:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13739589/118755176.0.jpg)
In Willie Bloomquist's first three games of rehab with Reno he's gone 5 for 11 with 7 RBI, indicating he's not too far off from being ready to return to the big club. The obvious move is that he'll replace Josh Wilson on the roster as soon as he's deemed ready. The next question is how does he see playing time. I'd surmise he'll take over the second base job against left handers, further cutting into Pennington's playing time. The bigger question is what happens when Hill is ready. Pennington is signed for two years and $5 million. I find it hard to believe they would just cut him so it's unlikely he's going anywhere. They can't really cut an outfielder. It's possible Bloomquist will only last until Hill comes back. They could always invent another injury for Willie to go back on the DL. I guess it's nice to have this kind of depth to force difficult decisions like this. But difficult decisions are indeed coming.
Snake Stars
3 Stars: Gerson Montilla, Visalia 3 for 5, 1 R, 1 HR (6), 1 RBI
2 Stars: Blake Perry, South Bend 5 IP, 4 H, 3 BB, 4 K, 1 ER, W (2-2)
1 Star: Taylor Harbin, Reno 2 for 4, 1 BB, 1 R, 1 DBL, 1 TPL, 2 RBI
0 Stars: Warner Madrigal, Reno 1/3 IP, 2 H, 2 BB, 1 K, 4 ER
Triple A: Reno 10 Tacoma 11. The Aces had this one in the bag until a 9th inning bullpen meltdown led to 5 runs and a 1-run loss. Warner Madrigal was the primary bullpen culprit with Bo Schultz putting on the final touches. Willy Paredes was called up from Visalia to make the start in Skaggs' absence and didn't do too badly. He was in line for the win after going 5 innings allowing 5 runs (4 earned) on 5 hits and no walks while striking out 4. The offense cranked out 4 doubles and 2 triples with Taylor Harbin leading the way with one of each. Tyler Kuhn went 3 for 4 with a double and Willie Bloomquist had 2 hits with a triple and 3 RBI. Chris Owings added 2 hits with a double and an RBI.
Double A: Mobile 4 Mississippi 3. The Bay Bears got another walkoff win in the 9th when Nick Ahmed stole home on a double steal with 2 outs. Mike Freeman was the only player with multiple hits getting 2 singles, but the offense did steal 6 bases with Ahmed nabbing 2. Bradin Hagens started and had a decent outing allowing 2 runs on 3 hits and 4 walks with 6 strikeouts over 5.2 innings. Blake Cooper got the win in relief with a perfect 9th.
High A: Visalia 6 Modesto 9. Kyle Winkler had yet another difficult start allowing 7 runs in 6 innings including 4 home runs. The offense wasn't bad but couldn't overcome that. Gerson Montilla had a 3-hit night including his 6th homer. Kerry Jenkins had 2 doubles and Sean Jamieson had a pair of singles.
Low A: South Bend 2 Lansing 1. Blake Perry had his 3rd consecutive start in which he allowed just 1 run, this time going 5 innings. Robert Coe followed with 3 scoreless innings and RJ Hively pitched a scoreless 9th for his 13th save. The offense managed just 7 hits with Kevin Medrano's bases-loaded single being the difference maker.