The weekly poop on the Louisville Bats.
Where They Stand: The Bats are 34-36 and in third-place in the International League West, eight games behind Indianapolis (42-28), which has the best record in the IL.
The Week That Was: The Bats went 2-4, winning one of three games against visiting Gwinnett at Louisville Slugger Field and one of three at Rochester.
Who’s Hot: Outfielder Steve Selsky went 7-for-14 (.500 batting average) while first baseman Josh Satin went 8-for-23 (.348) with one home run - a two-run shot Sunday that gave Louisville a 3-2 win over the host Red Wings. Right-handed pitcher Matt Buschmann, who opted out of his contract with Tampa Bay on Monday then was signed by the Cincinnati Reds and assigned to the Bats on Saturday, had a great debut Sunday, giving up two earned runs on eight hits while walking one and striking out six in seven innings to pick up the win.
Who’s Not Hot: Outfielder Yorman Rodriguez was 3-for-20 (.150) and fellow outfielder Jason Bourgeois was 3-for-18 (.167). Meanwhile, left-handed pitcher David Holmberg gave up nine runs (eight earned) on 20 hits while walking one and striking out three in 11.2 innings in two starts (one a loss) and right-handed reliever Sam LeCure gave up five earned runs on seven hits while walking one and striking out two in four innings in two appearances (one of which was a loss).
Comings & goings: Coming - Left-handed pitcher Joel Bender was transferred to the Bats from High Class A Daytona and right-handed pitcher Scott Brattvet was transferred from Class A Dayton. Outfielder Brennan Boesch was optioned from Cincinnati, right-handed pitcher Collin Balester was acquired from Pittsburgh and assigned to Louisville, Buschmann and left-handed pitcher Joe Paterson were signed by the Reds and assigned to Louisville. Going - Right-handed pitchers Pedro Villarreal and Carlos Contreras were recalled by Cincinnati, while righty Donovan Hand had his contract purchased by the Reds. Left-handed pitcher Joel Bender and right-hander Josh Smith were transferred to Double-A Pensacola and Dayton, respectively. DL - Left-handed pitcher Layne Somsen (fractured toe) was placed on the 7-day disabled list.
The Week Ahead: The Bats continue their 10-game road trip. They play a four-game set at IL North-leading Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (41-30), beginning at 7:05 p.m. Monday night, before heading to Lehigh Valley (27-45) for three games, beginning Friday.
Photo courtesy Louisville Bats Facebook Page