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Samuel Basallo, C, Orioles: Less than a week into the season, Basallo is already showing off his 70-grade power for Triple-A Norfolk. The 20-year-old blasted a two-run homer off Garrett Schoenle to end a nine-pitch at-bat. Basallo also singled as part of his two-hit night. It’s an encouraging sign considering the catcher has been limited to designated hitting because of right elbow inflammation.

Kristian Campbell, 2B, Red Sox: If there’s any second guessing about Boston's decision to extend Campbell, the prized second baseman is doing everything to prove the Red Sox right. In Boston’s 8-4 win over Baltimore, the 22-year-old drilled a two-run homer off veteran righthander Charlie Morton--who was drafted 23 days before Campbell was born in 2002--with a 104.1 mph exit velocity. He also added a single to his two-hit performance. Through seven games, Campbell is 10-for-24.

J.T. Ginn, RHP, Athletics: Ginn was the last A’s pitcher to start at the Oakland Coliseum, and through his first two starts of the season, he’s campaigning to pitch with the green and gold as they begin their new era in Sacramento. The righthander collected a career-high 11 strikeouts over six innings, allowing four hits and two earned runs against the Sacramento River Cats. Ginn landed 50 of his 82 pitches for strikes and has 19 strikeouts in 11 innings in his two starts.

Ian Seymour, LHP, Rays: For the sixth time in his minor league career, Seymour struck out 10 batters. The lefthander twirled five innings, allowing one run off three hits. The 26-year-old finished his night by striking out the side. Seymour's fastball sat in the low 90s, but he generates whiffs on it in the zone because of its life and flat plane. He landed 53 of his 85 pitches for strikes.

Ryan Bergert, RHP, Padres: In his five seasons in the Padres system, Bergert never eclipsed the 10-strikeout threshold. That all changed on Thursday night when the righthander punched out 11 batters over five innings (nine swinging), allowing six hits and one earned run. Most noticeably, he struck out Dodgers top catching prospect Dalton Rushing three times, James Outman twice and Hyeseong Kim once. Bergert’s fastball sat at 92-93 mph and touched 94 mph.

Editor’s Picks

MiLB Opening Day 2025: Here’s everything you need to know as full-season ball returns for 2025. Read more…

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Baseball America Helium Pick Of The Day

Each day, we’ll pick a prospect that has our attention.

Keyner Benitez, LHP, Marlins: Thomas White is the best southpaw in Miami’s system, but Benitez isn’t far behind. The 18-year-old lefty was excellent in a quick cameo in the FCL last summer and more than held his own with Low-A Jupiter afterward. Benitez works with three pitches, two of which are excellent. His fastball sits in the mid 90s with plenty of life, and he complements it with an outstanding changeup that coaxes bushels of empty swings. His slider flashes at least average, but those versions of the pitch can be fleeting. If he can gain a better feel to spin without sacrificing the quality of his other two offerings, he could fit toward the back end of a rotation. Benitez is one of 50 prospects who impressed scouts this spring.

Quick Hits

Prospect news and notes from around baseball…

• Brewers RHP Logan Henderson struck out eight over five scoreless Triple-A innings yesterday, although he also walked five.

• Astros prospect Shay Whitcomb homered twice

• Speaking of Astros prospects — Cam Smith’s hot spring has yet to carry over to the regular season. He has two hits through his first 17 plate appearances.

• Phillies Triple-A outfielder Gabriel Rincones had three extra-base hits across two games of a doubleheader

• Guardians prospect Angel Genao is out until June with a shoulder injury, according to MLB.com’s Jim Callis.

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