Cubs Minor League News: Howard, Wheat continue to struggle in AFL |
Dustin Riese
· · 11 hours ago
GLENDALE - It took long enough, but the Mesa Solar Sox were finally able to get into the win column as they have been searching for answers. Losing games in the Arizona Fall League is one thing, but to lose the way the Solar Sox have been losing with little to no offensive support is a shock, knowing how the ball flies out of Arizona.
Back on the road and hoping their time away from Sloan Park would be just what they needed to get back on track, it was the Solar Sox finally getting some run support as they pushed across seven runs in a hard-fought 7-5 victory over the Desert Dogs. Ironically, this was looking to be another lackluster game from the Solar Sox as a four-run fifth inning opened up a 5-0 Desert Dogs lead and had Mesa on the verge of another tough defeat. That was until the sixth and seventh innings as the Solar Sox offense came to life to score seven runs over the final two frames to pick up the comeback win. Typically, when the Mesa offense is at its best, Owen Ayers and Cole Mathis play a role in that, as they have been two of the Solar Sox best hitters thus far. With both of them out of the lineup on Friday, not only was it a surprise to see the Solar Sox win, but it was a surprise to see them score as many runs as they did. That said, Ed Howard got another start at the shortstop position as Mesa is doing whatever they can to try to get him into a nice rhythm. From a defensive side, Howard has been as good as advertised, as his defensive ability has stood out all Fall. Offensively is where the issue lies, as another hitless performance at the plate has dropped his season average to .071 and has him on the verge of losing playing time altogether. Howard did manage to reach base with a walk, but with two more strikeouts, not only does he continue to struggle, but he looks completely overmatched at the plate, which isn't a good sign. He was the only offensive player to see action in the Cubs' farm system, but not the only player, as JP Wheat was back on the mound to make his second appearance. There is no denying that Wheat had a rough season in the minors and that the extra time in the Fall League was expected to help his development. His first outing was about as bad as can be, and guess what, the second outing was no different, as Wheat continues to struggle on the mound. Once again, it was another short outing for Wheat, lasting just one inning, but in that inning, the damage was done as he allowed four runs on two hits, with one of those hits coming as a homer. A big reason for the struggles was the command, yet again, as Wheat walked three more hitters and didn't strike out a man. That now gives him six walks and one strikeout through two innings, allowing eight runs as his Fall League is off to a terrible start.
