CINCINNATI - Class AA Pensacola C Tucker Barnhart and RHP Curtis Partch have been named the Cincinnati Reds' Minor League Player and Pitcher of the Month for June.
Barnhart, 21, in 19 games with Class A Bakersfield last month led all Reds qualifying hitters in batting average (.382). He also ranked among the California League leaders in hitting (T4th) and on-base percentage (.455, T6th) in June.
In 64 games overall this season between Bakersfield and Pensacola, Barnhart is hitting .272 with 4 home runs and 23 RBI.
The Indianapolis, Indiana native was selected by the Reds in 10th round of the 2009 first-year player draft out of the Brownsburg (IN) High School. Prior to the 2012 season, Barnhart was rated by Baseball America as the best defensive catcher in the Reds organization
"Being named player of the month is a big honor," Barnhart said. "It's the first time I've had that happen in my career. I worked my butt off all off-season, and it's good to see that it's paid off."
Partch, 25, didn't allow a run in 18.1 innings in June, posting a 1-0 record with 17 strikeouts and just 5 walks. He converted all 4 save opportunities to rank T2nd in the organization and T7th in the Southern League.
In 2012, Partch ranks sixth among all Reds Farmhands in saves with 7.
The 6-4, 230-pound reliever was selected by the Reds in the 26th round of the 2007 first-year player draft out of Merced Junior College in Merced, California.
"I feel honored the Reds picked me for pitcher of the month and would like to thank Tom Brown and Jim Riggleman for helping me in the transition from a starting pitcher to a reliever," Partch said.
Pensacola Manager Jim Riggleman said: "Both are very deserving of this honor. It's great to have these two talented players with us here in Pensacola. In the limited time we have seen Tucker, it's obvious why he was so deserving of this award. He's a hard-working guy behind the plate and is constantly striving to get better in every facet of the game. Curtis has made huge strides this season and has pitched himself into a position to be one of our reliable go-to guys in the back of the bullpen. This is a reflection of his dedication and the improvements he has made throughout the season."
