Catcher Moisés Ballesteros Demoted to Triple-A Iowa Cubs
Chicago Cubs fans in Des Moines have a new prospect to watch. The Cubs transactions page shows that catcher Moisés Ballesteros has been demoted to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs. The move adds a significant talent to the Iowa roster, though the I-Cubs are coming off a tough series against Indianapolis.
How did the Iowa Cubs perform against Indianapolis?
The Iowa Cubs fell to the Indianapolis Indians 11-8 on Tuesday, but the lineup showed plenty of power. Every Iowa batter recorded at least one hit in the contest.
Starting pitcher Will Sanders turned in a solid performance, giving the I-Cubs five strong innings. He allowed just one run on three hits while striking out six and walking no one. His fastball sat comfortably at 92 to 93 miles per hour.
Reliever Yosver Zueleta had a rough debut in an Iowa uniform. He came in during the sixth inning and surrendered five runs on three hits over two-thirds of an inning. Zueleta flashed high velocity, hitting 95 to 97 miles per hour on the radar gun, but struggled with command. He walked two batters, threw two wild pitches, and managed just one strikeout.
The offense did its part despite the loss. Left fielder Jonathon Long went 3 for 5 with a double and a 433-foot solo home run, his fifth of the year. Right fielder Chas McCormick crushed a massive 467-foot two-run homer in the sixth inning for his eighth home run this season. Catcher Christian Bethancourt followed later in the sixth with a 432-foot two-run shot, also his eighth of the year. First baseman Casey Opitz then went back-to-back with Bethancourt for his first home run of 2026. DH BJ Murray added two hits and a walk.
Can the Knoxville Smokies take the first-half title?
The Double-A Knoxville Smokies moved back into a first-place tie with a 4-1 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts. Knoxville now sits tied with Chattanooga for the first-half title with just three games remaining.
Starter Dawson Netz earned the win after allowing just one run on six hits over five innings. He struck out seven, walked three, and hit one batter. Erian Rodriguez provided excellent relief, pitching three scoreless innings while giving up just two hits. Marino Santy closed it out for the save, ending the game on a spectacular double play. After giving up a walk and a single with one out, Santy caught a hard line drive right back to the mound and fired to first base to double off the runner.
The Smokies only managed three hits in the game, but all three were solo home runs in the bottom of the fourth inning. Third baseman Jefferson Rojas tied the game with his 11th home run. Catcher Owen Ayers went back-to-back with his 12th home run. Center fielder Andy Garriola then added his team-leading 13th home run. Rojas also drove in a run with a bases-loaded walk in the seventh.
What happened to the South Bend Cubs?
The High-A South Bend Cubs dropped a doubleheader against the Ft. Wayne TinCaps, losing 4-3 in eight innings and 5-2.
Right-hander Mason McGwire was activated off the development list and started game one. He gave South Bend three good innings, allowing just one run on two hits while striking out three. Cole Reynolds pitched the next four innings, surrendering only a solo home run. The bullpen faltered late, as Adam Stone gave up two runs on three hits while recording just one out in the eighth to take the loss. Catcher Justin Stransky provided the offense, driving in two runs with a single and drawing two walks.
In game two, Jostin Florentino struck out six over four innings of one-run ball, but the bullpen again struggled. Brayden Spears took the loss after giving up four runs in the sixth. Third baseman Matt Halbach hit his sixth home run of the season, and center fielder Kane Kepley added two stolen bases for South Bend.
How did the Myrtle Beach Pelicans score 21 runs?
The Low-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans put on an offensive clinic, destroying the Delmarva Shorebirds 21-10. The explosion was fueled by a 12-run eighth inning where five different Pelicans hit home runs.
Shortstop Derniche Valdez started the power surge with a two-run shot, his fifth of the year. Catcher Henniel Alcala followed with a three-run homer, his first with Myrtle Beach. Center fielder Alexey Lumpuy added a solo shot, his fourth. First baseman Michael Carico hit a three-run blast for his sixth, and right fielder Geri Lubo capped the inning with a three-run homer, his fifth.
Starter Hayden Frank struggled with command, walking five over three innings, but Yoendris Gonzalez picked up the win with 2.2 innings of scoreless relief. The lineup was relentless, as second baseman Alexis Hernandez doubled twice and left fielder Darlyn De Leon added two doubles of his own.
Who is Moisés Ballesteros?
Moisés Ballesteros is a catching prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization. He is recognized as one of the top prospects in the system and has now been assigned to the Triple-A Iowa Cubs in Des Moines.
Where do the Iowa Cubs play their home games?
The Iowa Cubs play their home games at Principal Park in Des Moines, Iowa.