2/23/22 : Today at the Complex - Mini Camp Day Seven

A lighter day in camp - No large on field activities other than hitting at 11:30 on Ashburn, Carlton and Roberts fields as hitting groups of five each rotated from field to field. Coaches threw to the hitters on Roberts, pitching machines were used on both Ashburn and Carlton. We stayed stationed on Carlton and watched each group pass thru. Johan Rojas, Alexeis Azuaje, Kendall Simmons and Jordan Viars had good rounds on Carlton field from our view.

Prior to the BP sessions rehabbing pitchers Jordi Martinez and Brett Schulze threw bullpens. Schulze was popping the mitt, his catcher - Chris Burke, was in the catcher’s position today rather than receiving throws standing up. Good progress for both it seemed.

Infielders Dalton Guthrie, Madison Stokes and Hao Yu Lee took ground balls as a trio - they haven’t joined the general work group as of yet.

Camp Spotlight : Infielder Nicolas Torres

22 years old - signed as an international free agent - 7/2/16 - Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. Was promoted to Jersey Shore from Clearwater on 8/14/21 - took off offensively, posted a .388 batting average in 27 games with the Blue Claws including a .429 OBP. Overall he hit .286 for the season in 96 games ( 329 AB’s ). Is a very versatile defender who played every position on the field except pitcher and catcher in 2021. Was also in Fall Instructs. Great team player, keeps head down, works hard and takes on any role without hesitation, winning attitude and solid skill set. We see a similar role in spring camp as he delivered in 2021, either a return to Jersey Shore or a spot with Reading being the target.

Nicolas Torres flanked by Coach Kevin Bradshaw & teammate Kendall Simmons - photo by Mark Wylie

Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️