Kansas City Monarchs outfielder Isiah Gilliam and Sioux City Explorers starter Kyle Marman won the American Association’s opening Carbliss batter and pitcher of the week of the 2025 season, the league announced Monday.
Gilliam is the early home run leader with three of his six hits being home runs and two others being doubles. He drove in seven runs and also walked twice and stole two bases.
He led Kansas City to a 3-0 sweep of Lincoln to start the season, with the Monarchs offense scoring a combined 21 runs.
This is Gilliam’s first season in the American Association after spending parts of nine seasons in the New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners organizations, reaching as high as Triple-A.
Kyle Marman dominated in his first start of the season, throwing seven innings of one-run and one-hit ball on opening night in Kane County and striking out 11 Cougars.
Marman did not factor in the decision as the Explorers spoiled the reigning champions homecoming, taking a lead in the ninth and winning 2-1.
The Florida native was an all-star reliever for the Explorers a year ago, pitching in 41 games and totaling 68 strikeouts to go along with a 2.29 ERA.
Carbliss is an official sponsor of the American Association.
