Brewers name Arcia, Lopez as top minor leaguers for 2015
The Milwaukee Brewers on Thursday announced the recipients of the annual Robin Yount Performance Awards. Right-hander Jorge Lopez was named Milwaukee's Minor League Pitcher of the Year and shortstop Orlando Arcia was named the Brewers' Minor League Player of the Year. Both players were with Double-A Biloxi this season.
"We are extremely proud of both of these young players," said current Milwaukee general manager Doug Melvin. "Jorge and Orlando have grown tremendously this season and their hard work is paying off, helping Biloxi reach the Southern League championship series. We look forward to seeing their names in the Brewers lineup in the near future."
Lopez, a second-round draft pick in 2011, went 12-5 with a 2.26 ERA in 24 starts this season. The Cayey, Puerto Rico native struck out 137 batters and walked just 52. The 22-year-old went 7-3 with a 1.59 ERA in his final 12 starts of the season. He finished tied for the league lead in wins and also led the league in WHIP (1.10) and opponent batting average (.205).
Arcia finished 2015 at the Double-A level, hitting .307 with 37 doubles, seven triples and eight home runs, to go along with 69 RBI and 25 stolen bases in 129 games. The 20-year-old finished the year as his league's top producer in doubles. Arcia established career highs in almost every hitting category of significance.
The native of Venezuela was signed by the Brewers as a non-drafted free agent in 2010. Arcia is ranked as the top prospect in the Brewers' organization according to MLB.com.
Both Lopez and Arcia are currently helping the Shuckers take on Chattanooga in the best-of-five Southern League championship series. Biloxi currently has a 1-0 lead in the series. Arcia is hitting .625 with three homes in the postseason, while Lopez is 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA and 13 strikeouts.
