Minor league action on 8/18/26 featured a few loud bats, some steady work on the mound, and plenty of box-score variety across the affiliates.
Hickory got strong pitching from Geury Rodriguez, who worked three shutout innings and struck out two, while Louis Marinaro followed with 1.2 scoreless innings of his own, allowing one walk and fanning two. At the plate, Pablo Guerrero turned in the biggest line of the night, going 4 for 6 with a homer.
Kaden Carpenter also left the yard and drew two walks. Kolby Branch finished 4 for 5 with a double, and Dewar Tovar added a double and three walks.
Sebastian Baquera went 2 for 4 with a double and a walk, Yolfran Castillo was 2 for 5 with a walk and a stolen base, Daniel Flames reached with a hit and a walk, and Paulino Santana chipped in a hit.
Hub City’s offense had a few contributors, but starter Ismael Agreda took the loss after allowing five runs in 5.1 innings while striking out five and walking three. Andrew Susac followed with 1.2 scoreless innings, striking out two, and Case Matter added a shutout frame with one strikeout and one walk. Casey Cook doubled and walked, Paxton Kling picked up a hit and a stolen base, Gleider Figuereo reached twice on walks and also had a hit, and Eduardo Mejia and Chandler Pollard each finished with a hit, with Pollard also stealing a base.
Frisco leaned on a big night from Rafe Perich, who went 4 for 5 with a pair of doubles and a homer. Dylan Dreiling added two hits, while Sebastian Walcott, Yeison Morrobel and Arturo Disla each had a hit, with Morrobel also doubling.
On the mound, D.J. McCarty gave up three runs in five innings, striking out five and walking three.
Round Rock saw Winston Santos start and allow three runs in five innings, with one of the damage swings coming on a homer by Dustin Harris. Santos struck out seven and walked three before Gavin Collyer handled a scoreless inning. Offensively, Logan O’Hoppe went 2 for 5 with a double, John Taylor had two hits and a walk, and Cam Cauley reached on a walk and added a stolen base.
In Other News...
USA Today Just Reignited The Globe Life Field Debate
USA Todays latest ballpark rankings have put Globe Life Field back in the spotlight, and not in a flattering way for the Rangers. The home of Texas baseball landed 29th out of 30 major league parks, with the ranking taking aim at the venues atmosphere, its scale and its setting in Arlington, while also acknowledging the stadiums modern amenities.
For Rangers fans, the reaction probably feels familiar because the debate around Globe Life Field has never really gone away. Some still measure it against the clubs previous ballpark, and the new one continues to draw the same kinds of complaints about a lack of mass transit and a playing environment that tends to favor pitchers, even as others appreciate what the park offers on the comfort side. [Read more 🡒]
Jacob deGrom's Rangers Status Just Became A Bigger AL West Story
Jacob deGrom took another step in his recovery Tuesday, getting in a bullpen session as he works back from right triceps fatigue. The Rangers right-hander left his last start early because of the issue, but the latest sign points to progress rather than a setback, which is exactly what Texas wants to see with the race tightening around the division.
For now, deGrom will not take the ball Wednesday, leaving the club to manage one more turn without him. The more important date might be Thursday against the Washington Nationals, where a possible return would give the Rangers a major boost if his arm responds well after the bullpen work. [Read more 🡒]
Cade Cunningham Adds A Surprising Boost To Rangers Playoff Push
As the Rangers remain near the top of the AL West, they have picked up an unusual bit of support from a prominent name far removed from baseball. Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, who owns a minority stake in the club, has already shown plenty of interest in the team since joining the Sportsology Capital Partners group that bought into the franchise in February.
Cunninghams connection has gone beyond paperwork and into the public eye, including a first-pitch appearance at a Rangers game in 2025. He has also offered his thoughts on what the club needs to do to reach the postseason, giving Texas a surprising crossover voice at a time when every bit of momentum matters in a tight playoff race. [Read more 🡒]
