Jon Gray roughed up, but the training wheels are off

Triple-A Albuquerque (32-44)

Salt Lake 8, Salt Lake 6 | MiLB.com Box

Jon Gray turned in his worst start since April and failed to make it through six innings for the first time since May 15. In 4.1 innings, Gray allowed six runs on 11 hits. He walked four and struck out five. Reports from the game suggest that Gray wasn't exactly hittable in this one, but that a lot of grounders found their way to the outfield. Matt Gross noted in the comments to yesterday's game wrap that 11 of the 16 balls in play Gray allowed landed for hits, which is a BABIP of .688.

Those same reports also indicate that Gray's fastball hit 98, which he hasn't done much (if at all) this season. As the game wore on, however, Gray lost his command of the strike zone. In all, it's starting to look like Gray is at the final stages of his fine tuning on the farm. He threw at least 100 pitches for the fourth time in his last five starts, so he's stretched out. And he threw his fastest of fastballs without training wheel inhibition. The results of this game notwithstanding, it still looks like Gray Day isn't far in the future.

Oh yeah, and there was a game. The Isotopes lost. Cristhian Adames and Drew Stubbs had multi-hit games. Stubbs drove in three and had a triple on the day. He raised his Triple-A average to .258. In relief, Jairo Diaz tossed a clean inning and struck out a batter.

Double-A New Britain (40-34)

Suspended in the third inning—no score. To be resumed today.

High-A Modesto (35-38)

San Jose 6, Modesto 5 | MiLB.com Box

Heading into the eighth inning down 6-1, the Nuts rallied for a run in the eighth and three in the ninth, but they ultimately fell short. Starting pitcher Alex Balog had a rough day. He went 4.2 innings and gave up four runs on eight hits. He struck out three, and his bright spot of the day was that he didn't walk a batter.

All Star-PuRPs Raimel Tapia and Jordan Patterson each had a double in the game. Corolla Prime, Rosell Herrera, and Ashley Graeter each collected multiple hits in the loss.

Single-A Asheville (34-39)

Asheville 4, Kannapolis 0 | MiLB.com Box

Carlos Polanco was the organizational pitching star of the day. he tossed eight shutout innings, during which he allowed two hits and a walk. He struck out eight batters. The effort lowered his season ERA to 4.65. The 21 year old out of the Dominican Republic has struck out 66 batters in 71.2 innings pitched during his first go at full season ball.

Forrest Wall had a good day at the plate. He went 2-3 with a double and two walks. It's unclear whether or not the walks were due to patience or wildness from the opposition, as the Tourists garnered eight free passes in the win.

Short Season-A Boise (4-6)

Everett 6, Boise 1 | MiLB.com Box
The Boise offense couldn't get anything going in this one. Joey Wong had a double for the team's sole extra base hit. Starting pitcher Colin Welmon was responsible for three of the runs Boise gave up. He allowed six hits and three runs in four innings of work. he walked two and struck out three. Cesar Villarroel allowed two more on two hits in two innings, and Logan Cozar gave up a run in one inning of relief.

Dominican Summer League Rockies (12-13)

DSL Rockies 2, DSL Dodgers 1 | MiLB.com Box

Starting pitcher Yohander Quintana threw five innings, during which he allowed a run, walked a batter, and struck out four. That was all the DSL Dodgers got on the day. Right fielder Ramon Marcelino hit a two run homer, giving the DSL Rox all the offense they needed on the day.

Rookie Grand Junction (7-3)

Grand Junction 6, Idaho Falls 3 | MiLB.com Box

Future PuRP Brendan Rodgers went 0-3 on the day with a walk, signaling that he hasn't fully recovered from his devastating decline. Daniel Suero, Sam Hilliard, and Chris Rabago each posted multi-hit games and drove in four of the GJ Rockies' six runs.

Recent draftee Parker French had an uneven day from the mound. He threw 5.2 innings and gave up three runs on six hits, two of which were dingers, but he also struck out seven batters.

Today's probables

Triple-A Albuquerque: Eddie Butler

Double-A New Britain: Ryan Carpenter

High-A Modesto: Zach Jemiola

Single-A Asheville: Sam Howard

Short Season-A Boise: Ryan McCormick

Rookie Grand Junction: James McMahon