Shortly after the Athletics selected corner infielder Tommy White in the second round of the 2024 draft, he reported to the Oakland Coliseum, the team’s former home. This is customary for high draft picks. Visit the big league ballpark, pose for photos, meet the staff, do some drills, get a preview of life in the Show.
When White took ground balls from Las Vegas Aviators third base coach Eric Martins, however, his fluorescent confidence dimmed a bit. At LSU, scouts raved about White’s bat, but felt his glove was a liability — one now on display in front of his new employer.
“I think I fielded, like, one. It was bad,” White said. “It was just kind of an awakening.”
Martins chalked it up to nerves, but in that moment, White saw how close he was to the major leagues — and realized what it would take to get there. Never one to shy away from a challenge, he started working diligently to improve his fielding.
Now with the Aviators (56-35), White — the A’s seventh-ranked prospect according to MLB Pipeline — is becoming not just a standout hitter, but also a reliable defender.
Last year, across High-A Lansing and Double-A Midland, he made 18 errors in 77 games at third base. This year, at Midland and Las Vegas, he has cut that to seven errors in 51 games at the hot corner. White’s third base fielding percentage this season has improved from .921 in Double-A to .956 as an Aviator.
“The work that he’s put in and the purpose of that work — to be a great defender — is starting to show out in games, and it’s been really fun to watch,” Las Vegas manager Fran Riordan said. “He already is a plus defender at first, and he’s working to become a plus defender at third.”
White credited Martins and Midland RockHounds manager Gregorio Petit with helping him improve his glovework.
One of the first things Martins did with White was develop a routine. Hours before first pitch every game, White practices fielding ground balls from his knees, then in a crouched defensive position. If he’s playing third base that day, he works on throwing across the diamond. Martins stresses making sure White is in position, catching the ball in the pocket of his glove every time.
“His work ethic and how much he wants to get better has really impressed me,” Martins said. “He’s creating good angles, putting himself in a better position to see the ball and make good throws.”
With every rep, White grows more confident in his defensive abilities. Now one level away from the big leagues, he’s prepared to make a better impression next time he puts on an Athletics uniform.
“It’s been a night and day difference,” White said. “I feel like I’m ready for whatever baseball is hit to me.”
‘Big step forward’ for Nett
Pitcher Braden Nett, the A’s No. 4 prospect, made his first Aviators appearance since June 17 on Wednesday against the visiting Tacoma Rainiers. Nett went 2 ⅔ innings, giving up three hits, three walks, and one run. He struck out four, getting a no-decision in the 9-7 loss.
It’s been a frustrating season for Nett, who opened the year on the injured list while recovering from a rotator cuff ailment. He later dealt with an injury to a ligament on his pitching hand.
“He’s done everything that he can to get himself back here,” Riordan said. “His performance was really good and a big step forward for him.”
After Nett’s start on June 17 — when he gave up six walks and four runs to the Round Rock Express — the Athletics sent him down to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to work on getting a better feel for the ball, Riordan said.
Morales spins Sunday gem
Luis Morales pitched his best game of the season in Sunday’s 3-1 win, helping Las Vegas secure a series split with Tacoma. Morales sprinkled four hits over six innings, striking out nine and surrendering one run (none earned). It was his first game since May 27 without a walk.
Morales, who started out in the A’s rotation, has struggled this year in Triple-A (7.03 ERA) and the majors (14.46 ERA in 9 1/3 innings), but is showing some progress. This month, he’s 1-1 with a 3.00 ERA, holding batters to a .218 average.
De Vries steals the show at Futures Game
Toolsy infielder Leo De Vries, the Athletics’ top prospect (No. 2 overall), opened Sunday’s MLB All-Star Futures Game by singling off the Philadelphia Phillies’ Gage Wood — then stealing second and third base.
He scored the first run of the American League’s 6-1 win on a groundout. De Vries, currently playing for Midland, finished 1-for-2 with a strikeout.
Fellow RockHound Jamie Arnold pitched a scoreless sixth inning for the AL, walking one and earning a hold. Arnold, the organization’s No. 2 prospect (No. 25 overall), struck out Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand Mike Sirota swinging.
