MiLB Recap: DeLauter, Kayfus and Watson go yard and Tyler Naquin makes A+ pitching debut

Cleveland Guardians minor league recap for Thursday, July 10, 2025

Columbus Clippers 3, Louisville Bats 7

Box Score · Clippers fall to 40-46

Instead of hitting bombs up in Cleveland, Chase DeLauter and CJ Kayfus are still hitting bombs down in Columbus. Chase’s was a 2-run wallop, while CJ’s was a solo shot. They were the offense for the Clippers last night.

Doug Nikhazy’s start was anything but ideal. In 3 and two thirds, Doug gave up 8 hits and 7 runs total, upping his season ERA to 4.79. However, the bullpen kept things scoreless the rest of the way.

At this point for the DeLauter and Kayfus situation (more-so DeLauter), I’m just happy to see that they’re still producing and not letting the Guardians’ burial of their best two AAA prospects keep them down. DeLauter’s AAA on-base streak is now 37, dating all the way back to August 23rd, last year.

Akron RubberDucks 1, Richmond Flying Squirrels 2

Box Score · RubberDucks fall to 50-32

Like the Clippers, the only run production for the RubberDucks last night was by way of the home run. This time, Kahlil Watson went yard for his 8th longball of the season. Again, Watson is showing the type of growth he’s had at the plate over an extended period of time this season. He finished the night 2-4.

Rorik Maltrud and Steven Perez gave up the only two Richmond runs Wednesday, although they only gave up a combined 3 hits.

Lake County Captains 9, West Michigan Whitecaps 10

Box Score · Captains fall to 42-41

Although the Captains lost this game, there are a good few positives to draw from both sides of the field. Starting with the Captains’ offense, Ralphy Velazquez is finally starting to show some life after struggling mightily so far. He went 2-5 with an RBI, and since June 26th, he’s slashed .368/.442/.447.

Jaison Chourio and Alfonsin Rosario also went 2-5, and Rosario also drew a walk. I’d love to see Alfonsin in Akron soon when Chase DeLauter finally gets the call to Cleveland.

Jose Devers also hit his 11th homer of the season so far, a solo shot in the 7th.

On the mound to start the game was Tugboat, and he went 5 and two thirds, giving up 4 runs on 5 hits and a walk. He struck out 6 batters in the process. From the bullpen, Jack Jasiak got lit up for 6 runs and was taken out of the game after finally recording the last out of the 6th.

On the bright side, however, Tyler Naquin made his Captains pitching debut last night! He threw a scoreless inning in the 8th, walked 1 and struck out 1. A great sign to see for our old friend!

The Lynchburg Hillcats’ game against Hickory was postponed and will be made up in a doubleheader on July 11.