More storms left Jackson postponed again, but James Paxton (Talk40 #3) returned quickly from knee "issues."

But now there are more than knee "issues" for Jesus Montero.  He has a torn meniscus and will be out of action for four-to-six weeks.  Surgery required.

AAA -- Tacoma 5, Sacramento 3  -- Box

Paxton had no miraculous cure from extra rest: 4.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 2 K.  Still laboring with a lot of pitches: 88 to get through 4.0 IP.  Not sure where all this is heading because nothing seems to be changing.

Meanwhile, after eight altitude games (Reno, Colorado Springs), the Rainiers were back in Tacoma.  The bats quieted down quite a bit, with the five runs (three of them earned) coming on only two extra-base hits and two walks, plus six singles.

In other words, the offensive extravaganza of the other night was far in the rear-view mirror.  Brad Miller (Talk40 #6) had a triple and a single, and Eric Thames had a double and a single.  Abraham Almonte (26intheMix) delivered two singles, a walk and a stolen base.

Brian Sweeney struck out four in 3.0 IP of scoreless relief.  I still think he'd do every bit as well as Jeremy Bonderman in a fifth-starter role.

High-A -- Modesto 3, High Desert 1 -- Box

As we mentioned yesterday, Modesto is not one of the notorious Cal League pinball parks, so pitchers probably like the break.

Except it was the Modesto pitchers doing the enjoying.  The Mavericks only produced two hits.  Only one went for extra bags, and that was from utility guy Dillon Hazlett.  No Blash Splash, no Choi Joy, nothing Taylor Made.  Oh well.

Low-A -- Burlington 7, Clinton 4 [10 innings] -- Box

Another tense one in Iowa, with the Bees busting open the back-and-forth affair with three in the 10th off usually  reliable Grady Wood (26intheMix) (but only one was earned).

"Glove first" shorstop Ketel Marte (26intheMix) has been making strides at the plate.  The switch-hitting teen will never have power, but he'll get the occasional double and triple ... and he had one of each on Saturday.  His May line: .264/.293/.306.  It may not seem like much, but it's progress from what he showed last year in Everett.

Looking Ahead

If Jackson gets on the field, Taijuan Walker (Talk40 #2) is scheduled, but the rotation may get pushed back due to the postponements.  Or they may want to keep Taijuan on his regular schedule.  Tacoma's starter is "TBA" again.