Chicago Cubs: Minor League Players of the Week

Chicago Cubs Triple-A: Iowa Cubs

Wynton Bernard, OF

Kicking it off is left fielder Wynton Bernard. Having been around the league since the San Diego Padres selected him in the 2012 MLB Amateur player draft, Bernard signed with Chicago on a minor league contract before the 2018 season.

Last year, Bernard played 61 games in Triple-A without much success. This season has been a different story so far, however. Through his first 10 games, Bernard is slashing .286/.348/.571 with a .366 wOBA and 109 wRC+.

This past week, Bernard did enough to earn our first Player of the Week honor. In the past week, Bernard has registered 20 plate appearances, slashing .333/.400/.667 with a 1.067 OPS, two doubles, two triples, and an RBI. He has posted a .424 wOBA and 145 wRC+ in this span. With optimism in turning a corner in 2019, let us hope Bernard can continue mashing on his way to the Show.

Colin Rea, SP

The first pitcher Player of the Week honor goes to Colin Rea, for his two reliable quality starts this past week. Similar to Bernard, Rea is also a former farmhand of the Padres, having been selected the year before in 2011. The Cubs brought Rea in on a minor league contract before this season, and he has been a pleasant surprise.

Over the past week, Rea has made two starts, both times going six innings. In the first start of the week, Rea only gave up one unearned run, walking three, and striking out five. It was good enough to earn him the win versus Oklahoma City. In his second start, Rea gave up three earned runs, however, did not walk a single batter while recording four strikeouts. He received a no-decision.

Rea finished with 12 innings pitched, giving up only three earned runs, one home run and walking three with nine strikeouts, good enough for a 2.25 ERA and the POTW honor from Cubbies Crib.