Norfolk
Right-hander Steve Johnson (St. Paul's) is pitching for the Tides like he's ready to take a spot in the Orioles bullpen. Working exclusively as a reliever for the first time, Johnson had 18 strikeouts in 12 1/3 innings to go with a 0.73 ERA through Friday. He'll need to be added to the 40-man roster to be called up, but he's pitching well enough to warrant it.
Bowie
Right-hander Dylan Bundy's quest to return to full heath after Tommy John surgery on his right elbow in 2013 appears to be nearing completion. Bundy turned in his second scoreless start in four tries on Wednesday, striking out five and not allowing a walk or hit in three innings. He's limited to three-inning stints for the time being while the Orioles manage his innings.Through four starts, he has 14 strikeouts to just two walks in 12 innings, with a 3.00 ERA.
Frederick
Shortstop Adrian Marin, who is in his second year with Frederick at age 21, had six two-hit games in nine contests entering Friday, raising his average from .220 to .286 in the process. Marin, a third-round pick in 2012, is also striking out less. He has lowered his strikeout percentage from 22.4 percent a year ago to 11.9 percent through 84 plate appearances this year. His walk rate, however, is close to last year's 4.6 percent.
Delmarva
Four of the Shorebirds' five starters had ERAs under 3.00entering Friday. Sebastian Vader (1-0, 1.42 ERA) and Bennett Parry (1-1, 1.76 ERA) lead the way, while John Means (2-0, 2.57 ERA) and Brian Gonzalez (1-0, 2.70 ERA) have also turned in good months. The fifth starter, Matthew Grimes, leads the team and ranks second in the league with 26 strikeouts, fanning 11 in five scoreless innings on Tuesday.