Empire State Braves Prospects: 5/24/11

Plenty of action by the Braves' Empire State prospects this past week (5/17-5/23). Let's take a look at how they performed....

Courtesy: milb.com, ualbanysports.com

Anthony Varvaro, RHP (Triple A - Gwinnett)
Varvaro saw playing time in one game this past week, working in the 6th and 7th innings. With Jairo Asencio being called up to Atlanta on 5/19 (and Scott Proctor already being there), Varvaro's role will likely become a bit more important. But Gwinnett relievers haven't had a save opportunity recently yet since the 19th, so it remains to be seen if he'll be tapped for that closer role.

This Week: 1 G (0-0), 2 IP, 0 R, 1 H, 2 K, 0 BB
Season: 14 G (0-5), 1 SV, 22.1 IP, 3.68 ERA, 24 K, 16 BB

Dan Jurik, RHP (High A - Lynchburg)
It looks like Jurik might be earning a bit more playing time, having made two appearances this past week. He gave up just his second run of the season, again on a solo home run to the first batter faced of an outing. High A level hitters have proven to be more of a challenge for him (.286 BAA), but he's still been plenty effective and it would have been difficult to continue the dominance (.067 BAA) he experienced at Rome.

This Week: 2 G (0-0), 3.2 IP, 1 ER, 4 H, 1 HR, 3 K, 1 BB
Season (Lynchburg/Rome): 7 G (0-0), 1 SV, 13.2 IP, 1.32 ERA, 16 K, 3 BB

Dave Filak, RHP (Low A - Rome)
Another rough start for the Albany, NY-area native, but there are some positives to take away. He kept his team in the game enough to earn the win and his walk numbers continue to improve. His recent high hit totals (17 H and 9.95 ERA over past 3 starts) may be due to the fact that he's finding the strike zone more. If that's the case, hopefully he becomes more effective as he maintains his command and figures out what pitches hitters are handling.

This Week: 1 G (1-0), 5 IP, 4 ER, 7 H, 5 K, 2 BB
Season: 8 G (2-3), 33 IP, 6.82 ERA, 25 K, 24 BB

Cory Brownsten, C (Low A - Rome)
Brownsten remains on the disabled list (since mid-April). It looks like it's a left oblique strain that the former Monroe Community College Tribune has been battling. Hopefully he's able to get healthy and return in time to get use out of the 2011 season.

This Week: DNP
Season: 3 G, .182/.250/.273, 0 HR, 0 RBI

Brendan Rowland, C/OF (Gulf Coast League)
A little less than a month before the GCL Braves season kicks off on June 20th.

Season Has Not Yet Begun