When the highlight for an organization in the Futures Game is having their retired 42-year-old designated hitter manage one of the teams, well, that should be somewhat depressing.
Major League Baseball announced the rosters for the World and United States team in the Futures Game, to be held at Nationals Park the Sunday before the All-Star Game. There is only one participant from the Red Sox, Single-A pitcher Bryan Mata, who will play for David Ortiz's World team.
Mata is clearly one of the Red Sox' top pitching prospects but is still a long way from being considered a big league player. The 19-year-old carries a 3.14 ERA in 15 starts for the Single-A Salem Red Sox.
The righty has held opponents to a .219 batting average while walking (55) almost as many as he has struck out (56).
Torii Hunter will manage the USA team, with former Red Sox Joel Hanrahan serving as his pitching coach.
