Hens' Rhymes named to IL All-Star team

7/1/2011

The Mud Hens' Will Rhymes was selected to participate in the Triple-A All-Star Game Thursday.

The Toledo second baseman was chosen as a reserve for the International League team in the all-star game, which will be played July 13 in Salt Lake City.

Rhymes is the first Toledo second baseman to be picked for the game since Frank Catalanotto who was named the all-star game's most valuable player in 1997.

The team was selected in a vote of the IL's coaches, media and fans.

"I'm excited to represent Toledo and the organization [in the All-Star Game]," Rhymes said. "I've been here for parts of the last four years, and I'm proud to represent the Tigers organization and the Mud Hens."

Rhymes began the season with the Tigers but hit just .221 in 19 games with Detroit before being sent down to the Mud Hens on May 3. In his first 51 games for Toledo, Rhymes has batted .308 -- he currently is just outside the league's top 10 in batting average -- with two home runs, 15 RBIs and 25 runs scored.

"To come down and play well and be recognized by the coaches, media and fans, that means a lot to me," Rhymes said. "It's bittersweet after beginning the season in the major leagues and wishing you were back up there.

"But wherever you are, you have to play as well as you can. I'm happy that I've been able to have some success this year."

Columbus, Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate, had four players named to the IL All-Star team. Jason Kipnis was selected as the league's starting second baseman, while Zach McAllister was one of two pitchers selected as potential starters.

Infielder Luis Valbuena and starter Jeanmar Gomez also were chosen as reserves for the team.

Clippers manager Mike Sarbaugh will serve as the IL team's manager.