Hancock (shoulder) to miss Futures Game

July 6th, 2021

SEATTLE -- Emerson Hancock has been scratched from participating in Sunday’s SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game in Denver due to a minor shoulder injury, though there are no structural issues.

“Just a conservative management decision as we continue to build his workload,” Mariners general manager Jerry Dipoto said in a text message. “We expect he’ll be back in the mix coming out of the break.”

Hancock had been dealing with a minor shoulder issue earlier this season, but he didn’t miss extended time. He has thrived in seven outings for High-A Everett, compiling a 2.42 ERA in 26 innings while holding opposing hitters to a .178/.276/.244 (.521 OPS) slash line, and he has yet to give up a homer.

Hancock last pitched on June 25 against Tri-City, when he threw five innings for his second straight start and a season-high 93 pitches.

This has been his first year as a professional after being limited to the Mariners' alternate training site in 2020, coming off his selection as the No. 6 overall pick in the MLB Draft out of the University of Georgia.

Seattle’s No. 3 prospect and MLB Pipeline’s No. 23 overall prospect, Hancock was selected along with outfielders Jarred Kelenic and Julio Rodríguez for the Futures Game, baseball’s annual event that showcases more prospect talent on one diamond than at any other point in the season. The Mariners’ three selections were the most in the Majors other than host Colorado.

Hancock was replaced on the American League roster by Boston right-hander Brayan Bello.