2025 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers: May in Review
Following a promising opening month to the 2025 season, the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers continued to showcase development and depth across the roster in May. The club went 14–13 on the month, improving to a 27–23 overall record. Finishing the month of May, one game behind the Augusta Greenjackets in the South Division of the Carolina League first-half standings. The Ballers’ April Review is available as well.
With roster churn and standout performances shaping the lineup, the team remained a focal point in the White Sox system. With just over a month remaining before the MLB Draft, June presents an important proving ground for players to earn internal promotions or secure their spot on the roster, especially as new additions from Arizona and incoming draft picks begin to enter the mix.
Cannon Ballers Pitching
Kannapolis saw a steady flow of new arms cycle through the pitching staff in May, with several standouts earning promotions. Christian Oppor closed out his tenure in Kannapolis with a stellar 2.42 ERA and 34 strikeouts over 22.1 innings before moving up to Winston-Salem. Morris Austin also impressed before his promotion, posting a 3.38 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 21.1 innings, showcasing improved command and consistency.
Manuel Veloz was another arm who stood out in May, allowing just two earned runs over 9.0 innings before earning a promotion to Winston-Salem. Aric McAtee was also promoted on May 13 after producing a 3.57 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 17.2 innings while flashing intriguing pitch characteristics.
Grant Umberger emerged as a consistent presence in the rotation, logging 23.2 innings with a 2.66 ERA and 26 strikeouts. He finished the month with a pair of dominant outings, including a 7-inning gem in which he allowed just one run and also an 11-strikeout performance on May 22. Named Carolina League Pitcher of the Week on May 27, Umberger’s late-month surge was fueled by pinpoint command that allowed him to work deep into games with efficiency.
Kaleb Sophy joined Kannapolis in May after being acquired from the independent Lexington Legends. A product of Shippensburg University and the MLB Draft League, Sophy became the first player in Temerity Baseball (Kannapolis’ ownership group) history to be transferred between affiliates. The 24-year-old left-hander made a strong impression in his first month, tossing 10.1 innings with a 1.74 ERA across three appearances. He allowed just four hits and two earned runs—all coming in his final start of May—while issuing 11 walks. He recorded two strikeouts in his debut outing but did not register a punchout in either of his final two appearances.
Ricardo Brizuela remained active with four starts, finishing the month with a 5.30 ERA across 18.2 innings and 19 strikeouts. He rebounded to close May with a scoreless three-inning start. Luis Reyes battled inconsistency across his five May starts, managing to complete five innings in just one outing. He was often hit hard in the first inning and struggled with pitch efficiency, frequently being pulled due to elevated pitch counts. In total, Reyes threw 14.2 innings, allowing 18 total runs while walking 11 and striking out 15.
Meanwhile, Justin Sinibaldi provided some stability with five appearances, including two strong starts—one on May 1 in which he allowed just one run over five innings, and another on May 16, where he gave up two over the same span. He also delivered back-to-back scoreless two-inning outings on May 8 and 11. However, his final appearance of the month was a tough one, as he issued four walks and surrendered five earned runs in just two innings.
Seth Keener, who was sent down from High-A Winston-Salem, is still working to find his footing in the Cannon Ballers’ rotation, recording 14.1 innings so far while allowing 11 runs. Mason Moore and Nick Pinto were officially placed on the full-season injured list on May 16.
Jonathan Clark chipped in 12.0 innings over seven appearances, posting a 4.50 ERA and an encouraging 16:5 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Pierce George struck out 14 in 8.0 innings but struggled with command and consistency. Three of his eight outings resulted in three earned runs apiece, contributing to a 10.13 ERA on the month.
However, his other five appearances were scoreless, showing flashes of upside. Hale Sims remained a steady presence, making nine appearances and pitching to a 3.38 ERA across 13.1 innings without allowing more than one earned run in any single outing.
Blake Shepardson was activated on May 11 and showed positive signs in his return to action. Over 5.0 innings, he allowed just one hit and one unearned run while not giving up an earned run. Jack Young continued to dominate out of the bullpen, tossing 14.1 scoreless innings with 13 strikeouts. He now owns a 0.38 ERA in Kannapolis and appears to be a strong candidate for promotion to Winston-Salem.
Liam Paddack also bounced back from a tough April, finishing May with a 1.69 ERA over 10.2 innings. He struck out 11 and surrendered just five hits and two earned runs. Kevin Davis, a physical presence at 6’9” and 280 pounds, delivered 7.2 scoreless frames with 11 strikeouts and a pair of wins over five outings. Carlton Perkins quietly had one of the strongest months out of the bullpen, tossing 9.2 innings while allowing only two hits and one earned run, good for a 0.93 ERA. He’s quickly becoming a dependable option for Kannapolis.
Joseph Yabbour was sent down from High-A and made two appearances, giving up just one unearned run. Wardquelin Vásquez also provided stability, logging 9.1 innings with a 2.89 ERA. Jesus Mendez and Gabriel Rodriguez each made appearances throughout the month, contributing additional depth to the bullpen in May.
Cannon Ballers Catchers
Calvin Harris remained a productive presence before being promoted to Double-A Birmingham late in the month. His consistent contact and OBP helped stabilize the lineup during his final few weeks in Kannapolis.
With Harris’s promotion opening up more opportunities behind the plate, Ronny Hernandez has taken full advantage. Since stepping into a larger role on May 28, he has reached base in every game and recorded a hit in three of his first four starts to end the month of May.
Jorge Corona chipped in eight hits in 34 at-bats across 10 games, and Grant Magill joined the roster on May 29, making just one appearance before the end of the month.
Cannon Ballers Infielders
Caleb Bonemer built on his strong April with another impactful month, hitting .308 with three home runs and 14 RBI. He drew 21 walks and stole eight bases, showing mature plate discipline for a 19-year-old shortstop. Bonemer continues to trend upward within the system as one of the most advanced bats in the low minors. He was recently ranked as the No. 87 overall prospect by Baseball America (up from 93) and No. 78 by Just Baseball, surpassing fellow White Sox shortstop Colson Montgomery in ESPN’s updated top 10 list by Kiley McDaniel.
Javier Mogollon stood out in limited action, had an OBP of .541 in nine games. Though his opportunities were limited, the infielder made the most of them, returning from a bruised heel that sidelined him for the majority of May to continue his hot start. His presence has helped stabilize a strong middle infield group alongside Bonemer.
Ryan Burrowes showed improved discipline at the plate, walking 13 times with a .360 OBP, and had a productive week against Hickory, where he posted a .970 OPS with two homers.
Lyle Miller-Green added 15 RBI over 22 games in May. While his batting average sat at just .171, he showed discipline at the plate with a .330 OBP, drawing walks and consistently reaching base. Though the power numbers haven’t surfaced yet, his ability to contribute situationally offers encouragement as he continues to settle in.
Miguel Santos, a 2024 free agent signing out of Dallas Baptist, made an early impression with the Cannon Ballers before being sidelined with an injury. The 24-year-old hit .328 across 16 games, collecting three doubles, two home runs, and eight walks to just 12 strikeouts in 58 at-bats. He provided consistent quality at-bats and contact skills before being placed on the 7-day IL on May 20.
Already a steady presence in the reserve infield role, Mikey Kane continued to contribute in May, posting a .338 OBP while showcasing defensive versatility. He was joined late in the month by Wilber Sanchez, who returned from Winston-Salem to appear in six games in a brief stint before being promoted again.
Cannon Ballers Outfielders
George Wolkow tied Caleb Bonemer for the team lead in home runs during May, hitting three and driving in 14 runs while swiping five bases. His power showed up in a strong 6-game stretch when all three homers and five of his seven hits went for extra bases. Although his contact rate still needs refinement, he’s showing more competitive at-bats and a more mature approach at the plate.
Nathan Archer cooled off at the plate after a strong April, hitting just .162 in 74 at-bats during May. Abraham Nunez appeared in 23 games, collecting 19 hits and six stolen bases. Arnold Prado and Abraham Nunez each posted a .216 average during the month, with Prado tallying 11 hits in 24 games. Despite their struggles at the plate, all three outfielders have looked sharp defensively and continue to provide value in the field.
Roster Movement and Reinforcements Incoming
May was defined by a steady wave of roster activity, and more moves could soon be on the horizon. Christian Oppor, Aric McAtee, Morris Austin, and Manuel Veloz were among the names promoted to Winston-Salem. Kannapolis received help from new additions like Grant Umberger, Seth Keener, Kaleb Sophy, Kevin Davis, and Joseph Yabbour.
Looking ahead, several reinforcements could soon arrive from Arizona. Outfielders T.J. McCants and Nick McLain are both progressing through rehab assignments and may soon join the Cannon Ballers. Miguel Santos, who was placed on the IL in late May, is expected to return early in June. While no formal update has been provided on infielder Alexander Albertus, one is expected soon, given the timeframe of his injury and recovery process.
Meanwhile, a few arms in Arizona have emerged as possible promotions, including Mathias LaCombe and Jordany Chirinos, who have both impressed in early action. Catcher Stiven Flores is another name to monitor, showing a strong start in the ACL. As the season moves forward. Kannapolis will continue to see regular roster movement and a steady stream of internal promotions and assignments throughout the organization.
