Kelly, Loraine Added as All-Stars
The Peoria Chiefs have added two new players to the Midwest League All-Star team as Carson Kelly and Zach Loraine take the place of injured selections. The additions give the Chiefs a Western division leading seven players for the June 17 game hosted by West Michigan.
Kelly, 19, is hitting .223 with five homers, six doubles, three triples and 26 RBI. In his first year as a catcher, Kelly has thrown out 39.7 percent of would-be base stealers which ranks fourth in the Midwest League among all eligible catchers. With just 20 strikeouts in 205 plate appearances, Kelly is fifth in the league in Plate Appearances per strikeout at 10.25. Kelly was drafted by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2012 draft and is the third youngest player on the Chiefs roster.
Loraine, 23, leads the Chiefs with 20 appearances out of the bullpen going 1-0 with a 2.00 ERA which leads all active players on the roster. He has recorded six saves, tied for the team lead. Loraine has 31 strikeouts to just six walks over 27 innings of work. His 1.9 BB/9 IP ratio is just outside the top five in the MWL. Loraine is a native of Lake St. Louis, MO and he was drafted by the Cardinals in the 21st round of the 2013 draft.
Kelly and Loraine join outfielders Ronald Castillo and C.J. McElroy Jr., infielder Juan Herrera and pitchers Arturo Reyes and Chris Perry in the MWL All-Star Game. Castillo was voted in by MWL Managers as a starter for the Western Division which will be managed by Quad Cities skipper Omar Lopez. Injuries to Kane County catcher Will Remillard and pitcher Jose Arias opened roster spots for Kelly and Loraine.