Here are a few notes on an eventful week for the Rochester Red Wings:

• The big news at Frontier Field had nothing to do with the team, the Nationals, or any of their prospects but rather those of an opponent. Last year, Phillies prospect Daniel Brito had a horrifying medical emergency during a game against the Red Wings, suffering a brain aneurysm that put sent him to a local hospital for months. There was legitimate worry that he would die. On Thursday, though, he returned to Frontier Field to throw out the first pitch and thank the doctors who saved him. He's healthy enough where he's working out again and preparing to again take the field, perhaps as soon as this winter. I suggest you read my story on his return here.
• On the field, this was by far the Red Wings' most successful week of the second half of the season, as they beat a good Lehigh Valley IronPigs (AAA Philadelphia) team in six of the seven games of the series, culminating in a 12-2 thumping that wasn't as close as the score suggested. Said thumping was paced by Jake Alu (probably the Wings' best player aside from maybe Andrew Stevenson since Joey Meneses and Josh Palacios were called up) and the unexpected Onix Vega. In fact, Alu fell just a double away from the cycle, and he tried for a second in an attempt to get it.
• Vega had been called up from High-A Wilmington after Israel Pineda was called up. After sitting on the bench for a few days, he finally got a start (at DH). He then proceeded to go four-for-five with two RBIs.
• Logan Verrett was the best starting pitcher for the Red Wings of late. A journeyman who spent three years in the majors with the Rangers, Mets, and Orioles leads the team in wins (seven) and quality starts (eight). He had a hard-luck no-decision on Saturday, and after the game Wings manager, Matt LeCroy said he thinks Verrett is good enough for the majors. I would tend to agree. To be sure, he'd be nobody's idea of an ace, but he eats innings for breakfast and certainly deserves a spot in the back of a rotation or as a long reliever.

The Red Wings have nine games left, including three home games. I'll have a wrap-up at the end of the Red Wings season.

Dan Glickman writes about baseball at The Baseball Continuum and the Rochester Red Wings, particularly at Pickin’ Splinters. He’ll provide mostly-weekly updates on the AAA Nationals affiliate during the second half of the 2022 season and potentially beyond.