Rodgers, McMahon earn Futures Game roles
DENVER -- Two infielders who are rapidly moving through the Rockies' Minor League system -- Double-A Hartford's Brendan Rodgers, the team's No. 1 prospect according to MLBPipeline.com, and Triple-A Albuquerque's Ryan McMahon, the No. 5 prospect -- will represent the organization in the 2017 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game during All-Star Weekend.
Rodgers and McMahon will play for Team USA against the World team July 9 at Marlins Park in Miami in the 19th installment of the game involving top Minor League prospects. Both were so dominant offensively at the start of the year that they earned promotions.
The 2017 SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game takes place on Sunday, July 9, at 2 p.m. MT at Marlins Park in Miami and can be viewed live on MLB Network and MLB.com.
:: 2017 Futures Game coverage ::
Rodgers, 20, the Rockies' top pick and the third overall selection in the 2015 MLB Draft, hit .400 with 12 home runs, 21 doubles, three triples and 46 RBIs in 48 games at Class A Advanced Lancaster in the California League. Two years out of Lake Mary (Fla.) High School, Rodgers dominated in a league that pitted him against former collegiate players -- a situation where high school signees often struggle the first year.
In his first seven games at Hartford, Rodgers hit .259 (7-for-27). Rodgers has played mostly shortstop -- 44 games at Lancaster, seven at Hartford -- and played four games at second base at Lancaster.
McMahon, 22, a second-round choice in 2013, slugged his way out of Hartford by batting .326 with six homers and 32 RBIs in 49 games, and hasn't slowed at Albuquerque. Through 25 games, he is hitting .440 (48-for-109) with six home runs, 14 doubles (two fewer than at Double-A) and 26 RBIs.
The last two seasons, McMahon has been in Major League camp. Drafted as a third baseman, McMahon has played more games at first (25 at Hartford, 14 at Albuquerque) and also has seen significant time at second base and third base at both levels.
Team USA will be managed by former Major League catcher Charles Johnson, who was with the Marlins for seven of his 12 big league seasons, and spent two seasons (2003-04) with the Rockies.
The SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game will last nine innings, and in the event of a tie, a 10th inning will be played. The game will not go longer than 10 innings, regardless of the score. Players and coaches will be outfitted in special SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game caps and jerseys.
As part of its live All-Star Week programming, Matt Vasgersian, Mike Lowell, Heidi Watney and MLB.com prospect expert Jonathan Mayo will have the call live from Marlins Park.
The Minor League Baseball umpires who will work the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game are Nate Tomlinson (home plate) of the Texas League, Erich Bacchus (first base) of the Eastern League, Jason Starkovich (second base) of the Pacific Coast League and Skyler Shown (third base) of the Southern League.