Reds prospect notes from High-A Dayton

DAYTON — Some notes from High-A Dayton, where it’s been a tough season for a Dragons team with a 21-45 record.

According to Baseball America, the top prospect here is left-handed starter Adam Serwinowski, who’s striking out 11.7 batters per nine innings. He has a unique snappy arm action.

He said, “I never got taught how to throw the way I do. My mechanics just became what they are. They’re very funky… developing my changeup has been the biggest jump for me. Cutting down on walks, I need to be better at being in the zone.”

Manager Vince Harrison said, “You can’t teach 6-foot-5, 97 mph with that breaking ball.”

Catcher Connor Burns (No. 27 prospect in the org per Baseball America) has always been touted as a standout defensive catcher. He said, “I always want more (work). I have to thank my parents for that. They say the more you do, the more you’re going to get out of it.”

Manager Vince Harrison said, “He has a knack for what he wants to do. He definitely does his homework. At the beginning of the year, he was asking for more… his catching and throwing ability is one of the best I’ve seen.”

Middle infielder Victor Acosta is one of the team’s top position players. Harrison said, “He has really made strides. He’s still a young guy. He just turned 21. He’s figuring out the difference in his right-hand and left-hand swing. The hands. All of the things that come with the discovery of who you are as a hitter. His pitch selection has been better. He’s drawing more walks. He’s getting off better swings at a better consistent rate.”

Carlos Jorge (No. 21 prospect in the org per MLB Pipeline) has had hot and cold stretches at the plate (.211 average on the season) but is known for his center field glove. Serwinowski said, “He’ll save me on fly balls that aren’t routine but are routine for him.”

Luke Hayden (No. 30 prospect in the org per MLB Pipeline) starts tonight. Last year’s eighth round pick has turned heads with one of the better seasons by a Reds pitching prospect this year.

Harrison said, “I jokingly tell him he doesn’t even know how good he is yet. There’s a good arm. There’s a pitch mix when it’s working is really good… He has velocity and ability to change speeds.“

Burns said, “He’s 94 to 97. The cutter has always been really good. The sweeper has been nasty. And the changeup is just as good. He has a true four pitch arsenal.”