Bus Leagues Express: April 25

Top stories

D-Train’s agent destroys Duquette: Last week, Dontrelle Willis left Norfolk, Baltimore’s AAA affiliate, with no explanation. He was placed on the restricted list, and Willis and his agent, Matt Sosnick, claim that he received permission from an Orioles official and should be able to sign with anyone. General Manager Dan Duquette wants to hang onto him. There was speculation that Willis was pursuing opportunities in Asia, but Sosnick responded, “I have not been contacted by any Asian team about Dontrelle, but I know that Dan has closer ties to Korea than I do, so maybe he knows something that I don’t know.”

Miller gets on track: By all accounts, Shelby Miller had a rough spring, and that carried over to the season in his first two starts. He struck out 10 and only walked two in eight innings, but he allowed eight runs on 13 hits, including three home runs. He walked four in five innings in his next start, but he struck out nine and only allowed a run. Tuesday’s outing was solid, throwing five scoreless innings on five hits and two walks while striking out six. He still has a lot of work to show he’s ready for a promotion to the big leagues, but he should make it this year.

Ft. Myers snaps St. Lucie’s 10 game winning streak: Dunedin and St. Lucie have taken the FSL by storm in the early going, getting off to 15-3 starts that have them six games up on second place. The Miracle wore out the St. Lucie pitching staff Tuesday in a 7-1 win. They handed the Mets their first loss at home on the season. Starter Chase Hutchingson had problems with the top of the Miracle lineup which obviously leads to big trouble. Daniel Santana and Levi Michael combined to reach base seven times, and cleanup hitter Josmil Pinto drove in three runs. Ft. Myers starter B.J. Hermsen allowed one run in five innings, and relievers Matthew Hauser and Ricky Bowen combined to through four scoreless innings.

Hoilman’s walkoff grand slam propels Peoria: First baseman Paul Hoilman was a three true outcome monster last year in his pro debut with 17 home runs, 49 walks and 105 strikeouts in 246 at bats. His rates aren’t quite as extreme this season, but his production has still been okay. He entered Tuesday’s game without a home run, but he certainly made his first count. Peoria went into the 9th down 2-0 to Lansing, but the Lugnuts couldn’t even get the 25th out. Two singles and an error loaded the bases, and Wes Darvill tied the game with a double. After intentionally walking Ryan Cuneo to load the bases, Hoilman hit the ball out to left, giving the Chiefs a 6-2 win.

Bundy, Delmarva, edge Barnes, Greenville: Neither Dylan Bundy nor Matt Barnes had allowed a run prior to their matchup on Tuesday, and neither felt like yielding one last night. Bundy was stretched out to a season long four innings, all of which were perfect. He struck out six, and that raises his season line to 13 innings, 0 hits, 0 runs, 1 walk and 21 strikeouts. Barnes struck out nine in five innings, allowing just three hits and two walks. Barnes has 34 strikeouts in 25 innings on the season, and it’s clear that both of these pitchers are ready for greater challenges. It seems unlikely that Bundy will be promoted soon, but Barnes could definitely be on the way up soon.

Fernandez sharp in no-hitter: We’ve had some near misses this year, but MiLB has its first no-hitter this season as Greensboro edged Hickory 6-0. Jose Fernandez has been outstanding so far this year, posting a 1.57 ERA and .74 WHIP with 33 strikeouts in 23 innings. Against Hickory on Tuesday, he struck out eight in six no-hit innings. That’s always impressive, but especially against a very good offense like Hickory’s, littered with prospects. Relievers Gregory Nappo and Kevin Cravey finished off the last few innings to complete the no-hitter.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

John Lannan tries again to restore value

Chris Balcom-Miller hopes to turn season around

Gerrit Cole makes another start

Gerrardo Concepcion makes debut

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