There's been a Bryce Bonnin sighting, and it looks like he's starting in Dayton.
Louisville tries again against Columbus. We'll see how they manage to lose tonight. Bernardo Flores takes the mound for the Bats. He'll be opposed by Konnor Pilkington, who sound like a villain in a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta. Albert Almora is currently leading the International League in hitting. Conner Overton is 6th in the league in Ks for a pitcher. So that's good. Too bad nearly everyone else is riding the struggle bus.
Chattanooga blew it early last night. Perhaps they find the magic themselves today. I think Sam McWilliams is the starter today, but I can't be sure because Chattanooga believes in subterfuge at all costs. They refuse to say anything. TJ Hopkins in the AA Southern League top five in BA, OBP, SLG, OPS, R, and SB. That would seem like a pretty well-rounded kid. Matt McLain is also in the top five in runs scored. Ricky Karcher is leading the league in K rate, while Stevie Branche is amongst the league leaders in H/9 (min. 3 IP).
Dayton faces Fort Wayne. Bonnin starts. Last year, he put up exceptional numbers in limited innings. A 2.87 ERA with a 13+ K rate and a BB rate of 3.3. Even better, 5.2 H/9. That worked out to a WHiP under 1.000. Rodonkulous numbers, but only 47 innings. He's been on the shelf this year-- this is his first start of the year. Don't expect him to go very long. But do pay attention to his stuff. His fastball sits 97 and his slider is a true out pitch some scouts already consider plus. He doesn't have much of a third offering. Fun to watch though. Speaking of fun to watch, Alex McGarry is in the top five of the Midwest League in HR, SLG, and OPS. Ashton Creal is 5th in doubles. Allan Cerda is tied for tops in HBP. (Someone must not like him very much.) Among pitchers, Frainger Aranguren is leading the league in wins. Andrew Abbott, Joe Boyle, and Connor Phillips are all in the top five in Ks. Boyle and Michael Cachutt are in the top five in H/9. Boyle, Aranguran, and Cachutt have yet to allow an earned run to dent the plate. If that continues for the rest of the season, I'm guessing all three would be considered prospects of note.
Daytona lost in extras again last night. IIRC, four of their eight losses have come in the 9th or extra innings. That doesn't auger well for bullpen arms, does it? They'll throw Rebardo Cruz and Port St. Lucie tonight. Hopefully, he pitches well and the bullpen holds it. We'll find out at 6:10. (Well, to be fair, we'll find out way later than that.) Jay Allen is 4th in the league in BBs and 2nd in SB.