Bus Leagues Express: July 6

No Express tomorrow, but it’ll be back Sunday.

Top stories

Wheeler tops former mates: For the first time in his career, Zack Wheeler pitched against a Giants affiliate, and he got the better of them. Binghamton topped Richmond 6-1 Wednesday, and Wheeler’s dominant start was at the center of the victory. He was charged with just one run in 7.1 innings of work on six hits and no walks while striking out six. Two thirds of his pitches were thrown for strikes, and the run charged to him was after he left the game. Six of the starting nine for Richmond were on the 2011 San Jose team that Wheeler started on last season. In this instance, Wheeler had the leg up in the familiarity battle.

Tulsa snaps San Antonio winning streak: After dropping the first game of the second half, the Missions rattled off 10 straight before their 4-2 loss in Tulsa Wednesday. Starters Josh Geer and Parker Frazier were solid, each only allowing a pair of runs through five and six innings respectively. After Tulsa took a 2-0 lead, San Antonio immediately tied it the next inning thanks to singles by Reymond Fuentes and Jonathan Galvez. Unfortunately for the Missions, on a night they were outhit 11-6, that was all the offense they would muster. Tulsa won the battle of the bullpens with three relievers combining for three scoreless innings, and Michael Mitchell‘s 8th inning two RBI single was the difference.

Marisnick promoted to AA: In a bit of a surprising move, Toronto promoted top 50 prospect Jake Marisnick to AA after a solid 65 games with Dunedin. He’s not having as good of a season as last year, but the power potential is still clear. There are questions about his hit tool, and his .263 average this year haven’t really answered those. Nevertheless, his ceiling is enormous with all of his other skills. After stealing 37 bases in 45 attempts last year with Lansing, he only has 10 steals in 15 attempts this year which isn’t taking advantage of his speed as much as he could be.

Storen throws clean inning in rehab: What might be most remarkable about the success the Nationals are having in 2012 is how they’ve battled through so many injuries. Relievers and big bats have gone down, yet they’re probably going to finish the first half with the best record in the NL. That includes their young, reliable closer Drew Storen, but he’s close to returning. Thursday night, he threw a 1-2-3 inning for Potomac in his first appearance of the 2012 season after undergoing elbow surgery in the offseason. Washington expects him back after the All-Star break, but they will keep Tyler Clippard in the closer’s role at first.

Fontana patient in debut: During three years at Florida, Nolan Fontana developed into one of the nation’s best leadoff hitters, making solid contact and finding ways to get on base. The Astros hope Wedesday’s pro debut was a glimpse into his future as he walked five times and reached base six times in Lexington’s 10-8 loss to Hagerstown. As Lexington’s second hitter and DH, he helped set the table for the middle of the Legends lineup all night along with leadoff hitter Delino DeShields Jr. Fontana is a very good defensive shortstop, and in time he’ll surely get in the field up the middle with DeShields.

Barbosa allows first professional run: Andrew Barbosa grew into an ace at South Florida and nearly pitched them into the postseason as their Friday starter. The big lefty’s transition to pro ball has been smooth so far, and it took until his 4th start Wednesday to be charged with a run. In 22 innings for Missoula, Barbosa has only allowed nine hits and nine walks while striking out 28 batters. At 6’8, like all tall pitchers he’ll have to iron out his mechanics and command, but he could become a solid arm in the Diamondbacks organization in time.

On tap today

MiLB.TV schedule

Brian Matusz returns to AAA

Tyler Skaggs makes second start with Reno

Cory Mazzoni looks for AA success

Sugar Ray Marimon hopes to continue hot start at AA

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