Las Vegas Aviators left-hander Gage Jump is still searching for his first win of the season, but his recent performance has turned heads. The Athletics’ No. 3 prospect threw seven shutout innings against the Albuquerque Isotopes on Wednesday at Las Vegas Ballpark, striking out nine without issuing a walk. Although the Isotopes rallied for six runs in the ninth to win 6-5, erasing Jump as the pitcher of record, the outing earned him the Pacific Coast League Pitcher of the Week award.
Jump leads the PCL with 56 strikeouts, powered by a fastball that averaged 95.7 mph entering the start and topped out at 99 mph. But his growth in commanding off-speed pitches has been key. Against Albuquerque, two of his nine strikeouts came on curveballs and one on a changeup. “That was elite starting pitching and elite efficiency,” Aviators manager Fran Riordan said. “It was a look at the potential that he possesses.”
Jump, whom MLB Pipeline ranks as the No. 41 overall prospect, has a simple mantra: “Win the day.” That mindset developed after he underwent Tommy John surgery in 2022 following his freshman season at UCLA. Unable to throw, he analyzed his mechanics and pitch grips, eventually transferring to LSU. The Athletics selected him with the 73rd overall pick in the 2024 draft. He went 9-7 with a 3.28 ERA across High-A and Double-A in his first pro season.
This year has been a challenge, as Jump struggled to pitch deep into games. But his last two starts have shown promise. On May 14 in Reno, he shut out the Aces for four innings before leaving with a calf cramp. Then came the dominant outing against Albuquerque. “He’s a very competitive guy — I love that on the mound,” catcher Brian Serven said. “He wants the ball and he wants to go nine innings every time.”
JKG’s hot streak continues
Joshua Kuroda-Grauer, the Athletics’ No. 10 prospect, extended his hit streak to nine games. The versatile infielder went 18 for 45 (.400) with five RBI and two steals during the series against Albuquerque. Since his promotion from Midland on May 12, he has hit in 11 of 12 games for Las Vegas.
Marlowe earns PCL honor
Cade Marlowe was named PCL Player of the Week after going 14 for 26 (.538) with two home runs, 13 RBI, 27 total bases and two steals. In Thursday’s 12-1 win, he went 3 for 5 with six RBI. On Sunday, he went 4 for 4 with a double, triple, two RBI and his 12th steal in a 6-5 victory.
Up next: Aviators at Tacoma Rainiers, Tuesday-Sunday at Cheney Stadium. Gage Jump starts Tuesday (0-2, 4.50 ERA).
