Chicago Cubs minors recap: Remember the name Eloy Jimenez

The Chicago Cubs have a lot to be excited about so far this year. Not only are they getting significant contributions from the young prospects in the lineup, it appears that the future still looks bright in the pipeline. We celebrate the All-Star selections and cover the rehab of the Cubs’ leadoff hitter on this week’s The Call-up.

All-Stars all around

In the minor leagues, to be named an All-Star is vital to a franchise noticing you. It’s the culmination of the hard work you put in at this point, and to be recognized can do wonders for your value to the organization.

Iowa Cubs first baseman Dan Vogelbach and pitcher Armando Rivero will represent the organization when they attend the Triple-A All-Star game in Charlotte on Wednesday.

Vogelbach, 23, is hitting .308 and ranks in the top five in pretty much every major offensive category. To date, Vogelbach is ranked third in home runs (15) and walks (47). He also ranks fourth in RBIs with 55 and is fifth in on-base percentage at .422. This is his third All-Star selection as a member of the Cubs organization.

More from Chicago Cubs Prospects

• Cubs Prospect Spotlight: Luis Devers continues to dominate
• Cubs: Alexander Canario wins Southern League Player of the Month
• Cubs: Hayden Wesneski already among team’s top prospects
• Cubs Minors: Yohendrick Pinango is primed for a jump to Double-A Tennessee
• Cubs prospect Alexander Canario has been swinging a hot stick

Rivero, 28, is making his second appearance in an All-Star game after his debut back in 2014 as a member of the Tennessee Smokies. Rivero is leading the way in the I-Cubs bullpen. In the first half of the year, Rivero has 49 strikeouts in 37.2 innings pitched. Like Vogelbach, Rivero ranks among the best in his respective categories. Rivero ranks third in lowest batting average (.173) and fourth in the highest strikeout-to-walk ratio (11.71).

The Iowa Cubs aren’t the only prospects having fun this week. If you tuned into the Futures Game in San Diego, perhaps you saw a glimpse from the next wave of super-prospects in the Cubs pipeline.

19-year-old Eloy Jimenez put on an absolute clinic both at the plate and in the field. Jimenez went 2-for-3 with a towering three-run home run, a double, and four RBIs. Perhaps he left his best for the outfield when Jimenez ran a ridiculous 127 feet into foul territory to make arguably the best catch of the year. To put his performance in perspective, he did all this after entering the game in the fourth inning.

The Futures Game could have been a bit brighter with the addition of Jeimer Candelario, who was originally selected to play but was removed when he was called up to Chicago in late June.

Fowler getting close

Chicago Cubs center fielder Dexter Fowler suspended his rehab assignment on Saturday after only one game with the South Bend Cubs. Fowler, who has been out since June 18th, couldn’t push the strained hamstring running to first.

Fowler was voted in as an All-Star starter in Tuesday night’s mid-summer classic, but will only participate in the festivities surrounding the game. Given the small setback on Friday, It appears that Fowler may miss at least a week once play resumes. The Cubs fully expect Fowler to rejoin South Bend to finish his rehab.

Next: The best is yet to come

Minor League round-up

Iowa Cubs (41-50) 3rd place in the Pacific Coast League American Northern Division

Last Week: (2-5), This Week: @Colorado Sky Sox July 10th, All-Star game July 13th, vs. Las Vegas 51s July 14th-16th

Tennessee Smokies (8-8) 5th place in the 2nd half of the Southern League North Division

Last Week: (1-6), This Week: vs. Chattanooga Lookouts July 10th- 13th, @Montgomery Biscuits July 14th-16th

Myrtle Beach Pelicans (9-9) 1st place in the 2nd half of the Carolina League Southern Division

Last Week: (3-4), This Week: @Wilmington Blue Rocks July 10th-11th, vs. Frederick Keys July 13th-15th, @Winston-Salem Dash July 16th

South Bend Cubs (13-5) 2nd place in the 2nd half of the Midwest League Eastern Division

Last Week: (4-3), This Week: vs. Bowling Green Hot Rods July 10th-11th, @Clinton LumberKings July 13th-15th, @Kane County Cougars July 16th

Eugene Emeralds (17-7) 1st place in the Northwest League South Division

Last Week: (5-2), This Week: vs. Hillsboro Hops July 10th-11th, @Tri-City Dust Devils July 13th-16th