AFL Update: Oct. 4, 2026
Jarlin Susana came as advertised in a 9-4 win by the Salt River Rafters over the Glendale Desert Dogs.
Susana’s fastball velo was like your boss’s golf game—consistently in the low 100’s—but that came with some command issues early, as the 22-y.o. walked two of the the first three batters he faced before escaping the jam on a flyout to right and the second of four strikeouts on the afternoon.
He finished with one hit allowed over three and a 1/3rds innings pitched, with 55 pitches thrown 33 for strikes.
Susana was joined in the starting lineup by Kevin Bazzell behind the plate and Teo Banks in right field.
Bazzell reached base three times on a hit-by-pitch, walk, and a single. He drove in one, scored one, and stole a base while catching all nine innings.
Banks went 3-for-5 with two RBI, a stolen base, and a run scored. He had two putouts and fielded two singles.
The Rafters visit the Saguaros tonight as the AFL begins with four straight games before the first off day on Wednesday, October 7.
It’s understandable you overlooked him, because he wasn’t even announced to be part of the Nats’ contingent but Owen Puk also made a surprise appearance (to forget). He was brought in with 2 outs and the bases loaded with an 8 run lead in the bottom of the 9th, and promptly allowed all 3 runs to score on a double.
Come to think of it, Bazzell wasn’t initially reported either. But it’s really good to see him there, he was one I’d hoped to get named.
Good afternoon all.
Before I proceed further, txs so much Luke for this site and your top notch coverage of our minor league affiliates.
Even though I like the NFL and College BB, there’s nothing like our National Pastime. So glad the 2026 AFL season has started.
Questions I hope are answered during the AFL season.
Re: AFL players
Susana – Will he regain enough momentum to become a real 2027 option for the MLB team?
Bazzell – Will he show that he’s a bonafide MLB prospect and a better catching prospect than Romero and/or Lomavita?
Mota – Will he begin to put things together and rise in the organizational prospect rankings?
Banks – Will he begin to be mentioned among the promising OF prospects in our organization?
Sales – Will he begin to show the promise that made him a target in the Finnegan trade with Detroit?
Dean, Hughes and Puk – Will all three step up and begin to be considered bona fide prospects?