The calendar still says March, and while the IU baseball team continues to battle the snow and cold, today is opening day across Major League Baseball. With a top 20 program that has been nationally relevant for nearly a decade, it should come as no surprise that the Hoosiers are represented on the rosters of MLB and AAA teams.
Below are the players that are listed on those rosters for opening day along with the 2017 stats that they registered at the MLB level. We’ve also listed some players to watch at the AAA affiliate level. At the end of each month we’ll monitor their progress and keep you up to date.
Alex Dickerson
Position: Leftfielder
Team: San Diego (DL)
This one is more of an honorable mention, as Dickerson will unfortunately miss his second consecutive entire season after undergoing season-ending elbow surgery. In 2016, Dickerson hit .257 while hitting 10 home runs and driving in 37 in 84 games for the Padres.
Josh Phegley
Position: Catcher
Team: Oakland A’s (10-day DL)
Phegley fractured two fingers last week. It isn’t clear at this point whether he will end up with the A’s or their AAA affiliate when he is healed and ready to play.
2017 Stats:
AB – 149
R – 14
H – 30
BA – .201
HR – 3
RBI – 10
SB – 0
OBP – .255
SLG – .336
Kyle Schwarber
Positions: Outfielder
Team: Chicago Cubs
All the buzz around the Cubs’ star this year is with respect to his 30 pound weight loss. The expectations are high for a rejuvenated 2018.
2017 Stats:
AB – 422
R – 67
H – 89
BA – .211
HR – 30
RBI – 59
SB – 1
OBP – .315
SLG – .467
OTHER PLAYERS TO WATCH
- Micah Johnson (Durham) – Johnson had a .316 average and .381 on-base percentage across 16 games at Tampa’s spring training.
- Aaron Slegers (Rochester) – Slegers is expected to be in the starting rotation at the Twins’ AAA affiliate.
- Sam Travis (Pawtucket) – Travis led the Red Sox in homers (6) and RBIs (17) during spring training.
- Joe DeNato (Lehigh Valley) – DeNato was solid in 3 appearances for the Phillies at spring training.
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