How they're doing: Solon's Loveless goes to Double-A ... briefly

CEDAR RAPIDS — The big news this week is former Solon prep Derrick Loveless was promoted, albeit briefly.

The outfielder was sent to Double-A New Hampshire of the Eastern League where he played four games before the parent Toronto Blue Jays moved him back to high-A Dunedin of the Florida State League. Loveless went 1-for-3 in Double-A, and hit a home run Wednesday night against Portland.

Loveless has improved his batting average for Dunedin to .243 in 22 games.

Here's a look at the other Metro/Area/Former University of Iowa guys in the minor and major leagues:

How They're Doing

Colin Rea (Cascade): Pitcher is 3-1 with a 4.24 earned run average in eight games, seven starts for the San Diego Padres. Allowed seven hits and four runs over five innings in his last start, against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field.

Scott Schebler (Cedar Rapids Prairie): Outfielder is 2-for-17 in five games since being reassigned by Cincinnati Reds to Triple-A Louisville. Does have a pair of RBIs.

Chad Christensen (Cedar Rapids Washington): Has .212 batting average in 26 games for high-Class A Fort Myers (Twins). Outfielder has two home runs and seven RBIs.

Matt Dermody (University of Iowa): Relief pitcher has 1-1 record, two saves and 2.40 earned run average in 13 games for high-A Dunedin (Blue Jays). Has 18 strikeouts in 15 innings.

Jon Keller (Cedar Rapids Xavier): Pitcher has 4.20 ERA in eight games for Double-A Bowie (Orioles). Threw three shutout innings in his last appearance.

Mitch Keller (Cedar Rapids Xavier): Six great starts for low-A West Virginia (Pirates). Has 3-1 record and 0.79 earned run average, allowing just 17 hits in 34 innings, striking out 42.

l Comments: (319) 398-8259; jeff.johnson@thegazette.com