DAYTON — Carlos Gonzalez made his first appearance with the Dayton Dragons in April when the temperature was in the 30s. That seems long ago now, especially this week — the temperature was 100 degrees for the first pitch Saturday at Fifth Third Field.

Even for a guy from California, the heat and humidity has been brutal. Gonzalez was jealous when his mom called earlier this week from Los Angeles to say it was chilly enough she had to wear a sweater at night.

“I’m over here sweating at midnight,” he told her.

Gonzalez has bounced back and forth between Dayton, Billings and extended spring training. He rejoined the Dragons on June 27 and made his first start of the season Wednesday.

“I’m just going with whatever they say,” he said. “I have my routine down for starts, so whatever they need me to do, it doesn’t matter. I’m enjoying everything and not taking anything for granted. I’m just blessed to be able to be here.”

Rodriguez hitting

After being promoted from Billings on June 22, Yorman Rodriguez hit .194 in nine games in June. In the first six games of July, he hit .458. He went 2-for-3 with a home run and triple in Saturday’s 5-3 victory over Great Lakes.

“His approach at the plate is much better,” manager Delino DeShields said. “He’s at a different place than when I saw him last year. He seems like a happy kid now. He’s focused. He’s a good teammate. He’s playing hard.”

Hamilton to Double-A

It hasn’t been announced officially, but former Dragon Billy Hamilton seemed to announce he will be promoted to Double-A Pensacola after the Futures Game on Sunday.

“It was good @BakoBlaze,” Hamilton wrote on Twitter on Saturday. “I had a blast. I’m sure them guys will keep up the good work.”

Hamilton has 104 stolen bases in 82 games. Another former Dragon, pitcher Kyle Lotzkar, of Pensacola, will also play in the Futures Game.

Dragons 5K

The Dragons are on the road July 15, but the Subway Dragons 5K will take place at 11 a.m. at Fifth Third Field. Subway’s Jared Fogle will be on hand. Cost is $30 and includes vouchers for free Fresh Fit subs from Subway among other goodies.