Dodgers Send 2 To Futures Game, Corey Seager Not Permitted To Play
Along with the 2015 MLB All-Star Game rapidly approaching, so too is the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game. Both games are being held at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati with the Futures game scheduled for Sunday, July 12 and the MLB All-Star Game on Tuesday, July 14.
Last year the Los Angeles Dodgers sent Corey Seager and Julio Urias to the Futures Game, and were represented by Dee Gordon, Zack Greinke, Clayton Kershaw and Yasiel Puig in the Major-League game. While All-Star voting is ongoing, the World Team and U.S. Team rosters for the Futures Game were announced Thursday.
Dodgers representation in the prospects-laden game include Double-A Tulsa catcher Kyle Farmer (U.S. Team) and Triple-A Oklahoma City pitcher Juan Gonzalez (World Team). Urias’ absence can be tied to the cosmetic surgery he underwent on his left eye. As for why Seager isn’t included, Bill Shaikin of the LA Times reports the Dodgers didn’t grant permission for him to play:
I'm told Dodgers declined to approve Corey Seager's selection to Futures Game.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 25, 2015
To those asking, LA declining to let Seager play Futures Game has no impact on possible callup. Callups are replaced on Futures rosters.
— Bill Shaikin (@BillShaikin) June 25, 2015
Farmer has spent time this season with High-A Rancho Cucamonga and the Drillers. He’s batting .337/.396/.515 in 44 games with the Quakes, and .327/.364/.500 with the Drillers, where he’s currently playing. Farmer caught a combined 17 baserunners stealing this season.
Gonzalez, a right-handed relief pitcher, has appeared in nine games for the Drillers. He owns a 2.16 ERA and has five strikeouts to three walks in 8.1 innings. Opponents are batting .290 against him, .184 overall if you include his time with the Drillers. On the season Gonzalez has a combined 22 appearances under his belt with a 1.07 ERA and 0.95 WHIP.
After tearing the cover off the ball in Double-A Seager is batting .286/.342/.465 with six home runs and 24 RBIs in 46 games with the Oklahoma City Dodgers. His continued success has led to further speculation a call-up to the Majors will come at some point this season. It can be presumed the Dodgers made their decision based on not wanting Seager to risk injury.
[divide]Sorey Seager Not Feeling Pressure