The MLB All-Star Futures Game was set to feature Pine Bluff native Tink Hence for a second straight year, but the Watson Chapel graduate has elected to skip this year’s game despite being selected, according to multiple reports.
Hence, a right-handed pitcher for the AA Springfield (Mo.) Cardinals, has pitched just three innings since May 30. On June 5, he started for the Cardinals in a game against the Arkansas Travelers at Dickey-Stephens Park in North Little Rock but left the game with a trainer after just two innings. He pitched one inning on June 23 at Corpus Christi.
The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported cramping and fatigue factored into his early exits and recent lack of playing time. Prior to June, he pitched 26 innings in May and 25 2/3 innings in April. Hence has a 4-2 record and a 3.29 ERA this season.
Hence, the St. Louis Cardinals’ No. 1-ranked prospect, moved up to AA last summer, just before playing in his first Futures Game. He pitched a scoreless inning to help the National League win, 5-0.