appearance after allowing three runs on three hits over four innings. 

It was a tougher week for Mickey Gasper, who went 2 for 19 without an extra-base hit. He walked four times and struck out twice, so he was unlucky with balls in play. But his average dropped from .286 to .182. Juan Montero did not see game action this week for Ponce. 

Dominican Winter League (LIDOM)

Enmanuel Valdez had one of his better weeks for Estrellas. He went 4 for 13 in four games with a double, walk, and two RBI. He continues to have good command of the strike zone, and in 80 at-bats on the season, he was walked eight times and struck out 12 times. But he has shown a surprising lack of power, with only three extra-base hits over 23 games. Bryan Gonzalez saw limited action, going 0 for 4 with three strikeouts in a reserve role. 

Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP)

Bryan Mata continues to have mixed results for Magallanes. In three appearances last week, he allowed two runs (one earned) over 3 1/3 innings. He walked one, struck out one, and surrendered six hits. He has only thrown four innings over five games so far, but he has a 1.93 WHIP and only one strikeout. 

Photo Credit: Eduardo Rivera by Kelly O'Connor

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