Dodgers minor league report: Reed not missing bats but piling up innings

Minor League Player of the Day – Jesmuel Valentin, SS (LoA), 3 for 5, double, triple, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI (won't turn 19 until May 12th)

AAA – On some alternate universe, one could imagine a game where former bullpen mates Javy Guerra and Josh Lindblom would matchup as starting pitchers, well on Friday you only had to be in Round Rock, Texas. Guerra pitched fine, allowing only 2 earned runs in 5 innings but Lindblom making his 4th start, pitched better, striking out 6 in 6 2/3 inning while giving up 3 runs as he and his Red Rock Express (Rangers) won 4-3 over the Topes. For the Isotopes, Dee Gordon had a double and a triple in 4 PA, Scott Van Slyke had an 0 for 3 game with a walk, and spring training batting star Brian Barden had 2 hits.

AA – The Lookouts and the Jackson Generals (Mariners) played until the rain came and their game was paused as a 4-4 suspended game (to be made up today). The game featured the fourth consecutive start by Chris Reed where he pitched 6 or more innings. Reed's two strikeouts matched his walk total, he also gave up 7 hits and 1 home run. Former Dodger prospect, Leon Landry hit a 3-run home run off Reed in the top of the 7th to tie the game. C.J. Retherford homered and Gorman Erickson chipped in with 2 hits.

HiA – Rancho Cucamonga's Duke von Schamann and Michael Thomas dominated the Lake Elsinore Storm (Padres) in their 5-1 win. Duke von Schamann had his best game of the year, going 7 2/3 innings and giving up only 1 run on 3 hits, 2 walks and 7 strikeouts. Lefthander Michael Thomas recorded his seventh save, he now has pitched 9 1/3 innings and struck out 14 with 6 hits allowed but no walks. Jon Garcia (formerly Jonathan) hit his third home run and Scott Schebler had a double and triple.

LoA – Zach Bird is young, he won't turn 19 until a month into summer. But he is having a rough April for the Loons. After giving up 6 runs in 7 2/3 innings in his last 2 starts, he gave up 8 runs, 4 hits, 2 home runs and 8 walks in 3 innings last night. That was too much for the Loons to overcome as they lost to the Cedar Rapids Kernels (Twins) 13-8. But the story was the first start at shortstop for Jesmuel Valentin, another 18 year old making his first full minor-league debut for the Loons. Valentin, who walked in his first PA on Thursday, went 3 for 5 with a double, triple, two runs scored and two RBI. James Baldwin has a 6-game hitting streak as he continues to try and climb the Dodger prospect list.

Coming up – Matt Magill is starting for the Isotopes in the third game of their series with the Express. The Lookouts will finish their suspended game and then start Andres Santiago in their regularly scheduled game. Gustavo Gomez will start for the Quakes and he will see Hanley Ramirez on the field with him at Rancho Cucamonga. Ralston Cash and Jharel Cotton will pitch for the Loons as they look to rebound from the loss on Friday.

Albuquerque Isotopes Box Score (AAA)

Chattanooga Lookouts Box Score (AA)

Rancho Cucamonga Quakes Box Score (HiA)

Great Lakes Loons Box Score (LoA)

Minor League Central - Daily Dodger Recap