Las Vegas 51s @ Tucson Padres, 10:05pm EST
Rafael Montero (0-1, 2.25 ERA) vs. Brandon Kloess (2-2, 3.91 ERA)
Montero got his first start with the 51s on June 15th as a permanent member of their starting rotation. The right-hander earned the no-decision against Colorado Springs, throwing 5.1 innings and allowing five runs (only one earned) on seven hits, no walks, and seven strikeouts. Prior to his promotion, he was white-hot in Binghamton, and finished his time there with a 7-3 record, 2.43 ERA, 72 strikeouts, and 10 walks in 66.2 innings pitched. He’s not on the 40-man roster, so it remains to be seen if he’ll get a September call-up, but I wouldn’t anticipate it.
Binghamton Mets @ Richmond Flying Squirrels, 6:35pm EST
Cory Mazzoni (2-2, 4.33 ERA) vs. Chris Gloor (5-1, 3.57 ERA)
Mazzoni earned his first loss since May 6th in his last start, which came on June 14th at Bowie. He allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits, one walk, and six strikeouts in six innings pitched. He’s now thrown at last six innings in his last three starts, including four of his last five. Right-handers have been giving Mazzoni the most trouble this season, as they’re hitting .290 off him and he owns a 5.56 ERA. In 43.2 innings pitched this season, he’s struck out 46 hitters, while allowing 12 walks.
St. Lucie Mets @ Palm Beach Cardinals, 6:30pm EST
Domingo Tapia (2-4, 3.40 ERA) vs. TBD
Tapia makes his first start since coming back from the FSL All-Star break. His last appearance came on June 13th against Clearwater. The right-hander lasted four innings after allowing two runs on five hits, five walks, and four strikeouts. Obviously, the walks have been the biggest issue this season for Tapia, as his last start was the fourth time in 11 starts he’s walked at least three hitters. In 47.2 innings pitched, he’s allowed 25 free passes, which equals a 4.7 BB/9IP. This is uncharacteristic of him compared to the rest of his career. He owns a career BB/9IP of 2.9 (including this season).
Savannah Sand Gnats @ Lexington Legends, 7:05pm EST
Logan Taylor (0-1, 3.18 ERA) vs. Miguel Almonte (3-4, 3.82 ERA)
Taylor gets the second half of the season start for the Gnats in Lexington. His last start came on June 11th against Asheville. He threw a season-high six shutout innings, allowing four hits on three walks, and a season-high six strikeouts. He’s been transitioning to the starting rotation well after compiling a 0.93 ERA in 13 relief appearances with Brooklyn last season. This will be his third start on the road, and he’ll hope to have better results than the first two (0-1 record, 6.75 ERA, eight innings pitched).
Aberdeen Ironbirds @ Brooklyn Cyclones, 7:00pm EST
Austin Urban (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs. John Gant (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
John Gant should be making the start for the Cyclones at MCU Park tonight for Brooklyn’s home opener. He spent most of 2012 in Kingsport with the Mets before getting one start in Savannah. With the K-Mets, Gant went 3-3 with a 4.55 ERA, 47 strikeouts, and 19 walks in 55.1 innings pitched. He got hit hard in his once appearance with the Gnats, giving up five runs on 10 hits.
Johnson City Cardinals @ Kingsport Mets, 7:00pm EST
TBD vs. Martires Arias (0-0, 0.00 ERA)
Signed as an amateur free agent, Arias spent 2009 and 2010 in the Dominican Summer League before making his way to the GCL Mets in 2011. This will be his second season in the Appalachian League with Kingsport. In 2012, Arias appeared in 12 games as a reliever (16.1 innings pitched) and posted a 2-2 record, 2.76 ERA, with 18 strikeouts and eight walks.
Always really excited for Montero Day, but the story for me tonight is Tapia. This kid seems to have legit talent, and all the projectable tools you look for. However, it’d be nice to see him starting to cut down the walks and dominate hitters.