Braves catching prospect Christian Bethancourt has been selected to take part in the 2012 Futures Game that will be held the Sunday, July 8 in Kansas City. Bethancourt will play for the World team which will take on their American counterparts.

Despite being a high profile prospect Bethancourt hasn't exactly had the best of seasons. He was slowed by a hamstring injury to start the season and is hitting .255 with no homers in 41 games for Double-A Mississippi. Bethancourt is regarded as an elite defensive catcher and is one of the youngest players at the Double-A level.

Bethancourt played well over the winter at the Arizona Fall League and performed well last season at the Single-A level. He combined to hit .289 with five homers and 53 RBIs while splitting time between Rome and Lynchburg.

For more on Christian Bethancourt and the Atlanta Braves check out Talking Chop. For more on the 2012 Futures Game and Major League Baseball head over to Baseball Nation.