Pipeline preview: De Leon seeks next big start

Here’s a look at top prospects to watch Friday in Minor League action:

Mejia streak watch: Indians No. 4 prospect Francisco Mejia aims to extend his 48-game hit streak as Lynchburg faces Winston-Salem at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Hitter to watch: Dwight Smith Jr. (Blue Jays’ No. 27), New Hampshire vs. Trenton (7 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)

Smith is riding a nine-game hitting streak and coming off a performance in which he did a little bit of everything for New Hampshire. The 23-year-old collected a pair of hits Thursday, drew two walks and stole a career-high four bases. Swiping four bases in a game is impressive for anyone, but for someone like Smith — who stole four bases total in 2015 — it was a bit of a surprise.

Pitcher to watch: Jose De Leon (Dodgers’ No. 2), Oklahoma City vs. El Paso (8:05 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)

De Leon, the No. 39 overall prospect, is looking for another strong start. The 24-year-old has surrendered two earned runs or fewer in six of his past seven starts and has thrown six or more innings in three of his past four. De Leon struck out five in his last outing and is 4-1 with a 3.28 ERA through 12 starts this season.

Duel of the Day: Ricardo Pinto (Phillies’ No. 16) vs. Clay Holmes (Pirates’ No. 12), Reading vs. Altoona (7 p.m. ET on MiLB.TV)

Pinto has thrown the ball well lately, holding opponents scoreless in two of his past three starts. The 22-year-old has given up just two earned runs over his past 19 innings and is coming off an outing in which he twirled eight innings and …

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