Dragons 2022 Preview: Part 4--Shortstops
On Thursday, March 17, the Dayton Dragons and the other Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates will open their spring training game schedule in preparation for the start of the 2022 season. The Dragons will begin their 22nd season on Friday, April 8th against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 7:05 p.m.
On Thursday, March 17, the Dayton Dragons and the other Cincinnati Reds minor league affiliates will open their spring training game schedule in preparation for the start of the 2022 season. The Dragons will begin their 22nd season on Friday, April 8th against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at 7:05 p.m. at Day Air Ballpark. Single-game ticket sales for Dragons 2022 games at Day Air Ballpark begin tomorrow (March 16) at daytondragons.com or by calling (937) 228-2287. (More on tickets here).
Each Reds minor league team will play a 16-game spring schedule against their corresponding team in the Cleveland farm system, from March 17-April 3. The Dragons will arrive in Dayton on April 4. All 16 Dragons spring games will be against Cleveland’s High-A club, the Lake County Captains, who also train in Goodyear.
This is part three of an eight-part series previewing the 2022 Dragons. Players listed here are candidates for positions on the Dragons season-opening roster.
This preview is an unofficial projection of possible roster candidates. Minor League rosters are not established until April 4. Spring training variables including performance, injuries, trades, and additional player acquisitions will impact the roster accordingly.
The Shortstops
Click links on each name for career stats and player information.
Candidates: Jose Torres
The shortstop position is well-stocked in the Reds organization at the present time, with more players at the position than available spots in the lineup. Barring injuries, multiple players who have been primarily shortstops will likely move to new positions in the infield in 2022 in an effort to generate playing time for each prospect.
In 2021, Miguel Hernandez opened the season as the Dragons starting shortstop and remained in that role into early August. Then Matt McLain, the Reds 2021 first round draft pick out of UCLA, arrived in Dayton as Hernandez was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. McLain gradually took over an everyday role at shortstop with the Dragons as he shook off some rust from being inactive from the end of his college season at UCLA on June 6 until beginning his professional career about two months later. McLain alternated between shortstop and the designated hitter position for his first couple of weeks with the Dragons, and Ivan Johnson played shortstop on days when McLain was the DH. Johnson had served as the starting shortstop at Low-A Daytona for the first three months of the 2021 season and has been a shortstop his entire career. He moved to second base once McLain got fully up to speed with the Dragons as an everyday shortstop, and Johnson was profiled in our Dragons second base preview last week.
Meanwhile, Reds.com writer Mark Sheldon reported on March 7 that McLain would likely be slotted in as the shortstop in Chattanooga in 2022. That could lead to Hernandez moving to a new position, perhaps third base at Chattanooga, and it may keep Johnson at second base in Dayton or with Chattanooga. McLain, of course, is a huge prospect in the Reds organization, ranked among their top three in the farm system by most rating services, and Johnson is also an excellent prospect, rated #18 by mlb.com in a deep Reds chain.
When the 2021 season ended, there were two shortstops at Low-A Daytona, the club one level below the Dragons, and both are outstanding blue-chip prospects. It is possible that both players, Jose Torres and Elly de la Cruz, will move up to the Dragons in 2022, although de la Cruz, at age 20, could potentially start back at Daytona. Both players obviously cannot play shortstop for the same team, so if they both come to Dayton, one will move to another position. In that scenario, it would likely be de la Cruz who would move to third base. He will be profiled with the third basemen in our next preview. You could accurately say that the Reds have an abundance of riches at the shortstop position at the High-A and Double-A levels in their farm system at this time.
The Dragons had a long run of excellent shortstop prospects over about a decade starting in 2005, many of whom moved to different positions in the big leagues. That list included players like Todd Frazier, Billy Hamilton, Zack Cozart, Didi Gregorius, Paul Janish, Adam Rosales, Miguel Rojas, Chris Valaika, and Zach Vincej. Everyone on that list got to the major leagues.
Let’s take a look at the leading candidate at the shortstop position for the Dragons on April 8.
Torres was frequently cited as the best defensive shortstop in all of college baseball as he entered the 2021 draft out of North Carolina State University. The Reds selected Torres in the third round of the draft and he was rated as the #12 prospect in the Reds system by Baseball America after the 2021 season. Along with his tremendous defensive skills, he hit better at Daytona than anyone could have expected after he signed with the Reds in 2021, and if he continues to build on that success, he will move up the prospect list even higher.
Torres was born in the Dominican Republic before attending Calvert Hall College High School (CHS) in Towson, Maryland. He was one of only 18 position players in the country to be selected to the 2018 17 & Under Perfect Game Tournament All-America Team (Dragons 2022 infielder candidate Tyler Callihan was another). Torres was rated by Perfect Game as the top high school prospect in the state of Maryland. He then spent two years at North Carolina State and earned First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference in 2021, batting .289 with 10 home runs in 52 games as he helped Wolfpack to the semi-finals of College World Series and a final ranking of #4 in the nation. Torres belted a dramatic tie-breaking home run in the top of the ninth inning in the deciding game of the Super Regional to lift NC State to a 3-2 win over Arkansas and a trip to the CWS. By the time Torres entered the draft last July, he had already made a name for himself over a period of several years.
After signing with the Reds, Torres made a brief stopover in Arizona and joined the Daytona club on August 18, 2021. He hit safely in 19 of the 25 games he played in with Daytona finished with a batting average of .337 with four home runs in those 25 games. He was selected as the Low-A Southeast League Player of the Month for September, batting .404 in 16 games with nine extra base hits including two home runs, 14 RBI, and a .684 slugging percentage. He absolutely destroyed left-handed pitching at Daytona, hitting .615 with two home runs against lefties with an OPS of 2.014.
In terms of current expectations, Torres cannot match the first rounder, McLain, but with that kind of résumé, he surely is not far behind.
Several players could be candidates for utility roles with the Dragons in 2022. Reyny Reyes saw action in 2021 with the Dragons, appearing in 21 games and batting .233 while playing credible defense at all infield positions. He is a 23-year-old native of the Dominican Republic. Brandon Leyton played at Daytona in 2021 and batted .248 with six home runs in 80 games. Leyton, 23, is a native of Nicaragua. Gus Steiger was signed by the Reds in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of South Dakota State. He played at Daytona in 2021 and batted .213 with one home run. He played seven different positions with the Tortugas last season.
Next up: Third Basemen
Part 1: Catchers: https://www.milb.com/dayton/news/dragons-2022-preview-part-1-catchers
Part 2: First Basemen: https://www.milb.com/dayton/news/dayton-dragons-2022-team-preview-part-2-the-first-basemen
Part 3: Second Basemen: https://www.milb.com/dayton/news/dragons-2022-preview-part-3-second-basemen
#
Day Air Ballpark -- The Ultimate Movie Theatre: Donatos Movie Night Returns on Friday, August 1 Featuring Moana 2
DAYTON, Ohio -- On Friday, August 1, Donatos Movie Night is back with a feature presentation of Moana 2 (rated PG) on the 2,000-square-foot HD video board at Day Air Ballpark. The gates for the event open at 6:00 PM and the movie will begin at 8:00 PM. Families are
Dayton Dragons Upcoming Homestand Preview Presented by AES Ohio (June 17-22 vs. Fort Wayne)
On Tuesday, June 17, the Dayton Dragons open a six-game homestand against the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. View the complete Homestand Preview HERE.
8-Year-Old Kashani Continues Brave Journey in Battle with Cancer
DAYTON, Ohio -- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Ohio and the Dayton Dragons will host 8-year-old Kashani during the iconic Anthem Home Run for Life program on Wednesday, June 18, at 7:05 pm when the Dayton Dragons take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark in
Strong Day from Dragons Bullpen Keys 4-1 Win at Lake County
Dragons 4, Lake County 1 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 4-7-0; Lake County (R-H-E): 1-4-3 Win: Dylan Simmons (2-2); Loss: Matt Wilkinson (1-7); Save: Cody Adcock (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: None Eastlake, Ohio—Dayton relievers Dylan Simmons, Joseph Menefee, Will Cannon, and Cody Adcock combined
Cam Collier Homers in Dragons 4-2 Loss at Lake County
Lake County 4, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 4-5-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-5-1 Win: Yorman Gomez (5-0); Loss: Luke Hayden (1-2); Save: Jack Jasiak (5) HR: Dayton: Cam Collier (1st, 1 on base in sixth inning). HR: Lake County: Wuilfredo Antunez (7th, 0 on base
Dragons Win at Lake County, 2-1
Dragons 2, Lake County 1 Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 2-3-1; Lake County (R-H-E): 1-7-0 Win: Jonah Hurney (3-2); Loss: Jay Driver (2-1); Save: Irvin Machuca (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: None Eastlake, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons took advantage of back-to-back run-scoring wild pitches in the
Dragons Hometown Heroes Program to Honor WPAFB Military and Family Readiness Center on Tuesday
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons will honor the Military and Family Readiness Center at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base as “Hometown Heroes” during the game on Tuesday, June 17 when they take on the Fort Wayne TinCaps at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. First
Captains Break 5-5 Tie in 7th, Hold Off Dragons in 9th to Win, 7-6
Lake County 7, Dragons 6 Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 7-8-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 6-9-1 Win: Robert Wegielnik (3-2); Loss: Jimmy Romano (1-3); Save: Jesus Luna (1) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: None Eastlake, Ohio—The Lake County Captains broke a 5-5 tie with two runs in
Late Home Run Lifts Captains to 4-3 Win over Dragons on Wednesday Afternoon in Lake County
Lake County 4, Dragons 3 Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 4-5-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 3-4-4 Win: Josh Harlowe (3-2); Loss: Cody Adcock (0-4); Save: Jack Jasiak (4) HR: Dayton: None HR: Lake County: Alfonsin Rosario (10th, 1 on base in seventh inning). Eastlake, Ohio—Lake County’s Alfonsin Rosario
Captains Score 3 in 9th to Defeat Dragons in Lake County, 3-2
Lake County 3, Dragons 2 Click here for the box score Lake County (R-H-E): 3-5-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 2-6-1 Win: Kyle Scott (3-2); Loss: Trey Braithwaite (1-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: Ariel Almonte (5th, 0 on base in fifth inning). HR: Lake County: None Eastlake, Ohio—The Lake County Captains erased a
Lugnuts Collect 19 Hits, Top Dragons 12-6 Despite Another Home Run by Dayton's Ariel Almonte
Lansing 12, Dragons 6 Click here for the box score Lansing (R-H-E): 12-19-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 6-6-2 Win: Nathan Dettmer (1-2); Loss: Luke Hayden (1-1); Save: None HR: Dayton: Ariel Almonte (4th, 1 on base in second inning). HR: Lansing: Nate Nankil (2nd, 0 on base in sixth inning); Jared Dickey
Lansing Tops Dragons 3-1 Despite Long Home Run by Dayton's Ariel Almonte
Lansing 3, Dragons 1 Click here for the box score Lansing (R-H-E): 3-7-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 1-5-1 Win: Grant Judkins (3-3); Loss: Nestor Lorant (0-3); Save: Mark Adamiak (10) HR: Dayton: Ariel Almonte (3rd, 0 on base in second inning). HR: Lansing: None Dayton, Ohio—Midwest League batting leader T.J. Schofield-Sam delivered
Lugnuts Build Early Lead, Hold on to Defeat Dragons 5-1
Lansing 5, Dragons 1 Click here for the box score Lansing (R-H-E): 5-6-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 1-7-0 Win: Steven Echavarria (2-2); Loss: Jose Montero (2-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: Lansing: None Dayton, Ohio—Four Lansing pitchers combined to scatter seven hits as the Lugnuts defeated the Dayton Dragons 5-1 on
Dragons to Recognize Academic All-Star Ella Dersham on June 7
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons Academic All-Star program presented by Edison State Community College will recognize Ella Dersham as an Academic All-Star during pregame festivities on Saturday, June 7, before the Dragons take on the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District.
Dragons Take Walk-Off Win in 10 Innings over Lansing, 3-2
Dragons 3, Lansing 2 (10 innings) Click here for the box score Dayton (R-H-E): 3-11-0; Lansing (R-H-E): 2-6-1 Win: Trey Braithwaite (1-1); Loss: Hunter Breault (1-3); Save: None HR: Dayton: John Michael Faile (8th, 0 on base in seventh inning). HR: Lansing: None Dayton, Ohio—Dayton’s Connor Burns raced in from
Lansing Scores 5 in 9th Inning to Top Dragons, 6-3
Lansing 6, Dragons 3 Click here for the box score Lansing (R-H-E): 6-9-1; Dayton (R-H-E): 3-10-0 Win: Tom Reisinger (3-0); Loss: Irvin Machuca (1-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: Connor Burns (7th, 0 on base in ninth inning). HR: Lansing: None Dayton, Ohio—The Lansing Lugnuts erased a 2-1 deficit with five
Dragons to Recognize Stevie's World of Wiffle-Ball as Community All-Stars Recipient on June 5
DAYTON, Ohio -- The Dayton Dragons and Flying Ace Express Car Wash, the presenting sponsor of the Community All-Stars Program, will recognize Stevie’s World of Wiffle-Ball as a Community All-Stars recipient during a special inning break of the Dragons game on Thursday, June 5 against the Lansing Lugnuts at Day
Dragons on TV Friday & Saturday on Dayton's CW
DAYTON, OHIO—Dayton Dragons games on Friday, June 6 and Saturday, June 7 will be televised live on Dayton’s CW from Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. The Dragons will host the Lansing Lugnuts (affiliates of the Athletics) on both nights. The telecasts both begin at
Bengals All-Pro Receiver Ja'Marr Chase Joins the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game at Day Air Ballpark
DAYTON, Ohio – Day Air Ballpark is excited to welcome back the Logan Wilson Celebrity Softball Game, presented by Kettering Health for the third year on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Cincinnati Bengals four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase has been added to the list of players expected to participate.
Dayton Dragons Meet the Team Event Set for Saturday at Day Air Ballpark
DAYTON, Ohio -- The 2025 Dayton Dragons Meet the Team event presented by altafiber will take place this Saturday, June 7 beginning at 10 am inside Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. Gates will open sharply at 10 am. Fans will be able to meet
Lugnuts Overcome Burns Home Run, Defeat Dragons 5-4 on Tuesday
Lansing 5, Dragons 4 Click here for the box score Lansing (R-H-E): 5-6-0; Dayton (R-H-E): 4-8-0 Win: Jake Christianson (3-0); Loss: Easton Sikorski (2-3); Save: Blaze Pontes (2) HR: Dayton: Connor Burns (6th, 1 on base in sixth inning). HR: Lansing: T.J. Schofield-Sam (5th, 0 on base in third inning).
Dragons Diamond Club event center at Day Air Ballpark announced by Dayton Dragons
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons today unveiled plans for their new Dragons Diamond Club Event Center, a first-of-its-kind event venue in downtown Dayton, currently under construction at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. With the construction of the Dragons Diamond Club and the addition of a
2024 Dragons All-Star Cam Collier Rejoins Team after Thumb Injury
Dayton, Ohio—The Dayton Dragons have announced that Reds top-five prospect Cam Collier has been activated from the Dragons 60-day injured list after suffering a thumb injury in spring training. Collier, a corner infielder, was the Reds first round draft pick in 2022 and spent the entire 2024 season with the
Dayton Dragons Upcoming Homestand Preview Presented by AES Ohio (June 3-8 vs. Lansing)
On Tuesday, June 3, the Dayton Dragons open a six-game series against the Lansing Lugnuts at Day Air Ballpark in the heart of the Water Street District. View the entire Homestand Preview, presented by AES Ohio, HERE.
Whitecaps Complete Series Sweep with 11-3 Win over Dragons on Sunday
West Michigan 11, Dragons 3 Click here for the box score West Michigan (R-H-E): 11-11-2; Dayton (R-H-E): 3-6-2 Win: Ty Mattison (1-0); Loss: Nestor Lorant (0-2); Save: None HR: Dayton: None HR: West Michigan: Seth Stephenson (5th, 1 on base in fourth inning). Dayton, Ohio—West Michigan’s Kevin McGonigle collected three