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Oakland Athletics: Three MiLB Earned Recognition for Outstanding Play in April

By Samantha Riley

In 1978 the Oakland A's debuted two 18-year-olds, fresh out of high school, on their pitching staff. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
In 1978 the Oakland A's debuted two 18-year-olds, fresh out of high school, on their pitching staff. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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During April, the Oakland Athletics had two prospects earn Pitcher of the Week and one minor leaguer recognized as Player of the Week.

It is well known that the Oakland Athletics have a talented farm system. From their No. 1 prospect Franklin Barreto to No. 30 Aaron Kurcz, all of their minor leaguers bring something unique to the table. So, it is not surprising that three Oakland prospects earned the Pitcher or Player of the Week recognition during April. Let’s take a look at who shined last month.

Daniel Mengden – Pitcher of the Week: April 7-17

This right-handed starter is the Oakland Athletics No. 14 prospect and certainly impressed during the first ten days of the Minor League season. While playing with the A’s Double-A team, the Midland RockHounds, in the Texas League, Mengden held a 0.00 ERA over two starts between April 7-17. Throughout those 12 innings he pitched, he only gave up four hits and struck out 16.

His success continued after April 17, starting two more games with Midland while only giving up a total of two runs. He did so well that he was promoted to Triple-A on May 1. Mengden has made one start with the A’s Triple-A team the Nashville Sounds where he went six innings, gave up just five hits, and no runs. If he continues to be just as dominant throughout the rest of season, it would not be surprising to see Mengden called up in September when the roster expands.

Dillon Overton – Pitcher of the Week: April 18-24

Some might recognize this name from back during spring training. Overton made his big league spring camp debut this year and performed quite well. Normally a starter, he pitched six innings in relief for the A’s in March, allowing only five hits and no runs. So, it is not too surprising that his success has continued now that he resides with the Nashville Sounds.

This is Overton’s first season with the Triple-A team yet he has been able to adjust quickly to this higher level of competitive play. During the time period in which he earned his Pitcher of the Week recognition, Overton collect his first minor league complete game. He went seven innings that week, allowing five hits and one run. Overton is expected to be a quality big league starter in the near future, so it is nice to see him excelling in Triple-A this year.

Tyler Marincov – Player of the Week: April 25 – May 1

Even though Marincov is not even ranked within the A’s Top 30 prospects, he made a splash last week while playing with Oakland’s High-A ball club the Stockton Ports. This right fielder was drafted in 2013 in the eighth round by the Oakland Athletics, but has yet to be promoted above the Class A-Advanced level. Thankfully, he does seem to be finally finding some success with Stockton – a team he has been with since August of 2014.

During the week of April 25, Marincov hit .435/.500/.957 over six games. This included three doubles, three homers and eight RBI. If he can sustain this power over the next few months, perhaps he will get the promotion for which he has been waiting for quite some time now.

Next: Would Tim Lincecum Be A Good Fit For A's?

The Oakland Athletics’ farm system will soon have a major impact on the big league club. Most of these prospects are seen as future stars for the green and gold. Let’s keep them all in mind as the season progresses. Fans could see one, or two of these prospects called up to the major league level this year.