Dylan Ray Named July's Northwest League Pitcher of the Month

Ray continues his strong season with the Diamondbacks' High-A affiliate in Hillsboro.

In the first minor league update since the draft, we take a look at some of the top prospects in Arizona's system and how they're doing.

Dylan Ray was named the Northwest League Pitcher of the Month for July. From June 29th through July 27th, he made five starts. In that stretch, he pitched to a 0.58 ERA with 34 strikeouts and just seven walks over 31 innings. Four of those five starts were scoreless, although the one he allowed any runs he pitched a season-high seven innings. 

ICYMI:

Dylan Ray was named NWL Pitcher of the month for the month of July.

We posted a graphic for it, which was lovely.

However, a video much better shows his nastiness. #AllHoppedUp pic.twitter.com/1sqYZdeAFs

— Hillsboro Hops (@HillsboroHops) August 4, 2023

Over the course of the season, he's pitched to a 3.87 ERA and 101 strikeouts to 27 walks in 83 2/3 innings. While the ERA is a bit high considering the fact that Hillsboro is an extreme pitcher-friendly environment, the peripherals are excellent across the board. Combined with a middle of the rotation starter profile, Ray has a legitimate case to be considered a Top 10 prospect in the D-backs system.

Tommy Troy was aggressively placed in High-A Hillsboro after a few games at the complex. It didn't take long for him to make a mark, as he launched his first professional home run over the weekend. 

Anyone who hits homers THAT far has legit power. pic.twitter.com/yGEBwookiv

— Michael McDermott (@MichaelMcD8393) August 5, 2023

Expect Troy to be on a fast track to the big leagues, due to his ability to already handle major league quality fastballs and well-rounded skill set. He could play second, short, or even third to fill out the team's needs. Right now he's ranked fourth on the post-draft prospect update, but could easily leap to the second spot as soon as this winter.

A month-long slump will negatively affect his full season numbers, but Jordan Lawlar has been on a tear since May 23rd. The D-backs' top prospect is hitting .308 with 10 home runs and a .948 OPS in his past 51 games. He's doing that during his Age 20 season, which is more than four years below the average age of the level. While his full season numbers aren't the kind you expect for a consensus Top 15 prospect in the game, the improvements he's made over the year will make him  all that much better when he reaches the big leagues next season.

HE'S DONE IT AGAIN!

THIS MAN LOVES THESE JERSEYS@jordanlawlar pic.twitter.com/TdZEuhvQtb

— Amarillo Sod Poodles (@sodpoodles) August 5, 2023

Druw Jones has once again begun rehab games at the Complex. There isn't much season left for the D-backs No. 3 prospect to get back into game shape and playing him in the Arizona Fall League is not a guarantee. Since he missed the last winter rehabbing from shoulder surgery, the instructional league isn't a bad option to get more reps in. The injuries have stalled Jones for at least one year, pushing his anticipated major league debut to perhaps as late as the 2027 season. Arizona took Jones No. 2 overall in the 2022 Draft due to his lofty ceiling despite his swing being a big project for the organization's development team.

Ivan Melendez is continuing to crush home runs playing in one of the most home run friendly parks in the minor leagues. In 16 games, Arizona's No. 6 prospect has already slugged seven home runs, but a 24/1 strikeout to walk ratio is a major red flag. Based on the home run clips, he has shown an ability to crush off-speed mistakes and fastballs in the lower half of the zone. In order to be a successful big leaguer, he'll need to close the holes in his swing and reduce the strikeout rate so it won't cap his offensive ceiling.

Infield prospect Jansel Luis has been out since July 27th with an undisclosed injury, then later placed on the 7-day injured list on August 1st. It appears to be a short stint, as the D-backs No. 5 prospect has been cleared for rehab games at the complex. In 11 games with Low-A Visalia, Luis has hit .267 with a home run and a .698 OPS.