Today’s Game
Bowling Green at Dayton, 7 p.m.
980-AM, TWC 23/372
The Dayton Dragons will host the 2013 Midwest League All-Star game on Tuesday, probably without their top pitcher.
Robert Stephenson, the Dragons’ No. 1 starter and a Cincinnati Reds’ 2011 first-round draft pick, will miss at least one start thanks to a pulled hamstring. Stephenson was injured during a workout between starts and was placed on the seven-day disabled list retroactive to June 10.
Replacing Stephenson on the roster will be reliever Jesus Adames, who is coming off the disabled list.
Stephenson began 2013 as the Baseball America’s No. 2 prospect in the Reds organization. He is 5-3 with a 2.97 ERA. In his last six starts he is 4-0 with 50 strikeouts, five walks, and a 0.93 ERA.
“We’re taking precautions,” Dayton manager Jose Nieves said. “He’s been one of the figures of the rotation and he’s important for the organization. On top of that he is a young kid and we need to take care of him.”
Stephenson was scheduled to start Friday in South Bend and was expected to start Tuesday’s All-Star game. Replacing him Friday is Joel Bender, while righthander Pedro Diaz is also scheduled to work the game in relief.
Bender is 0-2 with a 5.26 ERA this year. He’s appeared in 11 games, all out of the bullpen.
When it comes to Stephenson, Nieves said the organization is focused on the big picture, and while not ruling anything out, doubted he would pitch in the All-Star game.
“It’s nothing for sure, but with him on the seven-day DL (it’s doubtful),” Nieves said. “He was named to the team, and that’s what’s important. His career doesn’t depend on one day, it depends on what he continues to do and what he’ll do whether he gets promoted.”
Heisey on the loose: With the Cincinnati Reds in Chicago, left-fielder Chris Heisey has been working out with the Dragons during the first two games of Dayton's series against Bowling Green. Heisey has taken batting practice, run the bases and rehabbed a hamstring he injured at the end of April.
Late night loss: Dayton lost 14-5 to Bowling Green on Tuesday. The game was delayed in the middle of the second inning for over two hours. Zach Vincej had a double, triple and an RBI for Dayton.
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