Tyler Skulina Added To SL All-Star Game
SEVIERVILLE - The Southern League announced on Saturday that Tennessee Smokies starter Tyler Skulina has been added to the North Division roster for the 2016 Southern League All-Star Game, which will be played on Tuesday, June 21 at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. The right-hander is the eighth Smokies player to be named to the Mid-Summer Classic joining pitcher Paul Blackburn, third baseman Jeimer Candelario, catcher Victor Caratini, pitcher Brad Markey, pitcher Juan Paniagua, second baseman Chesny Young and outfielder Mark Zagunis. Candelario and Zagunis will not participate in the festivities after being transferred to Triple-A Iowa on Wednesday.
Skulina has been named a Mid-Season All-Star for the first time in his professional career, as he replaces Generals' starter Dylan Unsworth who was placed on the Disabled List on Friday. The 24-year-old has posted 3-3 record and a 3.59 ERA (25 ER in 62.2 IP) in 12 starts. The Ohio native has struck out 44 batters in 62.2 innings this season. Skulina spent last season with High-A Myrtle Beach, tallying a 3-6 mark, but a strong 3.11 ERA (26 ER in 75.1 IP) in 16 appearances (15 starts) for the Pelicans. The 6-foot-5 righty was drafted by the Cubs in the fourth round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Kent State University.
The 2016 edition of the Southern League All-Star Game takes place on Tuesday, June 21 at Trustmark Park in Pearl, Miss. Players were selected by a vote of League field managers, radio broadcasters, general managers and print media. All players on Southern League rosters as of May 31 are eligible in the voting process. In addition, the Smokies' eight players honored is tied with the Montgomery Biscuits for the most of any team in the North Division.
The Tennessee Smokies continue their five-game homestand with the Chattanooga Lookouts, the Double-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, on Saturday night. RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (0-3, 5.30 ERA) - Chicago's top pitching prospect according to Baseball America - is expected take the ball for the Smokies. RHP Ryan Eades (2-2, 4.70 ERA) - a former standout at Louisiana State - is scheduled to toe the slab for the Lookouts.
The Pilot Pre-Game Show will kick off the broadcast at 6:50 p.m. ET, leading up to the 7:05 p.m. ET first pitch from Smokies Stadium. Saturday evening's broadcast can be heard on Sports Radio WNML 99.1 FM and 990 AM, as well as online at SmokiesBaseball.com or via the TuneIn Radio or MiLB First Pitch apps. The contest can also be watched online via MiLB.tv.
Following today's East Tennessee High School All-Star Game at Smokies Stadium it will be Jimmy Buffett Tribute Night presnted by Lloyd's Electric Service. In honor of the 'Margaritaville' performer, Corona's will cost just $2 throughout the contest and there will be a special postgame concert by the Key West Band. After the game concludes, there will be another stellar Postgame Fireworks display inconjunction with Alzheimer's Tennessee. As well, the first 250 fans through the gates that night will received a Soft Baseball Giveaway courtesy of Alzheimer's Tennessee. Saturday night's contest will also feature a Medic Blood Drive.
Single-game tickets, as well as multi-voucher and season ticket packages are still available, and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.
ABOUT THE TENNESSEE SMOKIES
The Tennessee Smokies are the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. Members of the ten-team Southern League, Smokies baseball has been entertaining families and fans of America's national pastime in the East Tennessee region for over 100 years. To learn more about the Tennessee Smokies, visit www.smokiesbaseball.com.