This week (#13) the Twins have named A+ Cedar Rapids Kernels infielder/outfielder Michael Helman and A+ Cedar Rapids Kernels right-handed pitcher Ben Gross the minor league Player and Pitcher of the Week.
Michael Helman is another repeat winner this season. The Nebraska native was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft from Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) and has spent the season in A+ Cedar Rapids.
The right-handed hitting Helman played in seven games for the Kernels, hitting .423 (11-for-26) with one double, one triple, two home runs, three RBI, four walks and a 1.269 OPS. Used primarily in the outfield but has played some second base this season. For the year Helman is hitting .333/.420/.754.
Ben Gross, a New Jersey native was first drafted by the Houston Astros in the 34th round of the 2018 MLB June Amateur Draft from Princeton University (Princeton, NJ) but passed up that opportunity. The Minnesota Twins then drafted him in the 10th round of the 2019 MLB June Amateur Draft from Duke University (Durham, NC). Gross reportedly signed with Minnesota for $10K in a slot valued at $145K.
Gross started two games for the Kernels, allowing two runs on seven hits in 10.2 innings pitched, posting a 1.69 ERA and holding opponents to a .184 batting average. On the season the right-handed Gross is 4-0 with a 2.48 ERA and a 1.151 WHIP over 61.2 innings with 76 strikeouts.