Minor League Monitor - International League: There's Even More Help Coming for Cleveland.

The biggest surprise of the season has been the continued success of the Indians, and there is even more help potentially down in AAA for them as well.

Jason Kipnis - Indians - 2B
.292/.368/.500, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 9 SB
Blocked by: Orlando Cabrera

Kipnis has been hot of late, hitting 2 home runs and stealing 3 bases in his last 8 games. Cabrera has not been hitting well of late, but is one of the few veterans on a very young team. Kipnis could be called on if they feel the need for a change, but would need to be added to the 40 man roster to be called up.

Lonnie Chisenhall - Indians - 3B
.280/.362/.446, 5 HR, 26 RBI
Blocked by: Jack Hannahan

Honestly, I'm surprised that Jack Hannahan has played this well to this point. I thought Chisenhall would honestly be in AAA for only a month or so before they felt a change would be needed. Hannahan hasn't been hitting lately either, and Chisenhall seems much more likely to be called up before Kipnis.

Zach McAllister - Indians - SP
7-0, 2.29 ERA, 59 IP, 47 K, 10 BB
Blocked by: Mitch Talbot

McAllister has been a very nice surprise down in AAA for the Indians, but there isn't a pressing need in the rotation in Cleveland either. They're probably going to be better served continuing to let McAllister pitch down in Columbus, as it is his 2nd season in the International League.

Desmond Jennings - Rays - OF
.274/.382/.475, 8 HR, 21 RBI, 9 SB
Blocked by: Matt Joyce, Sam Fuld, and Johnny Damon

Jennings has been hitting well, showing both power and speed. There really hasn't been any reason to rush Jennings up to the Majors though, as all three players have been performing reasonably well for parts of the season. I could see Jennings staying down all season at this point.

Jesus Montero - Yankees - C/DH
.306/.345/.419, 3 HR, 17 RBI
Blocked by: Russell Martin, Jorge Posada

The surprising resurgence of Russell Martin combined with the veteran status of Posada have kept Montero down at AAA so far. Posada continues to struggle, and it really seems like he could be on the outside looking in very soon in the Bronx. It is a bit concerning that Montero's power seems to be down, but there could be any number of reasons for that.

Andy Oliver - Tigers - SP
4-3, 3.31 ERA, 47 1/3 IP, 49 K, 20 BB
Blocked by: No one

I looked up Oliver's numbers, and wondered who would be blocking him from that fifth spot at this point. Turns out, nobody is, as he was called up on Friday. Hopefully this time he will be able to stay up permanently.

Kyle Gibson - Twins - SP
2-3, 3.80 ERA, 47 IP, 49 K, 10 BB
Blocked by: Brian Duensing and Anthony Swarzak

With the Twins actively trying to push Kevin Slowey out the back door, there really isn't a need for any starting pitching in Minneapolis. Gibson could see a September call up if the Twins remain this far out of the race, but I think he'll spend the majority of the season in AAA.