Pro Diamond Hogs: How former Arkansas players are faring in MLB – June 18
Our weekly update of how former Arkansas baseball players are doing or have done in in the Major League this year continues today.
As of Sunday, eight former Diamond Hogs were on MLB rosters. Some have been there a long time and some are just starting their careers. And that doesn’t count those who have tasted the bigs this year, too, which we’ll also track.
On top of that, we’ll list the guys below – in text – who are just around the corner from their first cups of coffee.
But for now, let’s look at those who have stuck around in 2023 with the images and captures.
Andrew Benintendi - Chicago White Sox
Benintendi’s solid June continued as he’s hitting .311 for the month with an on-base percentage over .420. He also popped his first homer of the season last week.
Stats: .275 BA, .345 OBP, .360 slugging, 1 HR, 18 RBI
Jalen Beeks - Tampa Bay Rays
Beeks is going the opposite direction of Benintendi. The Rays’ left-hander was sent to Triple-A Durham earlier in the week after pitching just one game.
Stats: 5.81 ERA, 34 IP, 1.44 WHIP, 36 K, 18 BB
Brian Anderson - Milwaukee Brewers
Anderson continued to be a regular starter in the Brewers’ lineup, though he did get Sunday off. His numbers are below-average, but his positional versatility keeps him a viable Major Leaguer.
Stats: .225 BA, .325 OBP, .390 SLG, 9 HR, 34 RBI
Zach Jackson - Oakland Athletics
Jackson is still on the injured list because of a flexor tendon strain. His gig is waiting for him when he returns, though.
Stats: 2.50 ERA, 18 IP, 1.556 WHIP, 18 K, 10 BB
James McCann - Baltimore Orioles
McCann picked up a couple of starts for the upstart Orioles in the week despite being the team’s back-up catcher. He had knocks in both. Not much more to ask for.
Stats: .194 BA, .232 OBP, .344 SLG, 3 HR, 7 RBI
Ryne Stanek - Houston Astros
Stanek missed the early part of the week because he was on the bereavement list. He pitched in two games when he returned and struggled a bit.
Stats: 4.76 ERA, 22 2/3 IP, 1.63 WHIP, 22 K, 14 BB
Drew Smyly - Chicago Cubs
Smyly’s turn in the rotation came Wednesday against the Pirates. They hit him around for three home runs, though the Cubs picked up the win. Smyly is in good position in the Chicago rotation.
Stats: 3.59 ERA, 77 2/3 IP, 1.20 WHIP, 65 K, 21 BB
Trevor Stephan - Cleveland Guardians
Stephen pitched in just one game but picked up the victory against San Diego, giving up just a walk in 1 2/3 innings.
Stats: 2.40 ERA, 30 IP, 1.28 WHIP, 33 K, 10 BB
Dominic Fletcher - Arizona Diamondbacks (minors)
Fletcher’s rough week at Triple-A isn’t a big deal. He’s still on his way back to the MLB when the Diamondbacks have a place for him. He’s considered a part of their future.
Stats at Arizona: .308 BA, .349 OBP, .474 SLG, 4 HR, 13 RBI (22 games)
Stats at Reno: .320 BA, .412 OBP, .498 SLG, 3 HR, 20 RBI (33 games)
Matt Reynolds - Cincinnati Reds (minors)
Reynolds played in just one game for the Reds before being designated for assignment. He isn’t getting much run in Louisville since the demotion, though his overall numbers are good.
Stats at Cincinnati: 1 for 5, 1 R (2 games)
Stats at Louisville: .297 AVG, .398 OBP, .607 SLG, 9 HR, 30 RBI (39 games)
Getting close
OF Heston Kjerstad – Baltimore Orioles (Triple-A)
P Matt Cronin – Washington Nationals (Triple-A, 40-man roster)
C Grant Koch – Pittsburgh Pirates (Triple-A)
P Barrett Loseke – New York Yankees (Triple-A)
