Iowa Cubs Beat St. Paul Saints 6-3 in Field of Dreams Debut

Q: With Emmanuel Rodriguez sidelined by surgery, which rising prospect will steal the spotlight at tonight's iconic Field of Dreams game?

Walker Jenkins is the most likely player to steal the spotlight at tonight’s Field of Dreams game. With Emmanuel Rodriguez out after left thumb surgery, Jenkins becomes St. Paul’s clear headliner. The 21-year-old Twins outfielder is MLB’s No. 14 prospect and brings the broadest all-around profile in the game: power, advanced bat-to-ball skills, speed and strong defense. He has also been swinging well since returning from injury, showing the kind of polish that makes him one of the most anticipated near-MLB talents on the field. The setting also suits Jenkins’ profile. In a nationally televised showcase built around atmosphere and star potential, he offers the best chance for a signature moment, whether that is a loud extra-base hit, a home run or a standout play in the outfield. His ability to affect the game in multiple ways gives him an edge over more one-dimensional prospects. If there is a challenger, it is Iowa catcher Owen Ayers. The Cubs prospect has surged through the system, hit for power at every stop and arrived at Triple-A with major momentum. Kevin Alcántara also brings intrigue with his power upside. But Jenkins enters as the premier prospect in the matchup and the player most likely to command attention with Rodriguez unavailable. So while the game is loaded with young talent, Jenkins is positioned to be the main attraction in Dyersville.

3 articles · Updated · Twins Daily · Aug 12

Three fifth-inning Iowa home runs turned a 2-1 Saints lead into a 6-2 deficit, spoiling St. Paul’s first game at the renovated Field of Dreams site in Dyersville.
Kendry Rojas kept St. Paul in control early, allowing one run over four innings while topping 97.5 mph, but Alejandro Hidalgo was tagged for the decisive outburst in the fifth.
Ben Ross homered and made several standout plays at third, while Walker Jenkins went 1-for-3 with a walk and 2 stolen bases; the middle of the Saints order still combined to go 0-for-10 with 5 strikeouts.
St. Paul created more chances than Iowa, going 3-for-8 with runners in scoring position to Iowa’s 2 opportunities, but the Cubs’ power surge proved the difference in the minor league opener ahead of the Twins-Phillies MLB game Thursday.