Tribe Minor League Report: Four Clippers Named AAA All Stars

Despite the Tribe not playing yesterday, the news was not all bad. The IL All Star team was announced, and in addition to manager Mike Sarbaugh–who will be heading the squad–four players are heading to the contest as well.

The three highlights are prospects. Second baseman Jason Kipnis leads the group, and is joined by pitchers Zach McAllister and Jeanmar Gomez. The Clippers contingent is rounded out by none other than Sweet Luis Valbuena.

Valbuena leads all regulars on the Clippers in hitting, with a .319 average in 70 games. Kipnis is not far behind, hitting .301 in 77 games. Both infielders are also mashing, with a .524 and .526 slugging mark respectively.

For the pitchers, McAllister and Gomez have been battling for the mantle of “ace” of the staff for most of the year. McAllister won his first seven decisions, and is currently 8-2 in 14 starts with a paltry 2.93 ERA. Sounds good? How about Gomez, who is also 8-2 in 12 starts, and whose ERA is even better at 2.49. Both pitchers also have two complete games and a shut-out on their season resume.

The 24th annual Triple-A All-Star Game, slated for July 13 in Salt Lake City at 9 p.m. EDT. The matchup will be broadcast live on MLB Network and the Triple-A All-Star Game Radio Network.

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Photo Credit: Matt Burton/MiLB.com