ARKANSANS ACROSS THE MINORS

News and notes

First baseman Andy Wilkins (Arkansas Razorbacks) of the Charlotte Knights (AAA White Sox) was named the International League’s Batter of the Week for the week ending July 21. Wilkins hit .438 (7-for-16) for the week, which began on July 18 after the Class AAA All-Star break. He had 3 home runs, 1 double, 5 RBI and 6 runs scored over the four-game span. Wilkins, who is ranked as the 12th-best prospect in the White Sox organization by Baseball America, is batting .299 for the Knights in 26 games since being called up from Class AA Birmingham.

Pitcher Trent Daniel (Arkansas Razorbacks/Bryant) converted four save opportunities last week for the Tri-City Dust Devils (A Rockies) and has converted eight consecutive opportunities dating back to July 4 at Boise.

Third baseman Zack Cox (Arkansas Razorbacks) was demoted by the Miami Marlins organization from Class AAA New Orleans to Class AA Jacksonville on July 19.

Pitcher Ben Wells (Alexander) was placed on the disabled list by the Class A Daytona Cubs on Tuesday, but he is not injured. Robbie Aaron, Daytona’s director of broadcasting and media relations, said the move was made so Wells could skip a start and get some rest. “He has made every scheduled start to this point this season, and at only 20 years old, they just wanted him to get a breather,” Aaron said.

First baseman Murray Watts (Arkansas State), who was released by the independent El Paso Diablos on July 10, has decided to retire from the game. Shawn Suarez, the Diablos’ director of baseball operations, said Watts is in Jonesboro and is pursuing a full-time job. “I believe there was talk of him working for his college’s athletic department,” Suarez said. “He is a great person, and we enjoyed his short stint as a member of the Diablos.”

Pitcher Blaine Sims (Arkansas Tech) was demoted by the Atlanta Braves organization from Class A Lynchburg to their rookie-league team on July 21.

Pitcher Matt Sample (Pea Ridge) was reassigned by the Arizona Diamondbacks organization from Class A-advanced Visalia to Class A South Bend on July 16. Josh Jackson, Visalia’s media relations manager, said Sample was brought up from South Bend originally to fill a void left by a couple of pitchers placed on the disabled list. One of Visalia’s main pitchers was activated from the disabled list, which Jackson said is why Sample was reassigned.