Modesto Nuts finish first half with losses to San Jose; update on top prospects
The Modesto Nuts job was simple entering the week: Win and you’re in.
Despite going 7-6 since the beginning of June, the Nuts, who entered the month in the league’s No. 1 spot, surrendered first place in the California League north standings to a scathing-hot San Jose Giants team that went 10-3 to start June.
They entered the week three games behind San Jose, knowing the first half of the season ended Thursday, meaning they had to win Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday to have a chance at a first-half title.
Why was that important? The first half winner earns an automatic bid to the postseason, that’s how they made the playoffs last year en route to their second of two straight California League championships.
They won 8-5 Tuesday, checking one of three wins off the board. First baseman Carter Dorighi had two singles, second baseman Dervy Ventura singled and doubled and right fielder Curtis Washington hit a home run and doubled, driving in a team-high three runs.
One down, two to go.
“As much as we can say we’re against the wall because we have to win games, I like the energy and mentality of the group,” manager Luis Caballero said after Nuts batting practice pregame Wednesday. “We talked about having fun and taking advantage of playing meaningful games. We want to win, but as a team we talked about controlling what we can control”
The Nuts couldn’t find their offense Wednesday. They scored in the third after Felnin Celesten singled, scoring Dorighi and took a 1-0 lead into the late innings. The Nuts gave up a seventh-inning home run to Jakob Christian and allowed four more runs in the top of the ninth inning, falling behind 5-1 going into the final frame of the game. They added just one run in the bottom of the inning and with the final out, the Giants celebrated their first-half title, and automatic postseason berth, at John Thurman Field.
Thursday was the Nuts’ third straight Thursday night loss in June, a 7-1 outing against the Giants. Celesten and Cesar Quintas each recorded two hits and catcher Connor Dykstra scored the Nuts’ run on a passed ball. At that point, the run made it a 2-1 Giants lead, but a five-run eighth inning by the Giants broke the game open.
Though they lost the first half, Caballero says it was good for the team of young players to experience must-win game situations early in their careers, so when they are put in these situations later, they are ready.
“That’s the value of this,” he said. “They all want to get to the big leagues and make an impact with the big league team. For you to be able to do that, you have to play in these types of environments. Winning and playing in these environments goes hand-in-hand with development.”
To make the postseason now, the Nuts have to win the second half of the regular season, which starts Friday. They advanced to the postseason in 2023 that way, rattling off an impressive 16 straight wins through August and September as part of a 17-2 stretch to qualify for the playoffs. They swept both playoff series for a California League title.
A top pitching prospect had a good showing
The Mariners’ organization’s second-best pitching prospect took the mound for Wednesday’s matchup against San Jose. Right-hand pitcher Ryan Sloan, the No. 9 overall prospect in the organization, pitched five shutout innings with three strikeouts, four hits and one walk.
“He’s the type of player who wants to come in and compete and get everybody out,” Caballero said of the 19-year-old. “Being that young, having him be the one that wants the ball every time and wants to stay out there as long as possible, that’s awesome.”
Sloan was picked in the second round (55th overall) of the 2024 draft out of York High School in Elmhurst, Ill.
While he does not have a win yet in his 11 appearances, he is one of five Nuts pitchers with over 40 innings pitched as of Friday morning, is second in strikeouts (46), has only given up one home run and has only surrendered just 10 walks.
Mariners’ No. 4 prospect at his best when healthy
After recording a double and a single Thursday, No. 4 prospect Felnin Celesten secured his 18th multi-hit game this season, according to Mariners Minors on X.
Wednesday, the shortstop turned two double plays, fielding the ball, stepping on second base for one unassisted out and firing to first for the second out. He made a backhand play early, but also had an error in the top of the third.
That’s all part of growing for the 19-year-old who is getting extended playing time for the first time in his young professional career.
Celesten was one of the top international prospects in 2023 and the Mariners wasted no time to sign him. He is a smooth fielder with a buttery swing from both sides of the plate. He has a ton of upside but early on battled through injuries, including a Grade 2 hamstring injury and season-ending hand surgery last July.
“He has the tools, he’s a really good athlete,” Caballero said. “For him it’s about how can he keep himself on the field consistently and stay in the lineup? His main focus has been in his preparation, taking care of his body, being a professional off the field so those things can translate to him staying healthy.”
Celesten’s only time missed this season was from May 11-22 with what was described as “dizziness”. Other than that, he has been on the field and has produced. He’s batting .293 with 60 hits, nine doubles, a triple, two home runs, 31 RBI and has stolen 13 bases. Over the past 10 games, he has 14 hits, three doubles, seven RBI and has scored six runs with a .389 batting average.
“I’m really happy with what he’s been doing and the results he’s getting. And he’s only 19,” Caballero said. “We’re excited to see him compete every day.”
While the Nuts are not loaded with four or five of the Mariners organization’s top prospects in the field like the past three or four seasons, this year’s team is deep, gritty and finds ways to win. They’ll have about three months to try to make it three straight postseason appearances in their last season in Modesto.
