Bus Leagues Express: May 2

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Quentin takes field for the first time in 2012: The Padres puzzled everyone when they acquired Carlos Quentin over the offseason. He wasn’t seen as a good fit for Petco Park, and they will more than likely not compete for a playoff spot in 2012. On Tuesday, Quentin moved one step closer to giving the Padres a return on their investment when he made his first rehab appearance with Tucson. In his second at bat, he slugged a three run homer to left to extend Tucson’s early lead. In later plate appearances, Quentin singled and walked before being replaced. He was Tucson’s DH on Tuesday, and eventually he’ll start seeing time in the field before heading up to San Diego.

Beckham suspended 50 games: After dealing with the major Matt Bush headache in spring training that is more than likely the end of his career, another #1 overall pick with the Rays is facing trouble. Tim Beckham will be suspended for 50 games due to his second positive test for a drug of abuse. It’s a huge setback in a career where Beckham has essentially just been holding serve and not really performing like a first overall selection. Addictions can be difficult to overcome, and after a warning for his first positive test and spending an entire season with Bush in the same clubhouse in 2011, hopefully this is the wake up call he needs.

New Britain has big 12th inning: After only accumulating three hits in their first 11 innings, New Britain exploded for five 12th inning runs in their 6-1 victory at Harrisburg. The Rock Cats used five hits and some sloppy defense on the part of Harrisburg to get those runs, all with two outs. Starters B.J. Hermsen and Robert Gilliam were very effective, each allowing just one run in seven innings of work. Gilliam also added nine strikeouts. Only two of New Britain’s extra innings runs were earned.

Gattis bumped up to AA: Thanks to his advanced age and incredibly hot start for Lynchburg, catcher Evan Gattis was promoted to AA and made his Mississippi debut on Tuesday. His debut was a good one, going 1 for 4 with two RBI and also reaching via walk. Mississippi rolled to a big win over Mobile and top prospect Trevor Bauer who allowed five earned runs in 5.2 innings despite nine strikeouts.

Bedrosian returns from Tommy John: Steve’s son Cam Bedrosian was a highly coveted pitcher in the 2010 draft, and the Angels grabbed him with the 29th pick. He only had 12 pro innings under his belt when he had to undergo Tommy John surgery, and he missed the entire 2011 season. Tuesday, he made his first appearance in nearly 21 months for low-A Cedar Rapids, and he was pretty sharp. He threw 4.1 no hit innings against West Michigan, and he only walked two while striking out three. It’s a positive step for the 20 year old looking to get his career back on track. Despite not having pitched for almost two years, his 4.1 innings was still longer than Dylan Bundy‘s career high.

South Bend’s pitching suffocates Quad Cities: The Silver Hawks’ pitching has been up and down for most of the season after Archie Bradley, but they were definitely up for Tuesday’s doubleheader. South Bend allowed only two runs combined over the two games, both coming in their 6-2 game one victory. In game two, they were even better, shutting out the River Bandits and allowing only two hits. After game one starter Jesse Darrah had to leave the game with an injury just two outs in, the bullpen came on earlier than expected and only allowed one run in 6.1 innings. Taylor Siemens pitched five scoreless innings in their 8-0 game two win.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Manny Banuelos returns from DL

Aneury Rodriguez hopes to translate K rate into results

Jarred Cosart takes on scorching A.J. Griffin

Allan Webster meets Tyler Thornburg in solid SL matchup

John Stilson looks to continue success

Asheville hosts West Virginia in doubleheader

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