Pittsburgh Pirates Minors: Will Craig Has A Unique Futures Game Experience

Pittsburgh Pirates prospect Will Craig had a unique experience in the MLB Futures Game on Sunday night

Part of the Major League Baseball All-Star week activities ever year is the Futures Game. The MLB Futures Game pins some of the top prospects in all of baseball against each other. Current Pittsburgh Pirates players such as Gregory Polanco, Jameson Taillon, and Starling Marte are among those who have played in this game in the past.

This season, the Pirates sent just one player to the Futures Game. This player was first baseman Will Craig. The former first round draft pick would go on to have a unique experience in the 2019 Futures Game.

The 2019 Futures Game featured a new format. In past years it was a World Team playing against a USA Team. This year, however, it became a team of National League prospects playing against a team of American League prospects. Craig started at first base for the NL team and batted sixth.

While Craig was held hitless in the game, it was a memorable experience. In both of his at bats, Craig was hit by a pitch. This is certainly something that does not happen very often in any sort of all-star game.

Being hit by a pitch is nothing new to Craig. In 399 career minor league games he has been hit by a pitch 50 times, this includes being plunked eight times thus far this season.

In 81 games for Triple-A Indianapolis this season Craig owns a .250/.327/.464 slash line. He’s hit 17 home runs, collected 31 extra base hits, driven in 50 runs, he owns a .214 ISO. While his future with the Pirates is a bit murky due to the Bucs being set at first base with Josh Bell, and in good hands with Colin Moran and top prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base, the other position Craig can play, it never hurts to have a slugger like Craig in reserve at Triple-A. Look for him to earn a September call up this season.