The Daytona Tortugas haven’t found a consistent winning recipe yet.
Through the first two months of the season, their lineup sits dead last in the Florida State League in runs scored, and their pitching staff holds the same position in runs allowed.
Mix that together, and it results in a cellar-dwelling 18-33 record. Daytona resides six games behind the third-place St. Lucie Mets and 11 games behind the first-place Palm Beach Cardinals in the FSL East Division.
The Tortugas fell into an early hole. Following an Opening Day win on April 2, they dropped their next six games and never rebounded. They closed the month with seven wins and 17 losses.
Jacob Friend provided the bright spot. The 23-year-old captured the league’s Player of the Month award, pacing everyone in total bases, slugging percentage and OPS through the first four weeks. He also ranked second in home runs and doubles.
May brought a few encouraging signs.
Friend continued to produce, slotting second in the FSL in RBIs and OPS, and Daytona rattled off four straight victories to kick off the month. That’s its best win streak so far.
The Tortugas slumped again in the middle of May, finishing 11-16.
But they ended it by splitting a six-game series with the Tampa Tarpons. It marked their first split of the year after losing seven of their first eight series. Against Tampa, Daytona also swept its first doubleheader in three tries this season.
So that’s where it stands.
Not a great start.
But a whole lot of baseball — three-plus months — to go.
Bernard Moon leads the FSL in two key stats
Entering June 2, three Tortugas perched atop FSL leaderboards.
Bernard Moon paced the league in games played (50) and at-bats (191). The next closest player to him in each category also represents Daytona: Rafhlmil Torres appeared in 49 games, and Kyle Henley had 189 at-bats.
In his second full season with the Tortugas, Moon is batting .246 with 15 doubles, five home runs and 26 RBIs. The 21-year-old Atlanta native has seen time at second base, left field and designated hitter.
Also in his second campaign in Daytona, Drew Davies has been an on-base machine. His .451 OBP leads the league after he strengthened it with two hits in three at-bats against the Tarpons on May 31. Davies carries a .280 batting average while often manning first base or right field.
Daytona pitcher Stharlin Torres is also tied for the most home runs given up in the FSL this season. His eight rivals only the eight of Bradenton’s Levi Sterling.
Tortugas alum Tejay Antone writes one of baseball’s coolest stories in 2026
Tommy John surgeries have become common. After undergoing the elbow procedure once, pitchers often come back looking as crisp as before their injuries.
If a hurler has two Tommy Johns, things get dicier.
And three? Well, you’ll just have to trust Tejay Antone.
The Cincinnati Reds’ right-hander, who suited up for the Tortugas in 2016, is writing a book called “The Tommy John Protocol.” He had his third surgery in 2024 and made it back to the big leagues on May 6.
Jonny Venters and Jason Isringhausen are believed to be the only other pitchers to return to MLB after three TJs.
Through his first nine appearances, Antone posted a 5.19 ERA. He earned his first save in five years during a May 15 outing against the Cleveland Guardians.
Daytona Tortugas schedule update: Dunedin trip continues
The Tortugas remain on the road through June 7. They’ll play the Dunedin Blue Jays each evening through Saturday and then wrap up the series at noon Sunday.
After an off day June 8, Daytona returns to the friendly confines of Jackie Robinson Ballpark for six matchups with the Jupiter Hammerheads.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Daytona Tortugas notebook: Reviewing the first two months, plus a cool MLB story
Reporting by Chris Vinel, Daytona Beach News-Journal / The Daytona Beach News-Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
