PACIFIC COAST LEAGUE

Prospect Of The Day

Tucson righthander Max Scherzer (Diamondbacks) last night took an encouraging step forward from the shoulder inflammation that landed him in the disabled list. He struck out seven Tacoma batters in five innings, while walking only one, as he increased his pitch count to 74. Scherzer, 24, gave up two runs on four hits in the Sidewinders’ 9-4 win.

Prospect Nuggets

Salt Lake SS Brandon Wood (Angels) struck his 28th home run of the season in the Bees’ 12-1 walloping of Fresno. He was 1-for-4 with two RBIs, two runs scored, a walk and a strikeout . . . New Orleans RHP Bobby Parnell (Mets) won his Triple-A debut by going six innings and giving up two runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked two . . . Sacramento RF Aaron Cunningham (Athletics) clubbed his second homer in 14 Triple-A at-bats. He went 2-for-4 with an RBI, a strikeout and two runs scored.

INTERNATIONAL LEAGUE

Prospect Of The Day

Pawtucket righthander Michael Bowden (Red Sox) struck out six Charlotte batters and walked one in six innings yesterday. The 21-year-old gave up two runs (one earned) on six hits, and Pawtucket fell 5-4 to lose a half-game on first-place (and idle) Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Bowden has gone 0-2, 3.58 with 20 strikeouts, four walks and five home runs in 27 2/3 innings for Pawtucket.

Prospect Nuggets

Though Indianapolis RHP Dan McCutchen (Pirates) surrendered two home runs for the second straight start, he limited the damage to Rochester to three runs on eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out six and walked none . . . Rochester CF Jason Pridie (Twins) has turned up the heat in August, and that’s coming on the heels of a scorching July. The 24-year-old Pridie went 2-for-4 yesterday with a double (17), a run scored and an RBI, and he’s now batting .465/.531/.605 through 43 at-bats this month . . . Toledo 1B Jeff Larish (Tigers) went 2-for-4 with two runs, two whiffs and his 18th double.

What To Watch For Today

Syracuse LHP Brett Cecil (Blue Jays) takes his third Triple-A turn against Rochester. Scranton RHP Phil Hughes (Yankees) makes his second Triple-A start in preparation for his big league return.