Printed Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Rhymes’ break not a relaxing one
Toledo second baseman Will Rhymes represented the Mud Hens at the Triple-A All-Star Game in Salt Lake City.
Rhymes represented the Hens in the Triple-A All-Star Game played at Spring Mobile Ballpark in Salt Lake City on Wednesday.
“It was a good time in Salt Lake City,” Rhymes said. “It’s a beautiful ballpark, and a beautiful city.
“The travel was tough, because I don’t like flying very much. But I was proud to get a chance to represent the Mud Hens at the game.”
Rhymes quickly learned there was more than just a game at the event.
“The Home Run Derby was fun to watch,” he said. “It was fun to spend time with other guys on the team and root for the IL guys in the derby.
“There also was a gala held at the University of Utah’s football stadium — which is really sweet. That was really a good time.
“And there was a luncheon, and [Hall of Famer] Rod Carew spoke there. He told some stories and answered some questions, and it’s always good to see the guys who came before us — and had a ton of success.”
In the game itself, Rhymes replaced Jason Kipnis of Columbus at second base and grounded out in his only at-bat while recording a putout and three assists.
Rhymes said Thursday was the toughest day, because it involved flying back from Salt Lake City to Toledo in time for the Hens’ home game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
“[Manager Phil] Nevin told me I’d get the day off, so it wasn’t too bad,” Rhymes said. “I got here in time for the game, but I was pretty worn out.
“It was a busy three days with events and things go on. With the travel and everything else, it has taken me a couple of days to get back on schedule.”
NEW ADDITION: Rhymes wasn’t the only Mud Hen who had a “special” all-star break.
Last Monday Scott Thorman and his wife, Kelly, went to St. Luke’s Hospital for the birth of the couple’s third child.
Allison Ann Thorman was born that day, weighing in at seven pounds, 15 ounces.
Thorman said Allison would join her two brothers, four-year-old Robbie and two-year-old Tommy, at her first game on Saturday.
INJURY REPORT: The injury Columbus LHP Scott Barnes suffered at Fifth Third Field last Sunday will end his season.
Barnes was fielding a Cale Iorg bunt in the sixth inning when he fell down and began rolling in agony. Barnes eventually walked off the field under his own power, but the Columbus Dispatch reported that the injury he suffered will end his season.
And former Mud Hen Jeff Larish saw his season end at Lehigh Valley Thursday when he suffered a broken right leg trying to score from second on a single.
According to The (Allentown, Pa.) Morning Call newspaper, Larish lost his balance trying to score standing up. He was carried off the field with an air cast on his leg, and later returned to the ballpark with a permanent cast.
Larish hit .240 with 13 homers and 37 RBIs but also struck out 85 times in 75 games for the IronPigs.
Contact John Wagner at: jwagner@theblade.com or 419-724-6481.