by Risers and Fallers
A little over two full months into the season it’s time to take a look at who’s been playing well and who’s been struggling. Risers and fallers, here we come.
Riser: Brandon McIlwain
Last week’s subject of the Brooklyn Cyclones Report has continued his hot streak at the plate in the week since. In his last seven games, McIlwain has gone 8-22 with two doubles and three triples.
On the season, his line is up to .297/.387/.475, with a team-leading .862 OPS. He’s improved every month of the season so far in 2022, going from a .676 OPS in April to a .872 OPS in May and 1.031 OPS so far in June.
He’s played himself into being an everyday middle-of-the-order bat for Brooklyn and has probably been the most productive bat on the team.
Faller: Jaylen Palmer
The Mets No. 14 prospect on MLB Pipeline — the highest of any player currently on the Cyclones — Palmer has really had a rough season at the plate to this point.
He has power, currently leading the team with six home runs. He also runs well and is a decent fielder at multiple positions. While he’s mainly played center field this season, Palmer has played a solid amount at third base, both this year and last.
His struggles come with making contact. Currently, Palmer is hitting .179/.293/.321, which is just a .614 OPS. The biggest issue — a team-leading 76 strikeouts, 24 above the next closest player.
Riser: Sammy Tavarez
In 31 innings for St. Lucie in 2021, Tavarez gave 20 earned runs to the tune of a 5.81 ERA. He also walked a staggering 34 batters, which, when combined with the 22 hits he surrendered, made for a WHIP approaching two.
This season for Brooklyn, Tavarez has shown considerable improvement. In 17 innings he’s given up just three earned runs, which is a 1.59 ERA. His walks haven’t evaporated, but they’ve reduced, as he’s down to just 11 so far — down almost four walks per nine.
Faller: Jose Peroza
Similar to Palmer, Peroza is another top prospect who is off to a slow start in 2021. The No. 29 prospect in the Mets system on MLB Pipeline, Peroza has been the Cyclones’ primary third baseman for most of the season.
At the plate, he really hasn’t done much, hitting just .221/.303/.299, good for a .602 OPS. His numbers are a bit down from his stint last season in Brooklyn too, which isn’t ideal.
Riser: Rowdey Jordan
The second corner outfielder to make this list, Jordan is also having a really solid year at the plate. While McIlwain is the usual right fielder for the Brooks, Jordan plays most games opposite him in left.
After putting up just a .627 OPS last year in St. Lucie, he’s hitting .257/.359/.407 in Brooklyn, good for a .768 OPS. He also has 20 extra-base hits, four ahead of McIlwain for the team lead.
He’s been hot as of late as well, hitting .296 with an OPS of .906 in the month of June. Primarily the Cyclones’ leadoff hitter, Jordan has provided some thump at the top of the lineup while still getting on base at one of the highest rates on the team.
The Cyclones will be away playing the Wilmington Blue Rocks through Sunday, June 19. They then return home for a series vs. the Jersey Shore BlueClaws which begins on Tuesday, June 21. For tickets and promotional information visit here.
