Darnell to play Futures Game

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Former TinCaps 3B James Darnell was selected to play for the U.S. Team in the Futures Game at Chase Field in Phoenix on July 10. The showcase, played during Major League Baseball's All-Star Weekend, features the top prospects in the minor leagues.

Darnell, 24, was the TinCaps' Opening Day third baseman in 2009 and hit .329 with seven homers in a half-season with Fort Wayne. He also hit the first home run in Parkview Field history.

Entering play on Friday Darnell was hitting .340 with 16 home runs and 57 RBI in 68 games this season for Double-A San Antonio. He was also named a Texas League All-Star. Darnell was the Padres' second-round pick in the 2008 draft out of the University of South Carolina.

Lake Elsinore OF Reymond Fuentes was the other Padres farmhand to make the Futures Game roster this season. He was acquired from the Boston Red Sox over the off-season in the trade for 1B Adrian Gonzalez. A native of Puerto Rico, Fuentes was selected to the World Team's roster.

The 13th annual Futures Game is slated for Sunday, July 10 at 6:00 p.m. It will be televised on ESPN2.

MLB stars including Mets SS Jose Reyes, Indians OF Grady Sizemore and Royals DH Billy Butler have been named MVP of the Futures Game in the past.

From last year's Futures Game rosters alone, Royals 3B Mike Moustakas and 1B Eric Hosmer, Marlins INF/OF Logan Morrison and Nationals INF Danny Espinoza have already become major-league starters.