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D-backs Prospects Three Up, Three Down: May 16-21, 2023

Three prospects who impressed in the last week and three more who experienced a rough week.

In this week's Three Up and Three Down segment, we take a deeper look at another impressive week with Reno capturing another series. With the inconsistent performance in the starting rotation, we could see a potential shakeup in the near future. In the past two weeks, two slugger prospects in the organization have gotten hot at the plate and have gone on a home run binge. 

Up

Drey Jameson allowed just two runs on five hits, no walks, and seven strikeouts against the Sacramento River Cats on May 17th. In his past two starts, he has allowed just three runs on seven hits over 12 innings with a strikeout to walk ratio of 12/3. He's positioning himself to earn another opportunity in the starting rotation should Tommy Henry or Ryne Nelson continue to struggle. 

Tristin English had the most impressive week at the plate for any prospect, collecting a hit in all four games that he appeared. He's currently on a six-game hitting streak, in which he's batting .409 with four walks, three home runs, and an OPS of 1.445. The first baseman prospect slugged his way into Reno and it appears he's picking up right where he left off. He could position himself for a cup of coffee late in the season. English was named Pacific Coast League Player of the Week.

Ivan Melendez has gone on a home run binge of late, hitting five home runs in his last 11 games. Since May 10th, he is hitting .333 with six home runs and an OPS of 1.151 OPS. One troubling sign is a 33% strikeout rate over that stretch, with 21 strikeouts and four walks over 63 plate appearances. The key for him to continue to develop as a prospect will be to rein in the strikeouts, ideally finishing the last two months of the season with a 25% strikeout rate or better.  

Down

Jordan Lawlar's struggles at the plate continue in Amarillo, as he went hitless in the series against Frisco. He was able to reach base and score a run in each of his last three games of the series, showing that he can contribute offensively without getting hits. However the main issue continues to be strikeouts, sitting at 31.6% for the season after not showing much swing-and-miss earlier in his pro career. 

Carlos Vargas has continued to struggle in Reno, pitching to a 11.57 ERA in his last three appearances. Over that stretch he has walked four and allowed four hits in 2 1/3 innings. After making the Opening Day roster in the bullpen, Vargas has struggled to throw consistent strikes.

A.J. Vukovich had an up and down week, although his plate discipline has been an issue. In his last seven games, he has 11 strikeouts and one walk while hitting only .222 over that stretch. He did have a couple big hits in the Frisco series, including a triple that broke up a no-hit bid.