LAS CRUCES, N.M. – As the minor league season reaches full swing, several former NM State players made strong showings in the opening week. Looking ahead to this week, Sammy Natera Jr. makes his professional debut tonight as the starting pitcher for the Tri-City Dust Devils.
 
MLB
Kyle Bradish (Baltimore Orioles) – Bradish remains on the 15-day injured list following a line drive to the foot. The right-hander is set to make a rehab start with the Double-A Bowie Baysox on Friday.  
 
Triple-A
Nick Gonzales (Indianapolis Indians; Pittsburgh) – Gonzales recorded three hits throughout six games, including a two-hit showing against Louisville. The infield prospect has drawn five walks in his last four games, showing an improved plate discipline in the early part of the season.
 
Joey Ortiz (Norfolk Tides; Baltimore) – Ortiz went 6-18 at the plate last week with a pair of multi-hit games. The NM State all-time triples leader also roped a run-scoring three-bagger on Tuesday against Gwinnett.
 
Double-A
Daniel Johnson (San Antonio Missions; San Diego) – Johnson is off to a slow start in the 2023 campaign. With San Antonio, Johnson has just one hit with three runs scored through four games played. Against Tulsa, Johnson also stole a pair of bases during Friday's game.
 
Marcel Renteria (Binghamton Rumble Ponies; New York Mets) – Renteria has not made an appearance for Binghamton yet this season.  
 
High-A
Ian Mejia (Rome Braves; Atlanta) – On opening night, Mejia earned the start and his first win of 2023. The right hander worked 5.0 innings, allowing just one run on three hits and striking out three.
 
Sammy Natera (Tri-City Dust Devils; Los Angeles Angels) – Natera is scheduled to make his professional debut on Wednesday night on the road against Vancouver.  
 
Brock Whittlesey (Lansing Lugnuts; Oakland) – Whittlesey made two appearances last week for Lansing, working 1.2 innings. On Sunday, Whittlesey fanned the only hitter he faced, earning his first save of the season.
 
Single-A
Alex Bustamante (Tampa Tarpons; New York Yankees) – Bustamante made his first appearance of the season against Lakeland on Sunday. The former Aggie closer worked a scoreless inning, striking out one.
 
Chris Jefferson (Modesto Nuts; Seattle) – In two appearances last week for Modesto, Jefferson did not allow a run. Jefferson made his season debut in Stockton, shutting down all four batters he faced. On Tuesday, Jefferson worked a season-long 2.0 innings, allowing just one hit.