Nothing about professional baseball has overwhelmed Wes Hodges so far. But that could change quickly when the former Baylor School star steps onto the turf at Yankee Stadium for the first time next weekend.

One of the hottest prospects in the Cleveland Indians’ organization, Hodges has been named to the 25-man roster (along with Lookouts shortstop Chris Valaika) to represent the United States in the annual Futures Game on July 13, which is part of All-Star weekend at Yankee Stadium. Although he has taken every previous honor in stride, Hodges admitted this one is different.

“I’ve never even been to Yankee Stadium before, so to get to play there the last year that it’s open is pretty cool,” Hodges said. “I’m going to walk in there with a big smile on my face and a camera and enjoy it. I plan to savor every moment of it.”

Despite quickly rising to become one of the Indians’ top five overall prospects, Hodges has kept his accomplishments in perspective, largely because of his previous experience with injuries. At every level, injuries have been more frustrating than missing a hanging curveball for Hodges, but he has used them to prove his toughness.

After breaking a bone in his left wrist just before his senior season at Baylor, he learned to bat from the left side of the plate to avoid missing any time and wound up hitting .430 and helping the Red Raiders to their first state championship.

He missed the final 17 games of his first season at Georgia Tech after being beaned with a 90-plus-mph fastball that broke his left orbital bone and crushed part of his sinus cavity. The effects of that injury were more lasting: After being hit twice in his first game back, he had to overcome the fear of inside pitches.

He even sat out all of his rookie year to allow a stress fracture suffered at Georgia Tech to heal.

“I believe everything happens for a reason,” Hodges said. “Some of those injuries happened for the best, because I learned something about myself through them. I don’t worry about getting hurt. That’s just part of the game.”

Once his health returned, there has been nothing minor about Hodges’ accomplishments midway through his second pro season. He was named the MVP at Class A Kingston last year, and his 15 home runs and 71 RBIs prompted Baseball America to name him the Carolina League’s best power-hitting prospect and player with the best overall tools as well as the best defensive third baseman.

His natural line-drive swing has led to more eye-catching numbers this year at Class AA Akron. His nine home runs and 63 RBIs lead the Eastern League, and with a .307 average he’s rated the Indians’ fourth-best prospect.

The Futures Game will also serve as a potential Olympic trial for Hodges and many of his minor league teammates. Three days after he plays in Yankee Stadium, he will represent the Southern Division in the Eastern League all-star game.

Although he is on pace to shatter the team record for RBIs in a season, he could end that bid by being moved up to Triple-A.

“There are a lot of factors that come into play in getting called up,” Hodges said. “If it happens it would be great, but I’m not expecting it this year. Last year was a big-time learning experience.

“I learned you really have to pace yourself, because the seasons are so much longer. You can’t get too high or low, no matter what. I’m pretty hard on myself and I expect things to be perfect, but I’ve learned to stay on an even keel.

“Ultimately it’s up to me, so I’ll just try to keep playing well and force them to make a decision. Until then, I’m going to enjoy whatever happens.”

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