NEW YORK—Pedro Alvarez, taken by Pittsburgh with the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, highlights the U.S. roster for next month’s Futures game to be played during the All-Star festivities.
Alvarez, the Pirates’ top prospect and third baseman of the future, was promoted to Double-A Altoona of the Eastern League on Monday.
The Futures Game brings together many of the top prospects in the minor leagues with the U.S. squad taking on the World squad. It’ll be held July 12 at Busch Stadium, two days before the major league All-Star game.
Also scheduled to play are Phillies right-hander Kyle Drabek, son of former pitcher Doug Drabek; Rockies prospect Eric Young, son of former infielder Eric Young; and Athletics minor leaguer Jemile Weeks, the brother of Brewers second baseman Rickie Weeks.
Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith and St. Louis third base coach Jose Oquendo will serve as managers for the game. Smith, who spent most of his career with the Cardinals, will guide the U.S. team, while Oquendo will lead the World squad.
Among other top prospects scheduled to participate include: lefties Brian Matusz (Orioles) and Madison Bumgarner (Giants), right-hander Casey Kelly (Red Sox), catcher Jason Castro (Astros), infielders Brett Wallace (Cardinals) and Danny Espinosa (Nationals) and outfielders Jason Heyward (Braves) and Mike Stanton (Marlins).
