An A-plus for Atkins, as the kid from Northeast Guilford(Mitch) moves to Triple A…

The kid we interviewed here at GREENSBOROSports.com last fall, has taken the ball after getting the call and he is now just one step away from the Chicago Cubs major league staff. Mitch Atkins has made to the move to the Cubs Triple A club, the Iowa Cubs, and he won his first start there with these game numbers:

He made his debut and he got the WIN! He pitched 6 innings, scattering 6 hits, 2 runs, 3BB and 4K’s.

CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today(last week) recalled right-handed pitcher Kevin Hart from Triple-A Iowa and optioned righthander Michael Wuertz to Triple-A. Wuertz is 1-1 with a 3.55 ERA (15 ER/38.0 IP) in 37 relief appearances with the Cubs this season.

Wuertz spent time with triple-A Iowa in 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006. Over his time with Iowa in 2006, he posted a 6-0 record with a 1.73 ERA in 30 games. Over that span, Wuertz struck out 67 batters and walked just nine.

RH Mitch Atkins joins the Iowa Cubs from Double-A Tennessee today(last week) and will make his Triple-A debut tonight(July 11).

Atkins was 9-6 with a 3.76 ERA in 18 starts with the Smokies this season. In 110 innings, he allowed 107 hits, 27 walks, and struck out 88. His last start was July 6 at Carolina. He pitched 7.1 shutout innings, allowed five hits, one walk, and struck out three in the win. He has won his last five starts and seven of his last eight decisions.

*****Above story from Carmine Pagano at Carolina Acceleration courtesy of milb.com*****