Indians Prospect Ryan Merritt To Start Carolina League All Star Game

Ryan Merritt To Start Carolina League All Star Game

Last week three Carolina Mudcat teammates, Anthony Gallas, Ryan Merritt, and Erik Gonzalez were notified that they had been selected to take part in the Carolina League All-Star Game to be held on June 17th in Wilmington Delaware.

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Yesterday, Wilmington Blue Rocks manager Darryl Kennedy named Ryan Merritt his starter for the game. Merritt, a 22-year old lefty,  finished the first half of the season with a 6-2 record and a 1.66 ERA.

His six wins and 1.66 ERA lead the Carolina League. He has delivered eight quality starts in his 12 starts, he has held the opposition to a .2o8 batting average against which is third in the league, and his 0.97 walks per inning pitched (WHIP) leads the league. Carolina Mudcats pitching coach Steve Karsay is excited that Merritt is being given the starting nod:

"“The way he’s pitched this year, it’s a great honor to start the All-Star Game,” Karsay said. “He’s put in a lot of hard work and continues to do the right things to get better. No matter what level you’re at, it’s an honor. Well-deserved.” — Beach Carolina Magazine"

Recently, Ross Atkins Indians Vice-President of Player Development told Tim Warsinkey of Cleveland.com that he believes Merritt is a left-handed Josh Tomlin.

"“There’s very little doubt in my mind Ryan will be a Major League starting pitcher,” said Ross Atkins, Indians Vice President of Player Development.“He has the makings of three Major League average pitches. His breaking ball is the one pitch that has the most room for improvement. “His competitiveness, his athleticism and his fastball command, that plays in the Major Leagues. If he’s going to participate in the Majors, or if he’s going to be a starter and an innings eater, that remains to be seen.” – Cleveland.com"