Dodgers News: Alex Verdugo, Drillers Teammates Shine In Texas League All-Star Game
Dodgers News: Alex Verdugo, Drillers Teammates Shine In Texas League All-star Game

The Texas League All-star Game took place Tuesday, and 12 members of the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Double-A Tulsa affiliate were named to the North roster, though only nine played. Kyle Farmer is on the disabled list with a toe injury, while Trevor Oaks and Brock Stewart had since joined Triple-A Oklahoma City.

In Stewart’s case, his rapid rise this season translated to a start for the Dodgers on Wednesday. Ultimately, the North were defeated 8-5 by the South, with multiple Drillers shining in the Minor League All-Star Game.

Right-hander Chase De Jong started the game, and while he faced just one hitter, the at-bat ended on a strikeout. Two other pitchers, Scott Barlow and Caleb Dirks, went one inning apiece, allowing one earned run while striking out two.

The bigger news now involving Dirks is his being included in a five-player trade with the Atlanta Braves. Former Major League outfielder turned pitcher Jordan Schafer also saw time on the mound, as he struck out a batter and walked one before being replaced.

The Drillers also had four of the starting nine position players. Outfielder Alex Verdugo started in right field and batted fourth. The 20 year old played the whole game and went 3-for-5 with a double.

Second baseman Willie Calhoun batted second and went 0-for-2 with a sacrifice fly, while he was joined by his Drillers double play partner Drew Maggi, who started at shortstop and went 1-for-3 with a single and a walk.

The final Driller in the lineup was left fielder Jacob Scavuzzo, who also played the entire game and went 1-for-4. Catcher Paul Hoenecke entered the game in the sixth inning and went 0-for-2.

Calhoun will soon find himself in a similar setting as he was named to the U.S. team in the 2016 Futures Game in San Diego during All-star week.

The Drillers record currently sits at 41-34, which ranks second in the Texas League North division.