Alumni report

Travis Risser was off a sensational start for the Columbus Catfish (Tampa Bay) in the Class A South Atlantic League, posting five saves and a 1.64 ERA in nine appearances. Risser, however, was sent back to extended spring training on May 1. At this point, I don't know if he was injured or not. In an interesting twist, the player who went from extended spring to Columbus to replace Risser is Aaron Hinkle, a former teammate of Risser's at Coastal Carolina University.

* Pitcher Patrick Stanley has made three appearances (one start) for the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League. Stanley is 0-0 with a 4.00 ERA but has given up only seven hits and struck out 10 batters in nine innings.