Simmons will play in minor league All-Star game

CAPE GIRARDEAU - Former Southeast Missouri pitcher Shae Simmons will participate in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game in Lakewood, N.J. on Tuesday night.

A native of Scott City, Simmons has been excelling since being drafted in the 22nd round by the Atlanta Braves a year ago.

Simmons, who pitched three years at Southeast, currently leads the Class A South Atlantic League with 18 saves as the closer for the Rome (Ga.) Braves. He is 0-1 with a 2.20 ERA, allowing 17 hits and nine walks. Simmons also has 45 strikeouts in 28.2 innings over 25 relief appearances.

Simmons began his pro career going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA with the Rookie level Gulf Coast League Braves. He followed up with a 0-2 record and 3.48 ERA for the Advanced Rookie level Danville Braves.

A combined 50 players, at least one from each of the 14 South Atlantic teams, were originally selected for tonight's game by a vote of league coaches and broadcasters.