Bus Leagues Express: May 3

Top stories

Banuelos sharp in return: Manny Banuelos really struggled in his first two starts this season for Empire State, and he went on the DL with blisters. After three weeks out of action, he returned Tuesday against Rochester and looked like the pitcher he’s supposed to be. He was on a pitch count and only went 3.2 innings, but he threw 63% strikes. He had five strikeouts to no walks and allowed only two hits. It must have been a relief to have a real positive start, and now the Yankees hope he can build on it and have success deeper into games.

A.J. Griffin continues tearing up Texas League: A.J. Griffin entered the season as Oakland’s 13th best prospect, and it’s hard to imagine his stock hasn’t increased with his great start to the season. He has four quality starts out of six this season, and in the two he doesn’t, he just didn’t reach six innings. He hasn’t walked more than one in any start, and he has 41 strikeouts in 37.1 innings. Batters are hitting under .200 against him. Despite his size, he doesn’t really pitch on a downhill plane, but it hasn’t hurt him even though he’s in a league where it could. His fastball sits around 90, maybe a tick above or below, and he commands all of his pitches well.

Dash bats silenced to end winning streak: Winston-Salem was working on their longest winning streak since they became the Dash in 2009, but they fell one game short of reaching double digits thanks to some great pitching by Potomac. The P-Nats grabbed a 5-0 win on Wednesday and held the Dash to only six hits. Adam Olbrychowski pitched 6.2 scoreless innings, striking out five and only allowing five hits and two walks. Reliever Cameron Selik struck out five in the final two innings of the game to wrap up the win. David Feitas had three hits, and Justin Bloxom picked up two hits and two RBI.

Jorge De La Rosa exits rehab appearance early: In his first appearance in nearly a full calendar year, Colorado’s Jorge De La Rosa took to the mound for Modesto Wednesday in a rehab assignment. However, it was cut short when he was hit by a line drive on his non-throwing wrist. Per the Modesto Bee’s Brian VanderBeek, De La Rosa was okay and threw a bullpen session after leaving the actual game. In game action, he struck out four in three scoreless innings, only allowing two hits and a walk. He will make his next start with Modesto.

Font has best start since surgery: It’s been a mixed bag for Wilmer Font in 2012 after missing all of last year because of elbow surgery, but he showed some real progress Wednesday by striking out seven in four scoreless innings. He only allowed one hit, and perhaps more importantly, walked none. He had nine walks in his previous seven innings, and only three of his six appearances with Myrtle Beach have been scoreless. Font has great stuff btu has been slowed by wildness and ineffectiveness, and I’m sure the Rangers would love to have one more really good arm in their system.

St. Lucie builds 10 game FSL South lead: At 22-4, it’s hard to say there’s a minor league team as hot as hot as the St. Lucie Mets. With their 3-2 win over Jupiter, they’ve now won seven in a row and have a 10 game lead over three teams tied for second. They have the top offense and top pitching in the league, and I’d say that bodes well for the rest of the season. There are still 44 games left in the first half, but their magic number to clinch the first half title is down to nine.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Chris Archer hopes to throw strikes

Joel Pineiro makes Baltimore organization debut

Bruce Billings faces old organization

Walker, Corcino meet in SL matchup

Edwar Cabrera has another chance to improve stock

Holmberg, Matzek meet in top Cal League matchup

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