Phillies' Aaron Nola, J.P Crawford to play in Futures Game
The Philadelphia Phillies will be well represented at the 2015 MLB Futures Games over the All-Star break, as their top two prospects are slated to play in the showcase game.
The Phillies respective No. 1 and No. 2 prospects, shortstop J.P. Crawford and right-handed pitcher Aaron Nola, have both been excelling in the minors this season, and are demonstrating that they're both on the verge of being major-league ready.
In 45 games this season, Crawford is hitting .339/.440/.432 with two home runs, 17 RBI, and seven stolen bases. The speedy 6-foot-2, 180-pound shortstop is known more for his fielding prowess, and has drawn comparisons to former Phillies great Jimmy Rollins.
This will be Crawford's second-consecutive Futures Game.
"I was surprised," Crawford said, per the Philadelphia Inquirer. "Not too many people go two years in a row. It's a real honor. It feels great. I didn't know if I was going to be able to go this year again, but thankfully again."
Nola, who was drafted in the first round in 2014, a year after Crawford was selected by the Phillies in the first round, has yet to play in a Futures Game, which will make his appearance in this year's game all the more exciting for Phillies fans.
In 14 starts in the minors this season, the 6-foot-1, 195-pound 22-year-old righty from LSU has gone 9-3 with a 1.91 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, .219 opponent batting average, and 73 strikeouts in 89 1/3 innings of work.
The 2015 MLB Futures Game will be played Monday, July 13 at 3 p.m. ET at Cincinnati's Great American Ballpark.
(h/t Philadelphia Inquirer)
