Charlotte Aviators (April Breakdown)

Chavis (Rule 5 Pick) joins the Aviators.

The expansion Charlotte Aviators picked up 3 new pieces from the Rule 5 Draft in catcher Nick Ciuffo, third baseman Michael Chavis & second base/shortstop Abiatal Avelino -- who all have some good upside, and didn't cost us anything to pick these three players up. Rule 5 Players (for those that may not know) have to stay on the big league roster all season long.

I like the versatility I have on this team and can see this team competing sooner than later, we started the season 3-1, but have recently slid to 10-13, 3 games out & 3rd Place in the National League South; The Atlanta Braves currently are in 1st place.

Our four best, consistent hitters are 3B/OF-Taylor Motter (.301, 1 HR, 10), DH/3B-Renato Nunez (.271, HR & 3 RBI), SS-Richard Urena (.242, 3 HR & 14 RBI) & LF-Koson Yamauchi (.220, 2 HR & 7 RBI); Yamauchi's average has dropped during the month, while nursing a sprained ankle.

Tyler Collins & Rowdy Tellez's bats cooled off as the month went on.

Mike Clevenger was the opening day starter due to the injury to Drew Pomeranz (torn rotator cuff), struck out 10 batters, and would go on to start the season, 0-1, 2.77 ERA with 15 K in 13 innings, but has allowed 14 ER & 10 walks in 12.2 innings. Same deal for Cody Anderson, started off 2-0, 1.47 ERA & 15 K in 18.1 innings, but has allowed 5 HR & 11 ER in 9 innings since.

Clevenger was forced into ace role.

The two starting pitchers, Adam Plutko (2-2, 2.89 ERA) & Nick Kingham (1-2, 3.75 ERA) are currently doing the best among the rotation, but Plutko has faded since his hot start, allowed 1 ER in 15 innings.

Our bullpen has done pretty solid...

• Corey Knebel (2 SV, 1.42 ERA, 20 K & 1.026 WHIP in 12.2 IP)
• Trevor May (1 SV, 0.00 ERA, 13 K & 1.258 WHIP in 10.1 IP)
• Yonny Chirinos (1-1, 1 SV, 2.39 ERA, 26 K & 1.025 WHIP in 26.1 IP)
• Tim Clooney (1-0, 1 SV, 2.20 ERA, 16 K & 1.279 WHIP in 20.1 IP)

Plus Brad Peacock just returned from the disabled list.

More to come, we started off good for a minute, but now losing, which is all expected of an expansion team.