Number 2 prospect Jameson Taillon gets the start tonight from Bradenton. In his last start on 5/27, he allowed five runs in just 3.2 innings. He will face Brevard County for the first time this year. Jeff Karstens was scheduled to make his rehab start yesterday but a two hour rain delay forced a change of plans, with Rick VandenHurk starting in his place. A full recap of yesterday’s games can be found here.
Triple-A: Indianapolis (31-22) VS Syracuse (25-28) 7:15pm
Probable starter: Jeff Karstens (0-1 6.23)
Yesterday’s Result: Indianapolis 4 Durham 0 (game story)
Jeff Karstens will make his third rehab start since going on the disabled list on April 18th with right shoulder inflammation. He pitched for Altoona on 5/21, going three scoreless innings, with two hits allowed, no walks and one strikeout. In his last start five days ago for Indy, he went 4.1 innings, allowing five runs(three earned) on two hits and two walks. Before going on the DL, he made three starts for the Pirates. He allowed one run in six innings on 4/7 against the Phillies. Jeff then allowed three runs in five innings against the Dodgers on 4/12. In his last start, he threw just one inning before leaving the game.
Double-A: Altoona (23-28) VS Portland (22-31) 7:00pm
Probable starter: Nate Baker (3-5 5.17)
Yesterday’s Result: Altoona 5 Richmond 4 in 11 innings
Nate Baker will make his tenth start of the season tonight. He has also made one relief appearance. He has pitched a total of 47 innings, allowing 43 hits, 27 walks and he’s struck out 25 batters. In his last start, Nate gave up four runs in three innings against a Bowie team that had three major leaguers on rehab in their lineup. He allowed three hits and a season high of five walks. This will be his first appearance of the season against Portland. Baker has a 2.95 ERA at home this year in 21.1 innings.
High-A: Bradenton (24-29) @ Brevard County (21-31) 6:35pm
Probable starter: Jameson Taillon (3-4 3.29)
Yesterday’s Result: Bradenton 2 Ft Myers 1 in 10 innings
Jameson Taillon will make his 11th start of the season tonight. He has pitched a total of 52 innings, allowing 41 hits and 15 walks while striking out 48 batters. He has struggled in two of his last three starts, allowing a combined eleven runs over 9.1 innings during those games. After posting a 1.46 ERA in five April starts, Jameson posted a 4.94 ERA in five May starts. He also saw his K rate go from 28 in 24.2 innings during April, down to 20 in 27.1 innings in May. Batters are hitting .214 against him on the season.
Low-A: West Virginia (18-36) @ Hickory (27-25) 7:00pm
Probable starter: Nick Kingham (1-2 4.95)
Yesterday’s Result: West Virginia 2 Hickory 3
Nick Kingham will make his 11th start of the season tonight. He has pitched a total of 40 innings, allowing 44 hits, six homers, eleven walks and he’s recorded 37 strikeouts. In the month of May, Nick had a 2.84 ERA over 25.1 innings, covering five starts. In five April starts he had a 8.59 ERA. On the road this year, he has a 7.20 ERA in six starts. Kingham is third on the team in strikeouts and his 1.38 WHIP is second on the team among starting pitchers.
