Tim Parsons / Tahoe Onstage photos
Instead of competing in the Triple-A Home Run Derby, Kevin Cron will bring some fireworks back to Arizona.
The leading home run hitter in the minor leagues, Cron, 26, was back to the Diamondbacks on Wednesday afternoon. It his third call-up to the big leagues this season. Arizona pitcher Taylor Clarke was placed on the 10-day injured list with left back inflammation.
Right-handed pitcher Connor Grey was brought up to Triple-A Reno from Double-A Jackson.
In his latest stint with Reno that started on June 22, Cron was batting .389 (14-for-36) with 3 doubles, 8 home runs, 18 RBIs and 9 walks in nine games. He’s batting .340 overall this season in Reno and clubbed two more homers in the Aces’ 8-7 loss to the Las Vegas Aviators.
The slugging first/ third baseman was named to the Pacific Coast League All-Star Game and was expected to join Aces’ outfielder Yasmany Tomás in the Triple-A Home Run Derby.
Cron leads the minor leagues with 29 home runs, 80 RBIs and a 1.290 OPS in 55 games this season. He’s been named Player of the Week twice, May 13-19 and June 24-30. Primarily used as a pinch hitter with the Dbacks, Cron hit .213 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in 23 games. He split time at first base with 2017 PCL MVP Christian Walker.
Back with the Dbacks, Cron may return the swing of things.
“He’s in such a different situation,” said Aces manager and Kevin’s father, Chris Cron. “Coming off the bench is extremely difficult to do at times. He’s just never done it before … But he’s shown he’s capable of being a guy the Diamondbacks can rely on.”
The Aces roster stands at 25 plus eight players on the injured list.
Connor Grey, 25, has appeared in two games with the Aces this season. The right-handed reliever bounced between the bullpen and the starting rotation with the Double-A Generals this season. He has a 2-0 record with a 2.86 ERA in nine games overall and three starts with Jackson.
Reno, 37-47, returns to Greater Nevada Field on Thursday, July 4, to kick-off a four-game home stand against the Sacramento River Cats, Triple-A affiliate of the San Francisco Giants. There will be a postgame fireworks show.
-Isaiah Burrows
