Rainiel Rodriguez and Liam Doyle, two of the St. Louis Cardinals’ top prospects, have been selected to play in the MLB Futures Game on July 11 in Philadelphia. Rodriguez, a 19-year-old catcher, has been impressive in his first season at the Double-A level, hitting .265 with seven home runs and 24 RBIs. Doyle, a 22-year-old pitcher, has a power arm and has shown progress in his first season with the Cardinals.

Local Angle

Both players are currently playing for the Springfield Cardinals, the team’s Double-A affiliate. Rodriguez moved to Philadelphia from the Dominican Republic at age 10 and has family and friends in the area, making the selection to the Futures Game even more special. Doyle, who grew up in Boston, will also have family and friends in attendance.

Rodriguez has been nicknamed ‘The Hulk’ due to his impressive physical abilities and powerful bat. He has been working hard to improve his defense and has been determined to make it to the big leagues. Doyle, on the other hand, has been making progress as a pitcher and is looking to have a strong second half of the season.

The Cardinals’ manager, Patrick Anderson, has been impressed with both players and believes they have a bright future ahead of them. ‘Rainiel is really mature in understanding the game,’ Anderson said. ‘He is determined to get to the big leagues. Liam is making progress and could be primed for a big second half if everything clicks.’

Original reporting: Springfield Daily Citizen — read the source article.