Matt Barnes, Xander Bogaerts to Represent Red Sox in Futures Game During All-Star Week
Matt Barnes and Xander Bogaerts were named to the rosters for the All-Star Futures Game which will take place as part of the All-Star festivities next month in Kansas City. Barnes will represent Team USA while Bogaerts will play for the World team.
The game will take place on July 8.
Barnes has been on a tear as of late, boasting a 7-1 record with a 0.99 ERA in 13 starts while splitting his time in Greenville and Salem. The 2011 draft pick also has 95 strikeouts in just 72 2/3 innings, with 53 of those punchouts coming since being promoted to High-A.
Bogaerts, who entered the season ranked No. 2 behind Will Middlebrooks on Baseball America's top 10 Red Sox prospects list, has been equally impressive this season. The native of Aruba is hitting .293 with Salem, showing good pop with 26 extra-base hits, including nine home runs.
Some of the other big names participating are Orioles prospects Dylan Bundy and Manny Machado. Last year's No. 1 overall pick Gerrit Cole (Pittsburgh) will play, as will Trevor Bauer. Jurickson Profar, who is considered one of baseball's top prospects, will be making another Futures Game appearance as well.
Middlebrooks, Josh Beckett, Clay Buchholz, Jacoby Ellsbury, Adrian Gonzalez, Kevin Youkilis and Carl Crawford are all among current Red Sox players who have played in the Futures Game.
