The Tribune

By RENALDO DORSETT

Tribune Sports Reporter

rdorsett@tribunemedia.net

CHICAGO Cubs prospect BJ Murray has limited opportunities in the Arizona Fall League thus far, but continued his power hitting from the regular season in his last plate appearance.

In his third game for the Mesa Solat Sox, Murray hit a two-run home run to help lead his team to a 9-7 win over the Glendale Desert Dogs.

In seven appearances Murray has an .821 OPS and scored two runs.

The Solar Sox are now 6-5 in the standings, second to Tahnaj Thomas and the Surprise Saguaros.

The 22-year-old infielder has made a successful transition to High-A baseball and his progression within the Cubs organisation. Murray and his South Bend Cubs claimed the Midwest League Championship series in High A baseball. He hit .545 for the series.

In 56 games with South Bend, Murray hit .273, slugging .406, with a .794 OPS, with 51 hits, 22 runs scored, eight doubles, five home runs, 28 RBI and eight stolen bases.

The struggles have continued on the mound for Thomas in his AFL season thus far.

In his latest appearance, Thomas allowed four runs (three earned) on three hits, a walk and two strikeouts in 2/3 of an inning. Thomas owns a 17.18 ERA in 3.2 innings pitched in the AFL. He spent his regular season with the Altoona Curve at the AA level.

In 37 games this year, he finished with a 5-4 record and three saves. He pitched 50.2 innings, with a 3.02 ERA and 52 strikeouts.

The league attracts many of the top prospects in the minor leagues.

Late in the minor league seasons, MLB clubs hold a position draft to determine the players who will participate in the AFL. Most are Double-A and Triple-A players.

The league is designed for these prospects to refine their skills and perform in game settings in front of major and minor league baseball scouts and team executives who are in attendance at almost every game.