Sammy Hernandez Named MiLB Player of the Week
The Cardinal Chronicle
Sammy Hernandez Named Cardinals Minor League Player of the Week
St. Louis, MO
By Ray Mileur
Sammy Hernandez made his case with power, patience and production.
Hernandez, the High-A Peoria catcher, is The Cardinal Chronicle’s Cardinals Minor League Hitter of the Week after putting together the strongest offensive stretch in the system.
Over five games, Hernandez went 5-for-16 with one double, three home runs, five RBIs, six runs scored, four walks and three stolen bases. He hit .313 and posted a loud 1.387 OPS, finishing with the top hitter value of the week at 28.
That is a complete offensive week.
The home runs are the headline, and they should be. Three long balls in five games from a catcher will always get attention. But Hernandez did more than just run into a few pitches. He reached base, drove in runs, scored runs and even added three stolen bases.
That is not something you see every week from a catcher.
For Hernandez, this was the kind of performance that shows why offensive production from behind the plate carries extra weight. Catchers who can impact the baseball are valuable. Catchers who can impact the baseball, draw walks and add something on the bases become even more interesting.
There were other strong candidates.
Nolan Gorman had a power-heavy week at Triple-A Memphis, hitting three home runs and driving in six. His 1.018 OPS was strong, but the eight strikeouts in 20 at-bats kept Hernandez ahead in the weekly race.
Yairo Padilla also deserves mention after a solid week for Low-A Palm Beach. Padilla went 7-for-23 with three doubles, one home run, four RBIs, three walks, two stolen bases and a .950 OPS. It was a quality all-around stretch, especially from a young bat still building his profile.
But this week belonged to Hernandez.
The combination of power, on-base production, run creation and baserunning gave him the edge. His 1.387 OPS separated him from the field, and the three home runs made the decision clear.
At High-A, hitters are being challenged more consistently with better breaking balls, better sequencing and pitchers who have a better idea of how to attack weaknesses. Hernandez answered that challenge with one of the best weeks of his season.
That deserves recognition.
The Cardinal Chronicle Minor League Hitter of the Week:
Sammy Hernandez, C, High-A Peoria
Weekly Line:
5 G, 16 AB, 6 R, 5 H, 1 2B, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 4 K, 3 SB, .313 AVG, 1.387 OPS
Why He Was Chosen:
Hernandez delivered the best offensive week in the system, combining three home runs, four walks, three stolen bases and a 1.387 OPS. His production from the catcher position gave him the edge.
Also in the Mix:
Nolan Gorman, 3B, Triple-A Memphis — Gorman showed big power with three home runs and six RBIs over five games, posting a 1.018 OPS. The strikeouts kept him just behind Hernandez.
Yairo Padilla, DH, Low-A Palm Beach — Padilla put together a strong all-around week, going 7-for-23 with three doubles, one home run, four RBIs, three walks, two stolen bases and a .950 OPS.
Old School Take:
Three home runs from a catcher will get noticed. Add in four walks, three stolen bases and a 1.387 OPS, and there is not much left to argue.
The Cardinal Chronicle, in association with Gateway Sports & MiLB Today
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Photo Credit: Sammy Hernandez, Peoria Chiefs | MLB