A day after six Smokies were named Southern League All Stars and five players, with the addition of shortstop Marco Hernandez, from the D-Cubs were named to the North Mid-Season All-Star team in the Florida State League, the Midwest League announced its All-Star rosters.
RHP Paul Blackburn, RHP Jose Arias, C Will Remillard and INF Jordan Hankins were named to the Western Division All-Star squad. The game will take place on June 17 in Grand Rapids at the home of the West Michigan Whitecaps.
Paul Blackburn had a very good day on Wednesday. After being named the organization’s Pitcher of the Month for May, Blackburn was added to the Western Division All-Star team. Blackburn posted a 5-1 record in his first 10 starts with a 2.33 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP. In 54 innings this year, Blackburn has given up 47 hits with 10 walks and 43 strikeouts.
Jose Arias has pitched in 15 games out of the Cougars pen and is 1-1 with a 2.16 ERA and a 1.20 WHIP. Arias has walked 12 batters in 25 innings with 35 strikeouts and 18 hits allowed … and only one of those hits have left the yard.
Will Remillard was the Cubs’ organization Player of the Month for April and is hitting to the tune of a .319/.382/.445 slash line in 35 games this season with 12 doubles, one home run, 10 walks, 18 strikeouts and a .827 OPS. Remillard has thrown out 42 percent of baserunners this season as well. The Cubs selected Remillard in the 19th round of last year’s draft and another draftee, Jordan Hankins, will join him in the All-Star game.
Jordan Hankins has put together a .288/.324/.410 slash line in 39 games with 11 doubles, two home runs, 14 walks and 15 strikeouts for a .734 OPS. Hankins was drafted as a catcher in the 11th round last year but has spent this season at third base after seeing time at second and third in Boise last season after he signed with the Cubs.