By Pete Pelegrin
Twitter: @Petepelegrin

FIU Baseball has several former Panthers chasing the ultimate goal of reaching Major League Baseball. These former FIU players are working their way up Minor League Baseball. Here is an update on how the 13 FIU players in the minors are faring this season:

Triple-A

FIU currently has two baseball alums one step from the Show. Mike Franco, FIU's single-season ERA record holder, is closing for the Durham Bulls (Tampa Bay Rays Triple-A team). Franco, who was FIU's Friday starter in the 2014 season, posted a 1.09 ERA that year.

Franco is currently 3-1 with a 2.86 ERA and 3 saves. The right-hander has struck out 48 batters in 44 innings pitched and opposing batters are hitting just .203 off him.

During Franco's outings there haven't been too many trips by Bulls pitching coach Rick Knapp to the mound because Franco's eyelids are jammed or because no one knows what to get Jimmy and Millie for their wedding or to get a live rooster for Jose's cursed glove.

With the perpetual youth movement in Tampa, it might not be long before Franco gets a shot with the big club.



First baseman Edwin Rios (above) has gotten off to a fast start with the Oklahoma City Dodgers. Rios, who was named the Player of the Month for June, is hitting .300 with 4 HR and 19 RBI. Rios is seventh all-time at FIU with 29 career home runs.

Rios hit .309 and .301 the last two seasons for the Dodgers organization with a combined 51 HR and 167 RBI. He was the organization's hitter of the year just a few years ago.

For now though Rios's path to Los Angeles appears to be blocked by Dodgers first baseman and 2017 NL Rookie of the Year, Cody Bellinger (17 HR).

Double-A

Another former FIU first baseman is hitting the ball the well in the minors. Rudy Flores, who played at FIU from 2010-12, is playing for the Jackson Generals (Arizona Diamondbacks Double-A).

Flores (below) is hitting .280 with 10 HR and 45 RBI. Flores is fourth in the Southern League with the 45 RBI. He has also hit 17 doubles.



Aramis Garcia, who was the Conference USA Player of the Year in FIU's first season in C-USA, is with the Richmond Flying Squirrels (San Francisco Giants Double-A). Garcia, who is the No. 6 prospect for the Giants, is hitting .219 with 7 HR and 25 RBI.

Class A Advanced

Former FIU closer Danny Dopico, is doing the same for the Winston-Salem Dash (Chicago White Sox Class A Advanced). Dopico has put together a nice string of late allowing no earned runs in seven of his last eight appearances.

Dopico has three saves and is 0-3 with a 4.10 ERA. The right-hander continues to rack up the Ks. He has struck out 43 in 37 1/3 innings.



Franklin Van Gurp (above) was recently promoted from the Augusta GreenJackets (San Francisco Giants Class A) to the San Jose Giants (SF Giants' Class A Advanced) because of his sterling work out of the pen.

Van Gurp -- who not too long ago was a catcher before coming to FIU and turning into a pitcher -- is 4-0 with a 2.47 ERA. The right-hander has four saves and has struck out 51 in 43 2/3 innings. Opposing batters are hitting just .176 against Van Gurp.

Class A

Dominic LoBrutto is closing for the Greenville Drive (Boston Red Sox Class A). LoBrutto has a pair of saves and has allowed 1 earned run or less in 8 of his last 10 appearances. The lefty is 1-0 with a 5.40 ERA.

Already a two-time minor league All-Star, former FIU shortstop Irving Lopez (below) is playing second base for the Peoria Chiefs (St. Louis Cardinals Class A). Lopez is hitting .277 with 16 doubles, 4 HR and 23 RBI.



JC Escarra is patrolling first base for the Aberdeen IronBirds (Baltimore Orioles Class A Short Season). Escarra has also played for the Frederick Keys (Orioles Class A) this season. Escarra is hitting .280 with 4 HR and 15 RBI.

Rookie Ball

Andres Nunez has now collected wins at both the college level and pro ranks this year after notching his first win for the Kansas City Royals rookie team June 28. Nunez, who is playing in the Arizona League, is 1-0 with a 6.35 ERA in four appearances.

Former FIU catcher is Zack Soria is playing for the Danville Braves (Atlanta Braves rookie team in the Appalachian League). Soria is 1 for 16 this season. Soria hit .256 last season for the Braves organization.

Right-hander Michael Agis is with the Grand Junction Rockies (Colorado Rockies rookie team in the Pioneer League) where the former FIU reliever/spot starter is 2-2 with a 4.22 ERA.

The newest former Panther to turn pro is second baseman Eddie Silva, who recently signed with the Milwaukee Brewers. Silva is playing for the Helena Brewers (Brewers rookie team in the Pioneer League) Silva is off to a .412 start (7 for 17) with 2 RBI. Silva has hit three doubles among his first seven pro hits.