Cubs’ prospect Eric Jokisch had a night he will never forget on Tuesday in Jacksonville. Jokisch threw a nine-inning no-hitter against the Jacksonville Suns in his first game back from the disabled list.
With a little help from Christian Villanueva and Javier Baez in the ninth inning, Jokisch notched the first no hitter for the Smokies since Mark Holliman in 2007 and the first nine-inning no hitter since Leo Estrella in 2000.
Eric Jokisch struck out five of the first ten batters he retired in order to start his evening. The southpaw issued a one out walk in the bottom of the fourth then retired the side in order in fifth and sixth innings. Jokisch issued two out walks in both the seventh and eighth innings and went to the ninth with a chance at a no hitter. Jokisch threw only 99 pitches over the first eight innings.
Plays by Villanueva and Baez kept the no-hitter intact for the first two outs in the ninth. Jokisch issued his fourth walk of the night with two down in the ninth before retiring Pete Andrelczyk on a grounder to third to end the game.
Eric Jokisch struck out eight batters and walked four on Tuesday. Jokisch threw 108 pitches, 69 for strikes, on Tuesday night and joined teammate Matt Loosen as the second starting pitcher in the Cubs’ system to throw a no-hitter this season.
Albert Almora
Albert Almora will be out of Kane County’s lineup for a few days according to multiple reports on Tuesday. Almora left Sunday’s game with a slight groin strain. Almora is hitting .329/.376/.466/.842 with 17 doubles, four triples and three home runs in 61 games this season. Almora has 116 total bases with 17 walks and 30 strikeouts.
According to Bruce Miles, Almora was placed on the 7-day DL and the Cubs are hoping he is only out for a week.
Kyle Hendricks
Kyle Hendricks is scheduled to make his Triple-A debut on Thursday night at Principal Park against the Fresno Grizzlies. Hendricks earned his promotion after posting a 10-3 record in 21 starts with the Smokies this season. In 126 1/3 innings, Hendricks has allowed only 107 hits while maintaining nearly a 4:1 strikeout to walk ratio (101 strikeouts, 26 walks)
The Cubs acquired Kyle Hendricks, along with 3B Christian Villanueva, last July from the Rangers for Ryan Dempster.
Toolsy Lists
Baseball America released a list of the players with the best tools in the minors on Tuesday. Kyle Hendricks (best control), Christian Villanueva (best defensive third baseman), Arismendy Alcantara (best infield arm) and Rubi Silva (best outfield arm) of the Smokies made the Double-A list. And Javier Baez (best infield arm) made the High-A manager’s list.
Mike Olt was named the best defensive third baseman in the Pacific Coast League.
News and Notes
The I-Cubs placed RHP Barret Loux on the 7-day DL with a right shoulder strain. Loux has been on the disabled list two other times this season due to a sprained ankle.
The Cubs released RHP Kevin Rhoderick on Tuesday. Rhoderick was selected in the ninth round of the 2010 draft. The 24-year old was 1-5 in 33 games this season with a 5.65 ERA and a 1.93 WHIP. In 43 innings, Rhoderick surrendered 41 hits and walked 42 batters while recording only 26 strikeouts.
The I-Cubs placed catcher Luis Flores on the disabled list on Tuesday after he suffered a concussion on Monday night. The Cubs promoted 16th round pick Cael Brockmeyer from Boise to take Flores spot on the roster. Brockmeyer was in the starting lineup in Tuesday’s 10-3 win over Tacoma. Brockmeyer went 1-for-3 with a walk.
According to a report from the Sporting News, there is a snag in the deal between RHP Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez and the Phillies and there is a chance that Gonzalez does not end up signing with Philadelphia. Ruben Amaro Jr. declined to comment on Tuesday.
The Sun-Times asked the question, who is Edwin Jackson?
Julio Borbon cleared waivers and has been outrighted to Triple-A Iowa.
Javier Baez went 4-for-6 on Tuesday with two doubles and three RBI. Baez is 16-for-44 in his last ten games with five doubles, three home runs, 12 RBI and five walks (.364/.429/.682/1.110).
Mike Olt hit his first home run on Tuesday since being acquired from the Rangers in the Matt Garza trade. Olt went 1-for-2 with a home run and three walks and is 3-for-11 in his last three games with one double, one triple, one home run, three walks and two strikeouts.