Bus Leagues Express: June 24

Top stories

Hultzen struggles in AAA debut: Danny Hultzen had an obvious adjustment period when he started his pro career in AA, and if Saturday night’s Tacoma debut is any indication, it could happen again. Hultzen only lasted three innings in Tacoma’s 8-4 loss to Colorado Springs, allowing five runs on five hits and five walks while striking out only three. He only threw one more strike than ball, so the control problems that plagued him in his start at AA were back for one night. Pitching at Colorado Springs can certainly be a challenge, especially for a pitcher that’s not throwing strikes. There’s no rush for Seattle to get him to the majors, so he’ll have plenty of time to make the necessary adjustments.

Beckham goes 1/4 in return: After missing 50 games due to a suspension for a drug of abuse, Beckham was placed on Durham’s active roster Friday and made his debut last night in Durham’s 11-5 win. Reid Brignac was previously playing shortstop for the Bulls, but the #1 pick’s development takes priority over Brignac trying to revive his career. Beckham made an error in the field and went 1/4 with a run and strikeout on the plate. Beckham’s development was already stagnating, and missing a third of a season for something easily presentable certainly doesn’t help his cause.

Fernandez throws complete game in AA debut: Anthony Fernandez has never been a top 30 prospect for Seattle, but it’s certainly too early to write him off. After a strong first half in the tough environment known as High Desert, he was promoted to AA for the first time and got his stint with Jackson off to a great start. He threw the first complete game for the franchise since 2009. He struck out five and only allowed a run on six hits and a walk. Huntsville’s lineup isn’t particularly potent, but that’s still an impressive feat for someone adjusting to a new level. Fernandez is only 22 years old.

Mills homers in Pensacola debut: Days ago, Cincinnati acquired Beau Mills from Cleveland after releasing former top prospect Joel Guzman. Mills appeared to be going nowhere in the Cleveland organization, spending his second year in the International League and having a horrid season with a .239 OBP. The Reds assigned him to AA to get his confidence back, and he took to his new assignment quickly. In his third at bat for the Blue Wahoos, Mills hit a solo home run as part of a 3/4 night. Mills did have seven home runs in his time with Columbus this year, but he’ll need to make more contact to start advancing again.

Alfaro continues hot streak: Jorge Alfaro is one of the most promising catching prospects in the lower minors, but he’s missed much of the season with a hamstring injury. He came back on June 10th and hasn’t stopped swinging a hot stick since. Saturday, he hit his second home run of the season as part of a three game multi-hit streak. He has one extra base hit in each of those three games. In his nine games back, Alfaro is batting .355 with a 1.122 OPS, and his season OPS now sits at .931. He’s striking out a lot and still has a lot of work to do, but the Rangers have to be encouraged by his return from the DL.

Crawford reaches twice in 2012 debut: Extensive wrist problems have kept Boston’s left fielder out all season, and with all of the injuries they’ve had, they have to be happy Carl Crawford is working his way back. He batted second as the GCL Red Sox’s DH Saturday afternoon and went 0/3 with a run and two walks. While the story of the game for some major outlets is that he was hitless, it’s positive to see him in a box score and getting on base. Crawford has dealt with wrist problems before, so he should know what it takes to get back and when he’s ready.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Tyler Thornburg makes AAA debut

Buckel makes AA debut against Cosart

South Carolina, Arizona kick off CWS Finals

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