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Mike Clevinger, Shawn Armstrong, Erik Gonzalez selected to Triple-A All-Star team

Now to watch them do it in the majors soon.

By Matt Lyons

A trio of Columbus Clippers players, as well as manager Chris Tremie will be participating in the Triple-A All-Star game on July 17 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Starting pitcher Mike Clevinger, reliever Shawn Armstrong, and utility infielder Erik Gonzalez will all be joining the best that Triple-A has to offer next month. All three are well deserving of the recognition, and all three could find themselves on the Cleveland Indians in some capacity later this season.

Mike Clevinger has been spectacular for the Columbus Clippers this season, sporting a 2.81 ERA and A 3.30 FIP in 12 starts. His 70 strikeouts are good for 12th in the International League and that is with only 64 innings under his belt. The IL leader, Tyler Glasnow, has 105 whiffs in 90 innings of work for the Indianapolis Indians. Clevinger made his major league debut earlier this season with the Indians, where he flashed some impressive stuff but lacked control in three starts.

Shawn Armstrong had a significant impact on the Indians bullpen last season, but started 2016 in Triple-A and has spent the vast majority of the season with the Clippers. In 27 appearances with Columbus (28 innings), he has struck out a whopping 43 batters and allowed just seven earned runs. His only issue has been walks with 22 free bases allowed this season.

Were it not for some guy named Francisco Lindor, Erik Gonzalez would potentially be playing in the major leagues right now. As it is, the shortstop is blocked by one of the best players in the league, but he is making himself into a valuable asset with the Clippers. Gonzalez is slashing .302/.337/.428 with five home runs and playing excellent defense at shortstop. If Gonzalez is not dealt at the trade deadline as part of a larger deal, he could find his way to the Indians in a backup utility role if there are injuries to any infield starters.

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