Sunday Pebble Report: Butler battles for first win, Chacin makes second rehab start

The affiliates were 1-2 on the night, with Asheville's game postponed due to rain.

AAA: New Orleans 3, Colorado Springs 0

Just a night after pounding out 19 hits, the Sky Sox could only muster two (by Jason Pridie and Angelys Nina) in their loss to New Orleans. Yohan Flande had a quality start in a losing effort, allowing three runs on six hits with three strikeouts over six innings of work.

AA: Tulsa 9, NW Arkansas 3

Believe it or not, but NW Arkansas actually out-hit Tulsa 10-9 in this one, but the Drillers managed to overcome an early deficit to overtake their opponents, then widen the gap. Delta Cleary had three hits for Tulsa, while Cristhian Adames (PuRP 13) added two and Tyler Massey hit a solo homer - his first of the year. But that's not what you want to hear about. Let's talk Eddie Butler.

Butler (PuRP 2) actually had what was his roughest outing of the season in this one, lasting only five innings and 84 pitches while allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out four. Still, since pitching wins are silly, he managed to take the victory in this one thanks to strong run support and fine relief work by Nelson Gonzalez and Cole White.

The right-hander now has four starts under his belt in 2014 and has thrown 23 2/3 innings, allowing eight runs (good for a 3.04 ERA) on 20 hits while striking out 21 batters and walking six. Butler hasn't gone deep into a game yet, obviously at the urging of the big club, but he's generally been effective in AA action thus far.

High A: Lake Elsinore 3, Modesto 1

Despite banging out 12 hits in the game (11 of them singles), Modesto was only able to scratch out one run in this one. David Kandilas and Matt Wessinger had three hits each for the Nuts, while Rosell Herrera (PuRP 4) and Derek Jones each added two knocks. The team was a woeful 1-12 with RISP for the game, hence the low run total.

Meanwhile, Jhoulys Chacin made his second rehab start for Modesto in this one, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk while striking out two in 4 2/3 innings and 61 pitches. The runs came in one blow, a three run homer by Hunter Renfroe (San Diego's first round draft pick last year) in the third inning.

Considering that this is basically Chacin's spring training, I'm not too worried about results at this time. Jhoulys will build his pitch count and arm strength over a couple more minor league starts and still appears to be on track to get to the majors sometime in May.

Low A: As mentioned above, Asheville's game was postponed due to rain

Today's scheduled pitchers

AAA: Christian Friedrich

AA: OFF

High A: OFF

Low A: OFF