Illini in the MLB Update: July 30, 2018

Tanner Roark, P, Washington Nationals

Coming off a mid-season struggle heading into the All-Star break, Roark had a great first game afterwards, picking up the win as he pitched eight innings against the Brewers, giving up only three hits and no runs.

Roark is now 4-12 on the season in 20 starts, with a 4.55 ERA, but he’s starting to look like himself.

Our Stephen Cohn, who worked with MLB.com this summer in Milwaukee, got to write about Roark’s start as one of his last games he covered this summer.

Tyler Jay, P, Chattanooga Lookouts (MIN - AA)

In Jay’s last four relief appearances, he has gone 1-1, with one save in three opportunities. Jay gave up four earned runs in his most recent appearance, causing his ERA to climb to 3.60 on the season so far.

Jason Goldstein, C, Midland RockHounds (OAK - AA)

Goldstein has continued to struggle following his promotion to Oakland’s Double A affiliate, and still has yet to pick up a hit in the four games he’s played at that level. His on-base percentage rests at .188.

Adam Walton, 2B, Visalia Rawhide (ARI - Adv)

Walton’s steady performance has continued this season, as he has gone 6-25 in his last eight games, with three RBI, including one home run. He currently is slashing .269/.352/.392.

Pat McInerney, 1B, Carolina Mudcats (MIL A Adv)

McInerney’s bat has started to connect at the High A level, as he has gone 6-34 in the last two weeks, picking up three RBI along the way. His average with the Mudcats now sits at .125.

Bren Spillane, RF, Billings Mustangs (CIN - Rookie)

Spillane continues to hit well in the Rookie League, going 7-28 in his last eight games, during which he hit three home runs and drove in a total of six runs. His slash line sits at .247/.393/.494.

Joey Gerber, P, Clinton LumberKings (SEA - A)

Following a strong performance in Short A, Gerber was promoted to the Class A affiliate of the Mariners on Friday. During his time in Short A ball, Gerber had six saves in eight opportunities, with a 1.93 ERA.