Cubs AAA Hitter of the Week: OF Alexander Canario (23 Years Old)
.450/.476/.1.100 4 2B, 3 HR, 4 R, 6 RBI
Alexander Canario has been one of the hottest hitters not just in Iowa but in the minor leagues as a whole. Returning from injury this season took its toll on Canario as he spent a couple of weeks knocking the rust off but very few players in this system have the kind of pole-to-pole power that Canario does.
If he has another week like this one next week he could find himself in Chicago when rosters expand due to his favorable contract situation as he is on the 40-man roster while the Cubs' other top outfield prospect, Pete Crow-Armstrong is not.
Cubs AAA Pitcher of the Week: RHP Caleb Kilian (26 Years Old)
1 G, 6 IP, 1.50 ERA, 6 H, 0 BB, 1R, 7 K
Kilian has had a couple of shots at pitching in the majors the last two seasons and he hasn’t been spectacular. The lowest low likely came earlier this season after a lopsided loss to the Marlins when David Ross said that Kilian was “not ready”. Right now it appears that the prospect sheen has fallen off of Kilian and he’s been passed by Javier Assad, Hayden Wesneski, Jordan Wicks, Ben Brown, and potentially new addition Shane Greene as a potential innings eater when rosters expand.
That being said, this week Kilian had a great start and missed bats in a way that he has struggled to do at the highest levels. If he can continue to do that, then he has a legitimate shot at making the September roster to try to get the bullpen some seriously needed rest as the Cubs make their playoff push.