Rehabbing in C.R.

CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapids pitcher Dan Reynolds is beginning his climb back into the good graces of the Los Angeles Angels organization.

In his first start following his May 28 reinstatement from a 50-game suspension for a second violation of the Minor League Drug Testing Program, Reynolds gave up two runs on two hits in two innings Friday night as the Kernels outslugged the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, 14-9, before 4,044 fans on Hawkeye Sports Night at Veterans Memorial Stadium.

“Yeah, it felt great,” said Reynolds, who was held to a strict 45-pitch limit. “I just wasn't fully prepared, you know I walked a few guys. I really didn't give my defense a chance. Other than that, it felt great.”

In addition to walking the bases loaded in the second inning, Reynolds hit a batter in the first. He did record four of his six outs via strikeout with a fastball that topped out at 93.

“I was really looking more to pitch to contact, let my defense do the work,” Reynolds said. “But today I just got out of my element.”

On Jan. 31, Major League Baseball announced Reynolds had again tested positive for what they term a “drug of abuse”, which is not indicative of a performance-enhancer.

“Just being young and stupid,” Reynolds said. “Just not thinking at all.”

Knowing a third violation could result in a suspension of 100 games or even a full season, Reynolds vows not to disappoint the organization that made him a sixth-round pick in 2009 out of Durango High School in Las Vegas.

“I just have to go about my business the way I need to go about it, in a more professional way,” Reynolds said. “Just not be stupid, hang out with the wrong crowd. I mean, this is my career, I'm taking it by the reins.”

The Kernels sent 12 men to the plate in a seven-run second inning to provide enough cushion to take three out of four games from the Western Division leaders. Kaleb Cowart extended his hitting streak to 10 games and drove in five runs to take over the league lead with 44.

Cedar Rapids (25-30) begins a six-game road trip Saturday night at Clinton.