Wynns Turns it Up in the Desert

FREDERICK, Md. -Austin Wynns has gotten hot at the plate for the Peoria Javelinas as the Arizona Fall League comes to a close. Meanwhile, former Keys reliever, Marcel Prado has continued to stifle opponents in the Venezuelan Winter League.

A member of the Keys in each of the past three seasons, Wynns enters Thursday riding a five-game hitting streak. Over that stretch, Wynns is hitting .538 (7-for-13) with a double, two runs scored and four walks. In 10 total games, he boasts a .313 average and a .436 on-base percentage. Both figures are best among Orioles farmhands in the AFL.

Wynns' former teammate, DJ Stewart, has also found his stride as the Fall League schedule winds down. In his last six contests, the 22-year-old is batting .350 (7-for-20) to boost his average by more than 20 points. In the AFL he is batting .246 but is hitting better than .430 against left-handed pitching.

One highlight came on Wednesday for Stewart, who hit his first home run of the fall. The lone Orioles prospect to suit up in the Fall Stars game last weekend ( an all-star game for some of the league's top prospects) the Keys outfielder went 0-for-2 for the Western Division squad.

On the mound, Marcel Prado has been a quality relief option for Caribes de Anzoategui in the Venezuelan Winter League. In 11 relief appearances, the former Keys closer is 1-0 with a 1.46 ERA (12.1 IP/2ER). Opponents are batting .225 against Prado, who suited up for the Keys in 2013.

The Frederick Keys open up their 2017 season on Thursday, April 6 at Nymeo Field against the Carolina Mudcats. To book your seats, fans can call 301-815-9900 or visit frederickkeys.com. Fans who purchase ANY ticket plan will have their choice of a Jonathan Schoop bobblehead or a Dylan Bundy gnome. Preparations for next season are underway, while a full promotional schedule will be released at a later date.