Braves Minor League Recap: Caminiti Shines in Return, Ritchie Dominates, Offense Falters in Gwinnett
While the win column wasn’t kind, it was a banner day for Braves pitching — headlined by standout performances from JR Ritchie and a highly anticipated return by Cam Caminiti. Each level of the system featured at least one notable individual showing, but Caminiti stole the spotlight. Making his long-awaited return to Augusta after two months away, he electrified in his season debut with 5 innings of one-run ball, striking out 8 on just 62 pitches.
Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers
Game 1: Stripers 0, Sounds 1
Game 2: Stripers 0, Sounds 4
It was a rough doubleheader for Gwinnett, as they were swept and shut out in both games despite strong starting pitching.
- Davis Daniel tossed a gem in Game 1: 6 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 8 K, with a lone mistake resulting in a solo homer — the difference-maker in the game.
- Zach Thompson was solid in Game 2, but defensive miscues sank him. He allowed 2 unearned runs over 3.2 innings.
Jarred Kelenic was a bright spot, snapping out of a brutal slump with a double in each game, including a 106.8 mph laser off the wall. Hopefully this is the start of a rebound.
Double-A Mississippi (Columbus Clingstones): Clingstones 4, Blue Wahoos 5
JR Ritchie had his best outing at Double-A, fanning 7 over 5 innings and giving up just one hit and two runs. He battled through some early fastball command issues, found his groove mid-game, and ended strong. His slider is becoming a real weapon, and he’s on track to make a serious leap if the changeup follows.
David McCabe led the offense with a 3-hit day, scoring twice. Ethan Workinger added two hits and an RBI. Unfortunately, the bullpen couldn’t hang on to the lead.
High-A Rome Emperors: Rome 2, Greenville 5
Adam Maier gave up 2 runs in 3 innings before rain cut his outing short. His secondaries looked sharp, but fastball command remained shaky. Still, signs of progress are encouraging.
EJ Exposito continued his June hot streak, homering in the second and driving in both Rome runs. Will Verdung added two hits, but the offense sputtered otherwise. Rome’s lineup is struggling to get going, especially with key players like Patrick Clohisy and Lizandro Espinoza slumping hard over the past few weeks.
Single-A Augusta GreenJackets: Augusta 4, Fayetteville 5
Cam Caminiti made his long-awaited return and was electric: 5 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 8 K. He sat 95-96 mph, worked the zone, and showed improved command of his slider. His only shaky moment was a brief lapse in the third, but he bounced back strong to finish his day with a strikeout.
Owen Carey had a 3-hit day, including a clutch RBI double in the 10th to give Augusta life. He also drove in a run in the third. The GreenJackets had a few key chances but couldn’t capitalize enough to pull off a win.
FCL Braves: Braves 8, Rays 7
Junior Garcia crushed a three-run homer in the ninth to complete a comeback. Juan Mateo collected four hits and drove in two, helping spark most of the offense. Despite no power uptick yet, Mateo’s contact skills and on-base ability are holding strong.
DSL Braves: Braves 8, Padres Gold 3
A complete team effort led to the DSL Braves’ third win, with eight players recording hits. Johan Rodriguez starred with a 4-for-5 day, including a double, and still hasn’t struck out this season. On the mound, Rafael Lasorsa and Luis Sifontes combined for 7 strong innings of 2-run ball.
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