Shae Simmons chosen for minor league all-star game

~ Scott City grad and former Redhawk has been excelling in the Braves' system

Southeast Missourian ~ Scott City High School graduate Shae Simmons' dazzling start to his second professional season has led to an impressive honor.

Simmons was recently selected to participate in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game that will be played June 18 in Lakewood, N.J.

Simmons, who pitched three seasons at Southeast Missouri State, leads the Class A South Atlantic League with 17 saves as the closer for the Rome (Ga.) Braves.

The right-hander, who was drafted in the 22nd round by the Atlanta Braves last year, has a 0-1 record and 2.39 ERA. He has allowed 16 hits, walked seven and struck out 41 in 26 1/3 innings.

His strong 2013 start has followed Simmons' impressive rookie pro season last year. He went 0-2 with two saves and a 3.48 ERA for the Advanced Rookie level Danville Braves after going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA with the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Braves.

Advance High School graduate Trenton Moses might have been a strong candidate for the South Atlantic League All-Star Game but he missed the first several weeks of his second pro campaign after he suffered a broken hand in the offseason.

Moses, drafted in the 26th round a year ago after an All-American career at Southeast, has made up for lost time with the Rome Braves. The first baseman -- he was recently moved from third base -- is batting a team-high .388 with two home runs, nine doubles and 13 RBIs.