Red Raiders In The Major Leagues

LUBBOCK, Texas – With the final week of the 2016 baseball regular season underway, Texas Tech has 33 former standouts playing professional baseball, including six who are currently on Major League rosters.

The Red Raider baseball program has funneled talent to all levels of professional baseball, who have found tremendous success during 2016. Tech's first All-Star was named to the midsummer classic in A.J. Ramos this year, while Josh Tomlin, the longest tenured Cleveland Indian, helped his team clinch the AL Central for the first time in nine years, and may not be the only Red Raider represented in the MLB Postseason in October.

JOSH TOMLIN // SP // CLEVELAND INDIANS
On Monday night, Josh Tomlin and the Cleveland Indians clinched the AL Central division title for the first time since 2007. Tomlin has pitched in 29 games this year for Cleveland, putting up a 12-9 record in the process, matching a career-high set in 2011. He allowed two runs, one in earned, in 6.2 innings on Sunday against the Chicago White Sox. In the last three games, he's allowed just three earned runs in 18.1 innings. The seven-year veteran is in the midst of arguably his best season with the Indians, striking out 115 batters, putting up a near 6-to-1 strikeout to walk ratio, and will have the opportunity to display his talents and represent Texas Tech in the MLB Postseason this October.

KELBY TOMLINSON // 2B // SAN FRANCISO GIANTS
On Sept. 1, Kelby Tomlinson was recalled by the San Francisco Giants to the 40-man roster, as they attempt to earn a bid to the MLB Postseason. Primarily a second baseman, Tomlinson has made stops at shortstop, third base and in left field this season. In 50 games and 115 plate appearances in 2016, Tomlinson has put together a .287 batting average, while recording 29 hits and six RBI. In the last series against the San Diego Padres, Tomlinson pinch hit in the 10^th inning on Saturday, Sept. 24, delivering a sharp single to right field to give the Giants a 7-6 lead. Later in the frame, he would score off a Denard Span homer, giving him an extremely influential part of SF's 9-6 win over San Diego. The Giants currently hold a one-game lead over St. Louis for the second wild card position.

A.J. RAMOS // RP // MIAMI MARLINS
All-Star A.J. Ramos has put together another quality season for the Miami Marlins, in his fifth year as a relief pitcher for the club. Ramos was the first Red Raider to be named to an All-Star Game roster in school history after turning in a dominant first half of the season. He's already surpassed his save total from last year, closing out 39 games for the Marlins. On an emotional Monday night in Miami, Ramos appeared in his 66^th contest this season, delivering a scoreless ninth inning to close the book on the New York Mets.

CHAD BETTIS // SP // COLORADO ROCKIES
In his fourth year with the Colorado Rockies, Chad Bettis has been called upon for his biggest workload thus far in his major league career. The starting pitcher has logged 179.1 innings in 2016, putting up a 13-8 overall record behind a 4.92 ERA and 133 strikeouts. On Labor Day, Bettis tossed a two-hit, complete game shutout in a 6-0 win over the Giants, as he called it his "best performance of his career." In the last three appearances, Bettis is 1-1, earning a victory over San Diego on Sept. 18.

DANIEL COULOMBE // RP // OAKLAND A'S
Daniel Coulombe has strung together a solid third season in the MLB, appearing in 32 games for the Oakland A's this year. Coulombe has tossed 44.2 innings, closing out 10 contests, while firing off 50 strikeouts with an ERA of 4.84. He's had a strikeout in each of his last two appearances, throwing a perfect inning in his last game against Texas on Sept. 24, and has earned three wins for the A's in 2016.

NATHAN KARNS // SP // SEATTLE MARINERS
Nathan Karns was off to a strong start to 2016 before an injury derailed his fourth year in the majors. Karns posted a 6-2 record in 15 starts before going on the 60-day DL. He also appeared in seven other contests, while also recording a save on July 2 against Baltimore in 3.0 innings pitched. Overall, he's tossed 94.1 innings, while rattling off 101 strikeouts.

COLT HYNES // RP // TRIPLE-A – NASHVILLE SOUNDS (OAKLAND A'S)
Colt Hynes has moved through the Double-A and Triple-A systems for Toronto, Cleveland and Oakland in 2016, finishing the year with the Nashville Sounds. Hynes started the season in Double A-New Hampshire for Toronto, where he pitched in 13 games, striking out 21. After a stint in Akron with Cleveland's Double-A squad, he was promoted to Toronto's Triple A team, Buffalo Bisons. While in Buffalo, Hynes tossed 17.1 innings in 16 games, earning two wins and a save. He finished the season with one appearance each in Columbus and Nashville.

BARRETT BARNES // OF // DOUBLE-A – ALTOONA CURVE (PITTSBURGH PIRATES)
Barrett Barnes wrapped up his second season with the Altoona Curve in 2016, the Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and fifth overall in the pro's. Barnes put together a fantastic season, appearing in 124 games as the starting left fielder. Behind a .306 batting average, he put down 123 hits and 47 RBI as one of the top batters for the Curve. He also scored 60 runs, helping the team to a 76-win season and a first-place finish in the Eastern League Western division.

REID REDMAN // RP // DOUBLE-A – NORTHWEST ARKANSAS NATURALS (KANSAS CITY ROYALS)
In his second season with the Royals organization, Reid Redman quickly progressed through the Rookie League and Single-A divisions after three games in each, before moving up to the Naturals and Double-A ball. He raked up eight strikeouts in 6.0 innings in Idaho Falls and 10 in 6.0 innings in Lexington, en route to posting a win at each stop. With the Naturals, he put together a 2.77 ERA behind 21 strikeouts, while pitching 26.0 innings in 16 games.

SHANE BROYLES // RP // DOUBLE-A – HARTFORD YARD GOATS (COLORADO ROCKIES)
Shane Broyles appeared in 36 games for the Hartford Yard Goats in Double-A this season, his fifth season in the pro's. In 51.0 innings, Broyles has struck out 69 batters, while closing out 16 games, helping the Yard Goats to 74 wins in the Eastern League Eastern division.

ANDRE WHEELER // RP // DOUBLE-A – BIRMINGHAM BARONS (CHICAGO WHITE SOX)
Andre Wheeler also made a move midyear from Advanced-A Winston-Salem to Double-A Birmingham in the White Sox organization. While with the Dash, Wheeler made 16 appearances in 32.2 innings, racking up two saves and earning two wins for the Dash. He rung up 33 batters while putting together an impressive 2.20 ERA before being promoted to Birmingham. With the Barons, he made 19 appearances over 25.2 innings pitched, striking out 25 and closing out seven games.

COREY TAYLOR // RP // ADVANCED-A – ST. LUCIE METS (NEW YORK METS)
Corey Taylor spent his second season in the pro's pitching for Advanced-A St. Lucie Mets. For the second-straight year, Taylor recorded a sub-2.00 ERA, finishing the year at 1.87 in 45 appearances. While upping his inning count from last season to 53.0, Taylor rung up 45 batters, totaling 20 saves, helping the Mets to 74 wins and a South division title in the Florida State League. He also added four wins in 2016, increasing his career total to five, while giving his career ERA a 1.77 figure.

MATT WITHROW // SP/RP // ADVANCED-A – CAROLINA MUDCATS (ATLANTA BRAVES)
Matt Withrow made 24 starts for the Carolina Mudcats in Advanced-A ball this season, earning nine wins. He was the winningest pitcher for the Mudcats squad, putting together a 3.80 ERA over 120.2 innings pitched. Withrow also rung up a team-high 131 batters in his second season in the Atlanta organization.

HUNTER REDMAN // C // ADVANCED-A – LAKE ELSINORE STORM (SAN DIEGO PADRES)
Hunter Redman moved up from Single-A Short Season (Tri-City Dust Devils), to Single-A (Fort Wayne TinCaps), before finishing the year with Advanced-A (Lake Elsinore Storm) in the San Diego Padres system. After 15 games and eight dingers with Tri-City, Redman was promoted to Lake Elsinore, where he put together a .333 batting average in 15 plate appearances.

CHRIS SADBERRY // RP // ADVANCED-A – JUPITER HAMMERHEADS (MIAMI MARLINS)
Chris Sadberry began the 2016 season in in the Rookie League for the Marlins, before moving up to Advanced-A Jupiter to close out the year. One of the biggest reasons for his promotion was his 0.82 ERA after eight appearances and 11.0 innings, while striking out 10 batters. After picking up two victories, he moved on to the Hamerheads, where he pitched in three games in relief.

TYLER NESLONY // OF // SINGLE-A – ROME BRAVES (ATLANTA BRAVES)
Tyler Neslony made his professional debut on July 3 with the Danville Braves in Rookie League play. In five games with Danville, Neslony tore through opponent pitching, compiling a .500 batting average with eight base hits, including one homerun, and three RBI. He was then promoted to Class A Rome, where he played in 41 games, racking up 38 hits on his way to a .257 average.

MATT CUSTRED // RP // SINGLE-A – ROME BRAVES (ATLANTA BRAVES)
Matt Custred put together a 3.49 ERA for the Rome Braves in Single-A ball in 2016. Picking up five wins and two saves, Custred fired off 64 strikeouts in his second season in the Pro's, throwing 56.2 innings. His efforts helped the Braves to 70 wins in the Southern division of the South Atlantic League.

ROBERT DUGGER // RP/SP // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON – EVERETT AQUASOX
Robert Dugger made his professional debut on July 10 with the Arizona League Mariners in the Rookie League. In four appearances in the Arizona League, Dugger prompted an impressive 1.04 ERA, which included a 4.0 inning, seven strikeout performance en route to his second of two saves over the two weeks there. Shortly after, he was promoted to Triple-A Tacoma, where in two appearances and 4.0 innings, he put up four K's. He was then sent to the Everett Aquasox, where he finished the season. Starting six games, Dugger posted a 2-1 record, tossing 26.1 innings and ringing up 25 batters.

RYAN MOSELEY //SP // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON – ABERDEEN IRONBIRDS (BALTIMORE ORIOLES)
Ryan Moseley began his professional career on July 19 with the Aberdeen Ironbirds in Single-A Short Season ball. Pitching in 12 games, Moseley put together a 3.20 ERA, going 4-for-5 in save opportunities. He rung up 18 batters as he held opponents to a .191 batting average over 19.2 innings pitched.

ERIC GUTIERREZ // 1B // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON – BATAVIA MUCKDOGS (MIAMI MARLINS)
Eric Gutierrez made his professional debut on July 1 for the GCL Marlins in the Rookie League. In his only game in the Rookie League, Gutierrez went 3-for-5, with a double and a homer, driving in three RBI and scoring two of his own. He was then promoted to Single-A Short Season, where he started 50 games at first base for the Muckdogs. Gutierrez recorded 44 hits, 12 doubles, one triple and five homers, while scoring 18 runs; piecing together an average of .218.

STEPHEN SMITH // OF // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON – HILLSBORO HOPS (ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS)
Stephen Smith made his professional debut on July 1 with the Hillsboro Hops in Single-A Short Season ball. In 37 games with the Hops, Smith put together a .203 batting average after putting down 26 hits, four doubles, one triple and two dingers. He also added 19 total bases and 10 RBI.

HAYDEN HOWARD // RP // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON – AUBURN DOUBLEDAYS (WASHINGTON NATIONALS)
Hayden Howard made his professional debut on July 9 with the GCL Nationals in the Rookie League. He would only make one appearance there, earning a win after pitching 2.0 innings and striking out two. From there, he was called up to the Auburn Doubledays in Single-A Short Season ball, where he appeared in 11 games. Over 21.1 innings pitched, Howard racked up 12 punch outs, wrapping up his first professional season.

TY DAMRON // SP // SINGLE-A SHORT SEASON - VERMONT LAKE MONSTERS (OAKLAND A'S)
Ty Damron made his professional debut on July 23 with the Vermont Lake Monsters in Single-A Short Season ball. In 16.0 innings over 10 games, Damron rung up nine batters while successfully converting his only save opportunity on Aug. 24.

DOMINIC MORENO // RP // SINGLE-A – WEST MICHIGAN WHITECAPS (DETROIT TIGERS)
Dominic Moreno was assigned to the West Michigan Whitecaps from the Lakeland Flying Tigers on April 7, but was placed on the seven-day disabled list.

DALTON BROWN // RP // ROOKIE LEAGUE – HELENA BREWERS (MILWAUKEE BREWERS)
Dalton Brown made his professional debut on July 7 with the Arizona League Brewers. In six appearances in Arizona League, Brown logged 9.0 innings, striking out four and holding opponents to a measly .107 batting average, while posting a perfect 0.00 ERA. He was then moved to the Helena Brewers on Aug. 13, where he pitched in another six games, this time punching out eight over 11.0 innings pitched.

CAMERON SMITH // SP/RP // ROOKIE LEAGUE – AZL DIAMONDBACKS (ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS)
Cameron Smith pitched in his second season in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, this year for the Arizona League Diamondbacks. He appeared in three games, starting one and closing out another, picking up a victory on Aug. 25 after going 5.0 innings, striking out eight. He finished the season with 17 K's over 12.1 innings.

TREY MASEK // RP // INDEPENDENT LEAGUE – TEXAS AIRHOGS
Trey Masek spent the 2016 season in the Independent League with the Texas AirHogs, making 20 appearances. Pitching in the most games in a single season for him this year, he compiled his best ERA at 2.05, ringing up 16 batters in 22.0 innings pitched. He also earned a win and a save after closing out six games for the AirHogs.

DUSTIN RICHARDSON // RP // INDEPENDENT LEAGUE – LONG ISLAND DUCKS
Dustin Richardson spent time with the Oklahoma City Dodgers and the Tulsa Drillers, for the LA Dodgers organization, before finishing the season in the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks. He appeared in 13 games with the Ducks, serving as both a starting pitcher and in relief, stringing together a 3.86 ERA and striking out 24 batters.

DUKE VON SCHAMANN // SP // INDEPENDENT LEAGUE – WINNIPEG GOLDEYES
Duke Von Schamann posted an 8-7 record with the Goldeyes, throw 116.1 innings in 22 games. Schamann rung up 66 batters while putting together a 4.87 ERA, helping his team to 58 wins in the American Association North division. His win total was tied for the third most on the Goldeyes, as he completed his fifth year in the Pro's.

JONNY DROZD // RP // INDEPENDENT LEAGUE – LANCASTER BARNSTORMERS
Jonny Drozd started the 2016 season in Advanced-A with the Tampa Bay Yankees, the affiliate of the New York Yankees, before wrapping up the year with Lancaster in the Independent League. While with Tampa, he put together a 3.12 ERA over 17.1 innings pitched, striking out 14 batters. He was used in four of his 11 appearances to close out the game, while he finished nine of 21 in Lancaster. With the Barnstormers, he added another 13 K's over 19.1 innings.

ROGER KIESCHNICK // OF // INDEPENDENT LEAGUE – ROJOS DEL AGUILA DE VERACRUZ
Roger Kieschnick played 22 games in left field for Veracruz in the Mexican League, his first season with the team. In 90 plate appearances, Kieschnick put together a .218 batting average, launching four homeruns and driving in 12 RBI.

ZACH DAVIS // OF // ROOKIE LEAGUE – AZL CUBS (CHICAGO CUBS)
Zach Davis made his professional debut on July 13 with the Arizona League Cubs. He started in five of six games in centerfield and recorded three hits, plating two and scoring another.

CHANDLER EDEN // RP // ROOKIE LEAGUE – AZL DODGERS (LA DODGERS)
Chandler Eden was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 17, and was assigned to the Arizona League Dodgers on June 20.

Players Mentioned

Dalton Brown

Matt Custred

Ty Damron

Zach Davis

Robert Dugger

Chandler Eden

Eric Gutierrez

Hayden Howard

Dominic Moreno

Ryan Moseley

Tyler Neslony

Cameron Smith

Stephen Smith

Corey Taylor

Matt Withrow

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