Scouting Report: Jostin Alcantara

Summary

Jhostynxon Garcia, Pittsburgh Pirates outfield prospect, is recovering from lower back tightness that landed him on the 10-day IL in late April. He began his rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on May 1. Medical tests came back positive with no structural damage, indicating a mechanical lower back issue. Garcia had an exceptional Spring Training (.405/.463/.595, 1.058 OPS in 17 games) but struggled early in the season, likely due to the undiagnosed back issue. Upon returning to Triple-A Indianapolis after rehab, Garcia demonstrated explosive power, going 5-for-5 with three home runs in his first game back on May 12, with exit velocities of 107.3, 109.9, and 113.5 mph and distances of 437, 393, and 374 feet respectively. GM Ben Cherington indicated Garcia's power is showing up and they want to see a strong run at Triple-A before considering further advancement.