Bus Leagues Express: July 31

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Cubs pick up a few minor leaguers in two trades: The Cubs made two trades late Monday as they try to build toward brighter days. Catcher Geovanny Soto is headed to Texas for pitcher Jake Brigham, and Reed Johnson and Paul Maholm were traded to Atlanta for Arodys Vizcaino and Jaye Chapman. The big catch here is obviously Vizcaino; even though he’s out for the season with elbow surgery, he has closer potential if he can stay healthy. Brigham brings some average pitches to the table and could be a middle reliever, and Chapman has more than a strikeout per inning in AAA this year.

MiLB recognizes Player of the Week recipients: Every Monday, MiLB acknowledges each league’s Player of the Week recipient. This week’s honorees include Albuquerque’s Jerry Sands, one day removed from hitting two grand slams in a game. The week also included Huntsville’s Khris Davis, coming off an impressive streak of five games in a row with a home run. Other recipients include Ezequiel Carrera (IL), Adalberto Santos (EL), Engel Beltre (TL), Leon Landry (Cal), Christian Villanueva (Car), Alex Dickerson (FSL), Kyle Gaedele (MWL), Dustin Lawley (SAL), Tyler Gaffney (NYPL), Mike Zunino (NWL), Patrick Leonard (APP) and Seth Mejias-Brean (PIO).

MiLB recognizes Pitcher of the Week recipients: Every Monday, MiLB acknowledges each league’s Pitcher of the Week recipient. This week’s honorees include Michael Piazza of the Arkansas Travelers. Piazza is the cousin of the more well known Mike Piazza, and he has a 2.57 ERA since moving into the rotation for Arkansas after making only one start prior to this season. The week also included Asheville’s Tyler Anderson. The 2011 first rounder is coming off a seven inning complete game shutout, the first of his career. Other recipients include Tanner Roark (IL), Alex White (PCL), Phil Irwin (EL), Alex Colome (SL), Burch Smith (Cal), Gus Schlosser (Car), Andy Moye (FSL), David Colvin (MWL), Brian Holmes (NYPL), Ian Dickson (NWL), Angel Mata (APP) and Sam Selman (PIO).

Wacha dominates in high-A debut: After a handful of successful complex league innings in the Gulf Coast League, the Cardinals bumped first rounder Michael Wacha up to high-A for Palm Beach’s playoff chase. Appearing in two innings of relief, Wacha pitched two perfect innings, striking out five in the process. Up 4-2, the Cardinals brought in Wacha to hold the lead, and they eventually came away with a 9-3 win over Dunedin. Wacha was the 19th overall pick in June and considered a steal by analysts. His promotion to high-A is a testament to the polish he gained in his career at Texas A&M.

Refsnyder hits first pro homer: Numerous players from the College World Series champion Arizona Wildcats are already off to nice starts in their pro careers, and CWS Most Outstanding Player Robert Refsnyder got the most aggressive promotion out of all of them. The Yankees assigned the 5th rounder right to low-A Charleston out of the gates, and he’s batting just .208 with a .597 OPS in his first 16 games. Monday was certainly the best game so far in his career with three hits including his first pro home run. As a high makeup player, Refsnyder shouldn’t have a problem dealing with the early struggles and making the necessary adjustments.

Hensley debuts on birthday: On his 19th birthday, Ty Hensley’s professional debut was probably extra memorable. Unfortunately, his performance was forgettable. He allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in two innings in the GCL Yankees’ 5-4 win over the GCL Tigers. That’s most likely a side effect of not pitching in a competitive atmosphere in probably two months. The big Oklahoman has the potential for two plus pitches in his fastball and curveball, and if he cleans up his mechanics, Hensley could become a very valuable pitching prospect for the Yankees.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Trade deadline looms

“Fausto Carmona” pitches for Columbus

Brett Anderson makes third rehab appearance

Dwyer, Owens meet in PCL matchup of pitchers that need to improve

Brody Colvin makes AA debut

Chris Stratton makes second appearance for Salem-Keizer