Cleveland Indians Minor League Update: Ryan Merritt Throws No-Hitter

Cleveland Indians Prospect Throws No-Hitter

Cleveland Indians prospect Ryan Merritt threw a no-hitter yesterday afternoon for the Akron Rubberducks.

It was a seven inning no-hitter as it was game one of a doubleheader (all minor league doubleheaders are only seven innings).  He struck out three while walking one as the Rubberducks won the game 1-0 against the Reading Fightin Phils.   Ryan Merritt is having a very solid year in his first season with the Rubberducks, posting a 3.49 ERA and 3.46 FIP. Not bad for a guy many were on the fence about adding to the 40-man roster this winter.

This was the first no-hitter thrown my a member of the Indians Double-A squad since 2012 when current Columbus Clipper Giovanni Soto tossed a nine inning no-hitter.  This is also the second time in the last three weeks that Merritt has had a seven inning shutout versus Reading.

Armstrong Added To All-Star Team

Columbus Clippers reliever Shawn Armstrong has been added to the International League All-Star.  

Armstrong will join fellow Clippers’ Jesus Aguilar and Tyler Holt on the International League team that faces the Pacific League All-Stars this Tuesday in Omaha, Nebraska.

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Armstong ranks sixth in the International League with 10 saves. He is striking out 13.89 batters per nine innings and his 36.1% strikeout rate ranks second in the International League (minimum 20 innings).  Armstrong was also added to the Indians 40-man roster this winter and could see time in Cleveland before the year is out.

Cleveland Indians Top Prospect to Start Futures Game

Cleveland Indians top prospect Bradley Zimmer has been receiving numerous honors the last few weeks and was bestowed another last night as he was named a starter in the Futures game to be played today in Cincinnati.  He will start in centerfield and bat ninth for Team USA as they take on the World Squad.

Several Indians top prospects have appeared in the Futures Game including Francisco Lindor who participated in the 2014 Game last year for the World Team.  With all the success Zimmer has had it would be a surprise not to see him promoted to Double-A soon after the All-Star break.  Stay tuned to Wahoo’s On First for more minor league updates.

Next: Is Cleveland Indians' Jason Kipnis Right About the All-Star Game