The Inland Empire 66ers will go the rest of the way without the anchor of their pitching staff as ace Mark Sappington  has been promoted to Double-A Arkansas of the Texas League.

Sappington, 22,  was 11-4 with a 3.37 ERA that ranked him second in the California League. He was on track to match a team record for wins in a season of 14, last accomplished by Ryan Ketchner in 2003.

In 22 starts (130 2/3 innings) the 6-foot-5 right-hander had recorded 111 strikeouts while allowing 49 earned runs, 103 hits and 62 walks.  He ranked third in the Cal League in ERA, tied for second in wins and led it in innings pitched. He was voted to the mid-season All-Star team.

He is the No. 9 ranked prospect in the Angels organization by Baseball America.