International League Week in Review: All-Star Break Edition

Aug 1, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher

(35) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

The International League participates in the Triple-A All-Star Game tonight and it’s a good time to look back on what’s been going on in the IL.

League Awards

Knuckleballer Steven Wright of the Pawtucket Red Sox took home the Pitcher of the Week award after throwing eight shutout innings against the Columbus Clippers, allowing only two hits and three walks with eight strikeouts. Wright, 29, made his big league debut with the Red Sox last season after playing in the minor leagues with the Indians’ organization as well as the Red Sox’ organization since 2007, having been a Cleveland second-round draft pick in 2006. He put up solid numbers for Pawtucket last year but has been dominant this year, lowering his walk ratio to a career-low 2.0 BB/9 while striking out 8.2 batters per nine innings through 53 innings thus far.

Gwinnett’s Philip Gosselin had an outstanding week, giong 18 for 26 (.692) with two walks to bring his on-base percentage to .714 this week. He also had six doubles, two triples and a home run, giving him a slugging percentage of 1.192. Gosselin is a 25 year old second baseman who had seven plate appearances with the Braves last year but has really turned up his playing level this season, hitting .345/.381/.494. He’s hitting at least .300 for every month and has hit .478/.419/.848 through 13 games in July.

All-Star Preview

With International League home run leader (co-leader now that Matt Davidson has caught fire) Dan Johnson unavailable for the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby thanks to his promotion to Toronto, Matt Hague took his place and the trio of Hague, Jesus Aguilera and Mikie Mahtook couldn’t beat Mets prospect Allan Dykstra (of the PCL) who took home championship belt (literally) after winning the HR Derby.

Buffalo Bisons’ pitcher Liam Hendriks was named the starter for the International League for the All-Star Game. Hendriks has a 2.19 ERA with a league-leading 0.91 WHIP through 94 1/3 innings this season in the IL. Hendriks has also made three (not particularly great) starts with the parent club in Toronto but the 25 year old’s season in Triple-A has been outstanding, walking only seven batters and striking out 74 for a 10.57 K/BB ratio.