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When the A¡¯s signed Luis Morales during last year¡¯s international signing period, the original plan was to slowly introduce him to the professional ranks. Just over a year later, he will be representing the club during All-Star weekend.

Morales, ranked Oakland¡¯s No. 2 prospect and top overall pitching prospect by MLB Pipeline, was invited to participate in the All-Star Futures Game on Saturday at Globe Life Field in Arlington. The 21-year-old right-hander has bounced back from a shoulder injury that sidelined him at the start of the season, posting a 4.32 ERA with 42 strikeouts over 41 2/3 innings in 12 starts for High-A Lansing.

¡°It¡¯s awesome that Luis Morales gets to represent the Oakland Athletics in the Futures Game,¡± said A¡¯s assistant general manager and director of player personnel Billy Owens. ¡°He oozes projection and a high ceiling. The future is bright for Luis, and this is the perfect stage to showcase his talent.¡±

After dominating the Dominican Summer League to begin his A¡¯s career last season, Morales was pushed across three more levels before finishing the year at High-A. Between his four Minor League stops in 2023, the Cuban-born pitcher combined for a 2.86 ERA with 53 strikeouts in 44 innings.

The A¡¯s have dialed back Morales¡¯ workload upon his return from injury. He has yet to exceed 80 pitches in a start this season while operating as part of a 10-man rotation at Lansing, in which starters piggyback each other every week. With each start, the A¡¯s continue to see the electric repertoire that makes Morales such an intriguing prospect.

¡°Every outing, Morales flirts with triple-digit heaters,¡± Owens said. ¡°His fastball contains significant ride, carry and life. He tunnels his advanced changeup with it, and his slider displays tilt, shape and is developing swing-and-miss traits. He¡¯s fun to watch.¡±

As part of the American League squad, Morales will be managed by Hall of Famer Adrian Beltr¨¦, whose star-studded coaching staff includes former All-Star closer Francisco Cordero as pitching coach.

¡°The Futures Game, in some aspects, is just as memorable as the MLB All-Star Game,¡± Owens said. ¡°He has the opportunity to be mentored by MLB royalty and enjoy the day competing with his talented peers.¡±

Playing in the Futures Game has often meant an accelerated path to the big leagues for A¡¯s prospects. In the previous two contests, participants such as Lawrence Butler, Tyler Soderstrom and Shea Langeliers were promoted to the Majors later that same year.

Morales has yet to pitch above High-A, so his ascent may not be quite as quick. At the very least, it will bring him close to A¡¯s manager Mark Kotsay, who will be on hand for All-Star week as part of the coaching staff for Bruce Bochy on the American League All-Star team.

¡°He¡¯s been performing,¡± Kotsay said of Morales. ¡°He¡¯s earned it. I could see him graduating after the All-Star break and maybe being challenged a little more.¡±