Minor League Highlights 5/14

AAA Durham Bulls W 8-1

Jeremy Hellickson was absolutely brilliant striking out 11 batters and walking none in six shutout innings of six-hit ball. 16 of Hellickson's 98 pitches were whiffed upon. Chris Richard and Ryan Shealy each went 2-5 with a double and their sixth home runs. Desmond Jennings was 2-5 with his fourth double, and Hank Blalock did not play and hopefully is on his way to Tampa as Andrew Friedman and company should demonstrate their understanding of a sunk cost.

AA Montgomery Biscuits L 3-2

David Newmann had one of his more effective outings of late allowing two runs on seven hits while walking none. Newmann had six strikeouts which is a big improvement including 11 whiffs on 82 pitches. Coming into the game Newmann's swinging strike rate was about 5% and his previous high in a game was 7. 8 of the 11 batted-outs came by way of ground balls. Nevin Ashley was 2-3 with a walk, and Chris De La Cruz and Emeel Salem each added two-hit efforts with a double.

A+ Charlotte Stone Crabs Game 1 L 5-2

Frank De Los Santos was up to his sinking tricks generating 11 of 14 batted outs on the ground but that was not enough as he was tagged for five runs on six hits and five walks in seven innings. He did strike out seven but was plagued by a defense that committed four errors including one on a throw by Tim Beckham. Isaias Velasquez paced the offense with a 3-4 effort, while Matt Sweeney was 2-4. Tim Beckham was 0-3 and was caught stealing. Ky Kang turned in a 1-4 performance.

A+ Charlotte Stone Crabs Game 2 L 4-2

MIke Jarman made the spot start and allowed all four runs in three innings. Marquis Fleming pitched two scoreless innings with three walks and two strikeouts, while Josh Satow pitched a clean 6th with one strikeout. Henry Wrigley was 2-3 with his eighth double, and Leslie Anderson was 1-3 with his first American double. Other notables include Tim Beckham 0-3 2Ks, Matt Sweeney 0-2 1 K, and Ky Kang 1-2.

A Bowling Green Hot Rods L 4-1

Wilking Rodriguez took the loss and allowed all four runs in six innings of work. He surrender seven hits, walked none, and struck out seven. Kirby Yates had three strikeouts in two innings of shutout relief. Chris Murrill was 1-3 with a walk and his 12th steal of the year, and Ryan Wiegand was 1-4 with his sixth double.

Mike Compton of the Bowling Green Daily News speculates Shane Dyer's replacement in the rotation will be a new arrival from extended spring training.