After the Sidewinders wrapped up a rain-soaked, extra-inning victory around 10:15 Friday night, Jamie D'Antona had little time to spare.
He had a 5 a.m. flight to catch. Destination: The Big Apple.
"So, I'll be working on pretty much no sleep," he said with a laugh while tending to his belongings in his locker. "Whatever. Sleep when you die, right?"
Thanks to a career season and a .375 batting average that ranks second in the Triple-A Pacific Coast League, D'Antona was chosen for the U.S. team in today's Futures Game at Yankee Stadium.
He replaced injured outfielder Colby Rasmus on the 24-man roster — and is believed to be one of the oldest players in Futures Game history. D'Antona, 26, has spent six seasons in the minors since the Arizona Diamondbacks drafted him in the second round in 2003.
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"I am Grandpa," he joked.
All kidding aside, the game will have its perks. D'Antona, a Greenwich, Conn., native who has numerous family and friends on the East Coast, will play in Yankee Stadium before it is demolished.
In addition, USA Baseball will use the Futures Game as a reference in selecting the Olympic team.
"Beyond all the all-star games, that's probably the biggest thing you can have," D'Antona said.
After the Futures Game, which pits U.S. prospects against international stars, D'Antona will head to Louisville for the Triple-A All-Star Game and home run derby on Wednesday. He will start in the All-Star Game.
One honor that still remains — a major-league debut. D'Antona, who can play third, first and catch, has no big-league experience and is not on the D-backs' 40-man roster. Third baseman Mark Reynolds and first basemen Conor Jackson and Chad Tracy block his path.
"He probably should be playing first" base, Tucson manager Bill Plummer said. "That's his best position. It's a scenario where he's having a great year, and there's no place for him to be in the big leagues, unless it's off the bench."
Portland manager Randy Ready called for D'Antona to be intentionally walked with a runner at third in the 10th inning Friday.
Off the field, D'Antona always seems upbeat and is a fan favorite, Ready noted.
"The way he's been so consistent and the big club having trouble offensively, everybody is probably in agreement an opportunity has got to be close," Ready said. "I'm sure his time is coming."
Inside pitch
● Portland beat Tucson 8-7 Saturday night. The Sidewinders had the tying run on third in the ninth after Jesus Merchan's single cut the lead to one. But pinch hitter Phil Avlas popped out to end the game.
● Wilkin Castillo is playing third during D'Antona's absence.
● Max Scherzer will throw two or three bullpen sessions before returning from the DL after the All-Star break, Plummer said.
TODAY
• What: Portland at Sidewinders, doubleheader
• When: 4 p.m.
• Radio: 1450-AM
