
Indians prospect Elijah Morgan is the MWL pitcher of the week for April 23-29. (Lake County Captains photo)
Lake County Captains RHP Elijah Morgan and Lansing Lugnuts shortstop Kevin Smith respectively were named the Midwest League’s pitcher and offensive player of the week for April 23-29. Smith also was named to MLB Pipeline’s Prospect Team of the Week for that same period.
Morgan made one start during that time, and it was the best of the five he’s made this season. On Friday he allowed only two hits while striking out eight batters and walking none in 5.2 innings against the Bowling Green Hot Rods. The Cleveland Indians prospect is 1-0 with a 1.37 ERA, a 0.91 WHIP, 35 strikeouts and five walks in 26.1 innings this season.
The Lugnuts offense has been on fire lately, propelling the team to first place in the Eastern Division by winning eight of their last 10 games. The hottest bat in the lineup belongs to Smith, who hit .433 with two homers, a triple, seven doubles, three walks, 13 runs batted in, four runs scored, and one stolen base in his last eight games. He struck out only two times during those eight games. The Toronto Blue Jays prospect currently has an 11-game hitting streak, during which he is batting .364.
In 22 games this season, Smith is batting .330 with three homers, 10 doubles, 25 RBI, 13 runs scored, six stolen bases, eight walks, and 15 strikeouts.
Help support my Midwest League coverage by making a minimal monthly pledge of $1 and get additional content on my Patreon site, including a look at which MWL players were hot in April, here.