From the Southland to the Show: August pro baseball update

League lays claim to 68 professional baseball players, including 12 major leaguers

FRISCO, Texas – A total of 68 Southland Conference baseball alumni are currently playing with MLB organizations in 2021. Below is an update on all active players. Statistics are through August 2, 2021.

MLB

Hunter Dozier (Stephen F. Austin) – Kansas City Royals

In his fourth season as a utility man for the Royals, the 2013 Southland Player & Hitter of the Year ranks second on the team in doubles (18) and triples (3). In the month of July, Dozier posted a slash line of .304/.389/.443 with 10 runs, eight RBI and six doubles.  He went 7-for-12 (.583) at the plate in a three-game series against the Orioles, including a 4-for-4 performance with two doubles on July 18.

Paul Goldschmidt (Texas State) – St. Louis Cardinals

Tied with Wade Miley as the longest-tenured Southland alumni in the majors, the two-time Southland Hitter of the Year (2008-09) leads the team in runs (56), hits (107) and OBP (.337) and ranks second in home runs (17), RBI (57), walks (40) and OPS (.784). In his 11^th season, Goldschmidt ranks third among active players in career on-base percentage (.388), only behind Mike Trout and Joey Votto.

Chi Chi Gonzalez (Oral Roberts) – Colorado Rockies

In his third season with the Rockies, the 2013 Southland Pitcher of the Year is 3-6 with a 6.06 ERA in 19 games, including 15 starts. Gonzalez allowed just two earned runs over seven innings in the team’s loss to the Cardinals on July 2, marking his third quality start of the year. Gonzalez is 9-22 with a 5.46 ERA in five seasons in the bigs.

Louis Head (Texas State) – Tampa Bay Rays

In his first season with the Rays organization, Head is 1-0 with a 1.50 ERA and 17 strikeouts over 18 innings in 12 appearances out of the bullpen. He also owns a .164 opponent batting average and a 0.89 WHIP. Since being promoted to the big-league squad on July 23, Head has struck out 11 over seven frames without allowing an earned run in five outings.

Kyle Keller (Southeastern) – Pittsburgh Pirates

In his first season with the Pirates, Keller owns a 6.08 ERA in 14 appearances out of the bullpen with 16 strikeouts through 13.1 innings. Over his last four outings in the month of July, he had a 2.07 ERA with four strikeouts and no walks over 4.1 innings. Keller made an appearance in 10 games over the course of the month, including five in which he tossed a no-hit inning.

Wade Miley (Southeastern) – Cincinnati Reds

Tied with Paul Goldschmidt as the longest-tenured Southland alumni in the majors, the 2008 Southland strikeouts leader (119) leads the Reds’ starters in ERA (2.92) and WHIP (1.23) and is tied for the team lead with eight wins. Since May 31, Miley is 4-0 with a 2.56 ERA and 54 strikeouts, opposite 25 walks. Of those 11 starts, eight have gone down as quality starts.

Ryan O’Hearn (Sam Houston) – Kansas City Royals

In his fourth season with the Royals, the 2014 Second-Team All-Southland honoree is hitting .227 with 19 RBI, eight home runs and 16 runs scored in 48 games. Since July 20, O’Hearn is 7-for-23 (.304) with six RBI and a pair of home runs. He hit a two-run shot in a 5-2 win over the Brewers and, three days later, deposited a three-run blast in the stands in a 5-3 win over the Tigers.

Jace Peterson (McNeese) – Milwaukee Brewers

In his second season with the Brewers, the two-time First-Team All-Southland (2010-11) honoree owns a .241/.368/.391 slash line with 21 RBI, 23 runs and 11 extra-base hits. Peterson went 4-for-13 at the plate with five RBI and three runs scored in a three-game set against the Pirates on July 1-4, including tying a season high with three RBI on July 3.

Jordan Romano (Oral Roberts) – Toronto Blue Jays

In his third season with the Blue Jays, the 2014 Southland Relief Pitcher of the Year has four wins and a team-high nine saves on the year across 38 appearances, which ranks second on the team. Romano has struck out 45 batters over 37.1 innings. He was three-for-three in save opportunities in July, including closing out crucial wins over division foes Boston and Tampa Bay.

Caleb Smith (Sam Houston) – Arizona Diamondbacks

In his first full season with the Diamondbacks after a trade last August, the two-time Second Team All-Southland (2012-13) pick is second on the team in strikeouts (99) and ranks third in opponent batting average (.222). Smith has averaged 10.8 strikeouts per nine innings over his last 10 starts, including a season-high eight punchouts on two occasions.

Ryan Tepera (Sam Houston) – Chicago Cubs

The former Bearkat had made a team-high 43 appearances with 50 strikeouts over 43.1 innings for the Cubs before he was traded across town to the White Sox on July 30. On June 24, Tepera had a helping hand in a combined no-hit effort of the Dodgers with one inning of relief for starter Zach Davies. In the month of July, he allowed just one earned run with nine strikeouts over 6.1 innings.

Jose Trevino (Oral Roberts) – Texas Rangers

In his fourth season with the Rangers, the two-time All-Southland (2013-14) honoree has caught 56 games this season and is hitting .229 with 17 RBI and 14 runs. In an 8-3 win over the A’s on June 21, he drove in a season-high three RBI on a sixth-inning home run. Trevino was activated form the injured list on July 23.

Triple-A

Drew Avans (Southeastern) – Oklahoma City Dodgers

In his third season with the Dodgers organization, the two-time All-Southland (2017-18) honoree is reaching base at a .391 clip with 28 walks, 22 runs, 11 RBI and 10 stolen bases at the Triple-A level.

Tyler Eppler (Sam Houston) – Rochester Red Wings

In his first season with the Nationals’ Triple-A affiliate, the 2014 Second-Team All-Southland selection is 2-7 with a 7.27 ERA. Eppler went 1-2 with a 4.66 ERA over five starts in July.

Josh Green (Southeastern) – Reno Aces

The Diamondbacks’ No. 19 prospect, Green is 6-4 with a 6.97 ERA in 14 starts for Arizona’s Triple-A squad. He allowed just one earned run over 7.2 innings to pick up the win against Tacoma on July 2.

Nick Heath (Northwestern State) – Reno Aces

In his first season with the Diamondbacks organization, the two-time Southland stolen bases leader (2015-16) paces the Triple-A team with 10 steals and has a .275/.364/.458 slash line.

Bryce Johnson (Sam Houston) – Sacramento River Cats

In his fifth season with the Giants organization, the two-time Southland hits leader (2016-17) leads the club’s Triple-A squad in runs (52), walks (35) and steals (18), and is slashing .278/.368/.422.

Mason Melotakis (Northwestern State) – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

The second-highest drafted Demon in program history was assigned to Miami’s Triple-A affiliate on June 11 and is 3-1 with a 4.35 ERA and two saves in 15 relief appearances.

Robbie Podorsky (McNeese) – El Paso Chihuahuas

In his fifth season with the Padres organization, the 2017 Southland steals leader (39) owns a slash line of .299/.347/.467 in eight games for San Diego’s Triple-A squad.

Tate Scioneaux (Southeastern) – Albuquerque Isotopes

In his first full season with the Rockies’ organization, the 2014 Southland Tournament MVP has a 4.08 ERA and 41 strikeouts over 35.1 innings in 30 appearances for Colorado’s Double-A and Triple-A teams.

Ty Tice (Central Arkansas) – Reno Aces

Tice was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks and subsequently assigned to the team’s Triple-A affiliate on July 21. He has three strikeouts over 2.1 innings in four appearances.

Will Vest (Stephen F. Austin) – Toledo Mud Hens

The 2017 Third-Team All-Southland pick was signed by the Tigers on July 17 and he was assigned to the team’s Triple-A affiliate on July 20. Vest has struck out five over 2.2 innings in his last two outings.

Double-A

Grant Anderson (McNeese) – Frisco RoughRiders

In his second season with the Rangers organization, Anderson is 1-0 with a 3.24 ERA and two holds in seven appearances since being promoted to Texas’ Double-A squad.

Jared Biddy (Southeastern) – Hartford Yard Goats

The 2019 Third Team All-Southland honoree was promoted to the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate on July 30 after posting a 3.31 ERA and 29 strikeouts in 18 relief appearances at the High-A level.

Austin Briggs (McNeese) – Midland RockHounds

In his fourth season with the A’s organization, Briggs is 2-1 with 22 strikeouts over 32 innings in 25 relief appearances for Oakland’s Double-A team.

Jameson Fisher (Southeastern) – Birmingham Barons

The only three-time all-tournament pick in Southland history, Fisher is in his sixth season with the White Sox organization. He leads the Double-A squad in batting average (.274) with 28 RBI and 34 runs.

David Fry (Northwestern State) – Biloxi Shuckers

In his fourth season with the Brewers system, the four-time All-Southland (2015-18) selection leads Milwaukee’s Double-A affiliate in OBP (.338) and OPS (.783) with 21 extra-base hits in 55 games.

Collin Kober (McNeese) – Arkansas Travelers

In his fifth season with the Mariners organization, the two-time All-Southland (2015-16) honoree is 3-0 with a 2.00 ERA and four holds in 22 appearances out of the bullpen for Seattle’s Double-A squad.

Aaron Hernandez (Texas A&M-Corpus Christi) – Rocket City Trash Pandas

The Angels’ No. 24 prospect and the highest-drafted player out of Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Hernandez is 2-3 with 38 strikeouts over 27.2 innings in seven starts for the club’s Double-A team.

Nick Mikolajchak (Sam Houston) – Akron RubberDucks

Mikolajchak, who finished his career ranked eighth in Southland history with 22 career saves, has six saves and 37 strikeouts across 25 innings in 18 appearances for Cleveland’s Double-A team.

Adam Oller (Northwestern State) – Binghamton Rumble Ponies

In his first season with the Mets organization, the three-time All-Southland (2014-16) pick is 4-3 with a 4.43 ERA in 14 starts for New York’s Double-A affiliate. He has struck out 83 batters in 69 innings.

Eric Orze (New Orleans) – Binghamton Rumble Ponies

A fifth-round pick by the Mets in the 2020 MLB Draft, Orze has struck out 22 batters over 14.1 innings in eight games since being promoted to New York’s Double-A team.

Addison Russ (HBU) – Somerset Patriots

In his first season with the Yankees organization following a trade last August, Russ is 2-1 with a 1.96 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 18.1 innings across 13 appearances for New York’s Double-A squad.

Shawn Semple (New Orleans) – Somerset Patriots

In his fifth season with the Yankees organization, the 2017 First-Team All-Southland honoree is 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA and 41 strikeouts across 37.2 innings in nine appearances for New York’s Double-A squad.

Mac Sceroler (Southeastern) – Chattanooga Lookouts

Since returning to the Reds and being assigned to the Double-A affiliate on June 26, Sceroler is 1-2 with a 5.21 ERA and 20 strikeouts in six appearances, including three starts.

Cayne Ueckert (McNeese) – Tennessee Smokies

In his second season with the Cubs organization, Ueckert is 1-1 with a 1.69 ERA, seven saves and 31 strikeouts in 22 appearances since being promoted to Chicago’s Double-A squad on May 11.

Bryan Warzek (New Orleans) – Tulsa Drillers

In his fourth season with the Dodgers organization, the two-time All-Southland (2017-18) selection is 3-1 with a 3.11 ERA and 47 strikeouts over 37.2 innings in 24 games for Los Angeles’ Double-A affiliate.

Hayden Wesneski (Sam Houston) – Somerset Patriots

The Yankees’ No. 25 prospect and two-time All-Southland (2018-19) pick is 2-5 with a 4.18 ERA in 14 starts at the Double-A and High-A levels. Wesneski has 77 strikeouts and just 22 walks in 71 innings.

 

High A

Aidan Anderson (McNeese) – Jersey Shore BlueClaws

In his third season with the Phillies organization, the 2019 Southland Tournament MVP has three saves, two holds and 23 strikeouts through 25 innings in 15 games for Philadelphia’s High-A team.

Jason Blanchard (Lamar) – Fort Wayne TinCaps

In his third season with the Padres organization, the 2019 Third-Team All-Southland honoree was assigned to San Diego’s High-A team on May 4.

J.C. Correa (Lamar) – Asheville Tourists

The 2019 Second-Team All-Southland honoree and brother of Carlos Correa is slashing .486/.500/.649 in 10 games since being promoted to Houston’s High-A team on July 19.

Tanner Driskill (Lamar) – Wilmington Blue Rocks

In his fourth season with the Nationals organization, Driskill has pitched 14.1 innings in 10 relief appearances for Washington’s High-A squad.

Cody Grosse (Southeastern) – Everett AquaSox

In his third season with the Mariners organization, the 2018 Second Team All-Southland pick is reaching base at a .347 clip with 32 walks, 27 runs and 19 RBI in 50 games for Seattle’s High-A team.

Kyle Gruller (HBU) – Asheville Tourists

The 2019 Third-Team All-Southland pick was promoted to the Houston Astros’ High-A affiliate on August 3 after striking out 21 batters over 13 innings in four appearances at the Rookie and Low-A levels.

William Hancock (Central Arkansas) – Quad Cities River Bandits

In his fourth season with the Royals organization, the 2018 First-Team All-Southland pick has 19 walks, 22 runs and 27 RBI for Kansas City’s High-A squad. Hancock drove in 15 runs in as many games in July.

Bryan King (McNeese) – South Bend Cubs

In his third season with the Cubs organization, King owns a 4.94 ERA with 29 strikeouts over 23.2 innings in 13 appearances for Chicago’s High-A team.

Bernie Martinez (UIW) – Everett AquaSox

In his third season with the Mariners organization, the 2019 Southland wins leader (nine) is 2-0 with a 3.71 ERA in 13 appearances for Seattle’s High-A affiliate. Opponents are hitting just .216 off him.

Austin Reich (Northwestern State) – Eugene Emeralds

In his third season with the Giants organization, Reich owns a 1.50 ERA with 24 strikeouts across 18 innings in seven appearances for San Francisco’s High-A affiliate.

Shane Selman (McNeese) – Lansing Lugnuts

In his second season with the A’s organization, the 2017 Southland Hitter of the Year is slashing .259/.370/.458 and leads Oakland’s High-A squad in home runs (9) and OPS (.828).

Shawn Semple (New Orleans) – Somerset Patriots

In his fifth season with the Yankees organization, the 2017 First-Team All-Southland honoree is 3-2 with a 3.35 ERA and 41 strikeouts across 37.2 innings in nine appearances for New York’s Double-A squad.

Bryce Tassin (Southeastern) – West Michigan Whitecaps

In his third season with the Tigers organization, Tassin owns a 3.09 ERA in 23.1 innings pitched over 18 relief appearances for Detroit’s High-A squad.

Luis Trevino (Abilene Christian) – Bowling Green Hot Rods

In his third season with the Rays organization, the 2019 Southland Player of the Year owns a .273/.354/.420 slash line with 13 RBI and 10 doubles for Tampa Bay’s High-A team.

Low A

Jordan Cannon (Sam Houston) – Delmarva Shorebirds

In his third season with the Orioles organization, the 2019 Second-Team All-Southland selection is hitting .223 with 20 runs, 14 RBI and 12 walks in 31 games for Baltimore’s Low-A affiliate.

Austin Faith (Lamar) – St. Lucie Mets

In his first season with the Mets organization, Faith is 3-4 with 43 strikeouts over 32.2 innings in 18 appearances for New York’s Low-A squad.

Logan Hofmann (Northwestern State) – Bradenton Marauders

A fifth-round pick by the Pirates in the 2020 MLB Draft, Hofmann is 3-2 with a 2.88 ERA and 64 strikeouts over 50 innings in 15 appearances for Pittsburgh’s Low-A team.

Nate Jones (Northwestern State) – St. Lucie Mets

In his third season with the Mets organization, the 2019 Second Team All-Southland selection was assigned to New York’s Low-A squad on May 4.

Trayson Kubo (Stephen F. Austin) – Stockton Ports

In his third season with the A’s organization, Kubo has struck out 18 batters in 19.1 innings across nine appearances for Oakland’s Low-A squad.

Hunter Speer (Nicholls) – Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Speer was signed by the White Sox on July 5 and has struck out 20 batters over 12.2 innings in 14 appearances at the Rookie, Low-A, High-A and Double-A levels.

Gavin Stone (Central Arkansas) – Rancho Cucamonga Quakes

A fifth-round pick by the Dodgers in the 2020 MLB Draft, Stone owns a 3.79 ERA with 81 strikeouts over 59.1 innings in 16 appearances for Los Angeles’ Low-A affiliate.

Rookie

Kwan Adkins (Northwestern State) – ACL Giants Orange

In his fourth season with the Giants organization, the 2018 Third-Team All-Southland selection owns a .268/.382/.554 slash line through 21 games for San Francisco’s Rookie League squad.

Colton Cowser (Sam Houston) – FCL Orioles Orange

The 2021 Southland Conference Player of the Year and highest-drafted player out of the league (fifth overall) went 2-for-3 with a home run in his professional debut on Aug. 2.

Jack Rogers (Sam Houston) – ACL Reds

A two-time All-Southland selection and ninth-round selection in the 2021 MLB Draft, Rogers went 1-for-2 with a double in his professional debut on August 2.

Other

Kyle Backhus (Sam Houston) – Arizona Diamondbacks

The former Bearkat reached a free-agent deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 14.

Noah Cameron (Central Arkansas) – Kansas City Royals

The 2019 Second Team All-Southland honoree was drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 MLB Draft and signed by the Kansas City Royals.

Levi David (Northwestern State) – New York Mets

The 2021 Third-Team All-Southland pick was drafted in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft and signed by the New York Mets.

Will Dion (McNeese) – Cleveland Indians

The 2021 Southland strikeout leader (121) was drafted in the ninth round of the 2021 MLB Draft and signed by the Cleveland Indians.

Gaige Howard (New Orleans) – Los Angeles Dodgers

The 2019 Third-Team All-Southland honoree reached a free-agent deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers on July 26.

Will Warren (Southeastern) – New York Yankees

A 2021 First-Team All-Southland nod, Warren was drafted in the eighth round of the 2021 MLB Draft and signed by the New York Yankees.