Cozens and Pinto see action in MLB Futures Game
Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd
Outfielder Dylan Cozens and pitcher Ricardo Pinto represented the Phillies as Major League Baseball kicked off its All-Star week festivities on Sunday with the MLB All-Star Futures Game in San Diego.
The pair had minimal impact on the game that saw the World team pound the United State team by a score of 11-3.
Cozens was 0-for-1 in a single plate appearance for the US, while Pinto retired both batters he faced for the World club.
The Phils prospects would serve up a pair of defensive gems as Pinto allowed a deep fly ball to the second batter he faced that could have been a home run if not for a spectacular over-the-wall catch by Padres center field prospect Manny Margot.
In his turn at bat, Cozens would lace a drive toward the right field corner that was also caught in tremendous fashion by Cubs prospect Eloy Jimenez.
Cozens, a powerful lefty batter, has had an outstanding season with Double-A Reading, where he’s been honored as an Eastern League All-Star. In 85 games, the 22-year-old has posted a .286 average with 24 home runs and 75 RBI. Cozens was the Phillies’ 2nd round draft selection in 2012.
The right-handed Pinto, also 22, has a 3-3 record with a 4.58 ERA in 17 starts with Reading this season. The Venezuela native received the Paul Owens Award, given to the top pitcher and position player in the Phillies developmental ranks each year, in 2015 when he posted a 15-4 record with a 2.97 ERA in 24 combined starts with Class A Lakewood and Class A Advanced Clearwater. Pinto was signed as an amateur free agent in 2011.
In the Futures Game, Jimenez, a 19-year-old playing with Class A South Bend in the Midwest League. was also the standout for the World team on offense, notching two hits, including a home run, while driving in four runs.
