Red Raiders In the Pros - Week 20 - Texas Tech Red Raiders

LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech baseball has six former standouts on major league squads in the fifth month of the 2017 season, with 25 more in different levels of the minor league system.

The six Red Raiders in MLB include: Chad Bettis (Colorado Rockies), Daniel Coulombe (Oakland Athletics), Nathan Karns (Kansas City Royals), A.J. Ramos (New York Mets), Josh Tomlin (Cleveland Indians) and Kelby Tomlinson (San Francisco Giants).

Twenty-seven additional Red Raider standouts have started the year in the minor leagues, sprinkled throughout the ranks from Class A to AAA, as well as Independent baseball.

In this year's MLB Draft, five Red Raiders were drafted by five different squads. LHP Parker Mushinski (seventh) and OF Tanner Gardner (ninth) were both selected in the top 10 rounds of the draft by the Houston Astros and Texas Rangers, respectively. LHP Jacob Patterson (13th round – St. Louis Cardinals), SS Orlando Garcia (15th round – San Francisco Giants) and 1B Hunter Hargrove (25th round – Oakland Athletics) were taken on the final day. Ryan Long signed a free agent deal with the Evansville Otters, becoming the sixth Red Raider to begin his pro career.

CHAD BETTIS – Colorado Rockies - RHP
After a successful battle with cancer during the offseason & beginning of 2017, Chad Bettis has returned to the Rockies for his fifth season in the MLB. He's made three starts this year for Colorado, tossing 19.0 innings and striking out 11. In his first night back, he threw 7.0 scoreless frames, while ringing up two batters. The Rockies are 71-59 this season and are third in the N.L. West.

DANIEL COULOMBE – Oakland Athletics - LHP
Coulombe has made 58 appearances this season for the A's. He's tossed 45.1 innings, allowing 20 runs, 18 earned, on 39 hits, while striking out 34 for a 3.57 ERA. The A's are 58-72 this year and are fifth in the A.L. West.

NATHAN KARNS – Kansas City Royals - RHP
Karns has made nine appearances this season for the Royals, the first in relief and the last eight in a starting role. This season, Karns is 2-2 with 51 strikeouts and a 4.17 ERA, putting together a 2.01 ERA during the month of May. The Royals are 64-65 this year and are third in the A.L. Central. He was moved to the 60-day disabled list on June 26 and underwent successful thoracic outlet syndrome surgery to end his 2017 campaign.

A.J. RAMOS – New York Mets - RHP
On July 28, A.J. Ramos was traded by the Miami Marlins to the New York Mets. In six years with the Marlins, Ramos put together a 2.28 ERA over 326 appearances. He racked up 92 saves over 328.1 innings of work, tallying 379 strikeouts. In 2017, he is 25 of 27 in save opportunities with 64 strikeouts. He has made 11 appearances with the Mets so far this season, converting all five of his opportunities with New York. This year, the Mets are 57-73 and are fourth in the N.L. East.

JOSH TOMLIN – Cleveland Indians - RHP
Tomlin has started in 20 games this season for the Indians, posting a 7-9 record. He's struck out 86 batters and walked only 12 over 110.1 innings pitched for a 5.38 ERA. He is 3-0 during the month of July, with wins coming over the Padres, Giants and Reds. On July 30, he went 4.0 frames of scoreless ball, striking out five, before leaving the game with an apparent injury and was placed on the 10-day disabled list on July 31. He is expected to return to action this week. This season, the Indians are 73-56 and lead the A.L. Central by 6.5 games.

KELBY TOMLINSON – San Francisco Giants - INF
Tomlinson was recalled to the Giants active roster on April 26. This season, Tomlinson has recorded 40 hits, scoring 26 runs and nine RBI, while putting together a .263 average at the plate. He's hitting .281 during the month of August, with multi-hit games in two of his last three outings. It is his third stint with the club in as many years. Before getting the call up, Tomlinson had played in 14 games this season for the Sacramento River Cats, racking up 13 hits along with four RBI and 11 runs scored. This season, the Giants are 52-80 and are fifth in the N.L. West.

BARRETT BARNES (OF) – Bradenton Marauders – Florida State League - Class A Advanced – Pittsburgh Pirates
Barnes has played in 24 games this season for the Indianapolis Indians are returning from injury. Barnes has racked up 18 hits, including seven doubles, along with 10 runs scored and eight RBI for a .247 average. The 2017 season marks Barnes' first at the AAA level, who has moved up in the Pirates organization since being drafted in 2012. He was placed on the seven-day disabled list on June 13. On Aug. 27, he was assigned to the Bradenton Marauders after a rehab assignemtn with the GCL Pirates.

DALTON BROWN (RHP) – Arizona League Brewers – Arizona League – Rookie League – Milwaukee Brewers
Brown made two appearances this season for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers. Over 3.2 innings, he's struck out two, while giving up six earned runs. Last season, Brown finished 1-1 with one save in 12 outings in Rookie League play with the Helena Brewers and the Arizona League Brewers. On May 5, he was assigned to the Helena Brewers. He was assigned to the Arizona League Brewers on June 22 and is listed on the 60-day disabled list.

SHANE BROYLES (RHP) – Hartford Yard Goats – Eastern League – Class AA – Colorado Rockies
Broyles has pitched in 45 games this year for the Hartford Yard Goats. He's finished 35 games, earning 19 saves, while racking up 74 strikeouts over 51.2 innings. He's allowed only 13 runs, nine earned, on 34 hits in his second year with the club for a 1.57 ERA. Last season, he appeared in 36 games, picking up one save and 69 strikeouts in Class AA play.

MATT CUSTRED (RHP) – Rome Braves – South Atlantic League – Class A – Atlanta Braves
Custred has made 22 appearances in 2017 for the Rome Braves this season. In 36.2 innings in Rome, he's allowed only four earned runs and 17 hits, while ringing up 46 opposing hitters for a 0.98 ERA. He has not given up a run in his last nine trips to the mound. Last season, Custred made 40 appearances, posting a 5-3 record with two saves, striking out 64 over 56.2 innings pitched. On June 25, he made his return to the mound after a stint on the disabled list.

TY DAMRON (LHP) – Beloit Snappers – Midwest League – Class A – Oakland Athletics
Damron made five starts and 16 total appearances for the Beloit Snappers this season. He's picked up two saves in two chances this year. He's totaled 43.2 innings, striking out 45 batters for a 4.74 ERA and 3-5 record. On Aug. 6, he made his first appearance with the Snappers since returning from an injury that held him out since May 28.

ZACH DAVIS (OF) – Eugene Emeralds – Northwest League – Class A Short Season – Chicago Cubs
Davis has played in 51 games for the Eugene Emeralds this season. He's racked up 41 hits, including four doubles, a triple and two homers, for a .244 average. He has also has nine RBI, 25 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. It is his second year in the Cubs organization, playing in the Arizona Rookie League in 2016.

JONNY DROZD (LHP) – Lancaster JetHawks – California League – Class A Advanced – Colorado Rockies
Drozd was picked up by the Colorado Rockies and assigned to the Lancaster JetHawks on July 13. He's pitched in eight games with the club this season. Before the JetHawks, he was with the Fort Myers Miracle, where he put together a 2.83 ERA over 28.2 innings and 18 appearances. It is his fourth year playing professional baseball. He was placed on the disabled-list on Aug. 14.

ROBERT DUGGER (RHP) – Modesto Nuts – California League – Class A Advanced – Seattle Mariners
On July 18, Robert Dugger was promoted to the Modesto Nuts, the Class A Advanced squad for the Seattle Mariners. So far with the Nuts, Dugger has made eight starts, totaling 39.2 frames of work, striking out 41 and allowing 20 earned runs for a 4.54 ERA. He picked up his first win with the club on July 27 after going 6.0 innings, giving up just one earned run while ringing up six. In 22 games with the LumberKings, Dugger was 4-1 with a 2.00 ERA and a nice 69 strikeouts. It is his second year in the Mariners system, spending last year in different spots in Short A ball, Rookie League and Class AAA.

TANNER GARDNER (OF) – Hickory Crawdads – South Atlantic League – Class A – Texas Rangers
Gardner has played in 41 games for the Hickory Crawdads this season. He's racked up 31 hits, including 10 doubles, a triple and a homer, while drawing 15 walks, scoring 16 runs & driving in 13 RBI for a .231 average. He's made starts all over the field in LF & RF, as well as first base, second base and in the DH role after being drafted in the ninth round by the Texas Rangers in this year's draft.

ORLANDO GARCIA (INF) – Salem-Keizer Volcanoes – Northwest League – Class A Short Season – San Francisco Giants
Garcia was assigned to the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes in Class A short season after being drafted in the 15^th round by the San Francisco Giants. In 48 games this season, he is hitting .286 with 48 hits, including 10 doubles and five homers, along with 30 RBI, 31 runs and 23 walks.

ERIC GUTIERREZ (INF) – Greensboro Grasshoppers – South Atlantic League – Class A – Miami Marlins
Gutierrez has played in 83 games this season for the Greensboro Grasshoppers. He's thrown down 78 hits, including 13 doubles and six homers, as well as 45 runs scored and 44 RBI for a .261 average. This year marks his first full year in the Marlins system, as he moved from Rookie League to Short A ball in 2016 after completing his collegiate career.

HUNTER HARGROVE (INF) – Vermont Lake Monsters – New York-Penn League – Class A Short Season – Oakland A's
Hargrove was assigned to the Arizona League Athletics on June 23 after being drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 25^th round of this year's draft. He was promoted to the Vermont Lake Monsters on July 31 after finishing his rookie league stint with a .299 average and 20 hits. In 16 games with the Lake Monsters, he has 14 hits, including two doubles and a homer, as well as four runs and six RBI for a .222 average.

HAYDEN HOWARD (LHP) – Hagerstown Suns – South Atlantic League – Class A – Washington Nationals
Howard has appeared in 30 games this year for the Hagerstown Suns, starting two, while picking up five saves. He's put together a 4-2 record over 72.2 innings pitched, giving up 25 earned runs and striking out 71 for a 3.10 ERA in his first year in Class A ball. He has given up just one earned run in his last five outings, totaling six strikeouts during that stretch. Last year, Howard spent time in Short A & Rookie League levels, pitching in 12 games over 23.1 innings.

COLT HYNES (LHP) – Tulsa Drillers – Texas League – Class AA – Los Angeles Dodgers
Hynes has pitched in 23 games for the Tulsa Drillers this season, putting up a 6-1 mark after starting in four contests. Over 56.0 innings, he has allowed 23 earned runs, striking out 42 & issuing only 12 walks for a 3.70 ERA. Hynes returns to the Dodgers organization, spending time with Toronto, Oakland and Cleveland over the last two years, moving from AA-to-AAA-to-MLB. On July 20, he was placed on the seven-day disabled list.

RYAN LONG (OF) – Evansville Otters – Frontier League – Independent League
Long signed with the Evansville Otters in June and has played in 43 games this year for the club all over the outfield & several games at third base. Long has racked up 51 hits, including six doubles, a triple and two homers for a .321/.458/.409 line. He also has drawn 39 walks, scored 35 runs and driven in 11 RBI. He is the sixth Red Raider to make his pro debut this summer.

RYAN MOSELEY (RHP) – Great Lakes Loons – Midwest League – Class A – Los Angeles Dodgers
On June 22, Moseley was assigned to the Great Lakes Loons from the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes. He's made 17 appearances for the Loons, tossing 34.2 frames and striking out 35. Moseley pitched in 10 games for the Quakes, putting together a 3.26 ERA over 30.1 innings pitched. He's struck out 20 while allowing 11 earned runs. After wrapping up his college career in 2016, Moseley spent 12 games with the Aberdeen IronBirds in Short-Season A ball in the Orioles organization.

PARKER MUSHINSKI (LHP) – Tri-City ValleyCats – New York-Penn League – Class A Short Season – Houston Astros
Mushinski has made 12 appearances this season for the Tri-City ValleyCats, including three starts. Over 27.2 innings, he's allowed 11 earned runs, while striking out 36 for a 3.38 ERA. He has struck out a season-high six batters on three separate occasions this season, the last over 3.0 frames on Aug. 13. In his third start with the club, he tossed 2.0 perfect frames, striking out three. Mushinski was Tech's highest draft pick in this 2017 MLB Draft, selected by the Houston Astros in the seventh round.

TYLER NESLONY (OF) – Mississippi Braves – Southern League – Class AA – Atlanta Braves
On July 13, Tyler Neslony was promoted to the Mississippi Braves, the Class AA affiliate of the Atlanta Braves. In 38 games with the Braves, Neslony is hitting .205 with 26 hits, including four doubles and a homer. He also has 13 RBI, 16 walks and 12 runs scored. In 60 games with the Florida Fire Frogs, Neslony had 67 hits, including 17 doubles and three homers, with 21 RBI and 31 runs scored for a 309/.378/.442 clip. Last year, he played in 46 games in Class A & Rookie League play, hitting a combined .280 with 46 hits.

JACOB PATTERSON (LHP) – Johnson City Cardinals – Appalachian League – Rookie League – St. Louis Cardinals
Patterson has pitched in 21 games this season for the Johnson City Cardinals, making his pro debut on June 22. He's tossed 23.0 frames this year, striking out 32 & has allowed just two earned runs on 12 hits for a 0.78 ERA. Patterson was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 13^th round of this year's draft.

DUSTIN RICHARDSON (LHP) – Sugar Land Skeeters – Atlantic League – Independent League
Richardson has pitched in 47 games for the Sugar Land Skeeters this season, finishing off nine games to earn four saves. In 42.0 innings pitched, he's struck out 59 & given up 33 hits for a 5.14 ERA. It is his second stint in the Independent League, playing for Long Island last season. He's been a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers & Angels organizations along with the Marlins & Braves, as well as playing in the majors for the Red Sox.

STEPHEN SMITH (OF) – Kane County Cougars – Midwest League – Class A – Arizona Diamondbacks
On July 13, Stephen Smith was assigned to the Kane County Cougars, the Class A full season squad of the Arizona Diamondbacks. In 35 games with the Cougars, he has 31 hits, including 10 doubles and a homer, along with 21 walks, 13 runs scored and 12 RBI for a .295 average. He has at least one hit in seven of the last eight games for the Cougars. In 16 contests with the Hillsboro Hops, Smith had 12 hits, 13 walks and nine runs. It is his second season in the Diamondbacks organization.

COREY TAYLOR (RHP) – Binghamton Rumble Ponies – Eastern League – Class AA – New York Mets
Taylor has pitched in 40 games this year for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies. Over 58.1 innings, Taylor has struck out 44 batters and allowed 28 runs, 25 earned, while finishing off 16 contests for three saves and a 3.86 ERA. It is the third year Taylor has been in the Mets system since 2015 and earned an invite to the program's spring training camp.

DUKE VON SCHAMANN (RHP) – Joliet Slammers – Frontier League – Independent League
Schamann has made 17 starts for the Joliet Slammers this season, putting up a 4-7 record. Over 106.2 innings pitched, he's recorded 75 strikeouts, while allowing 49 earned runs for a 4.13 ERA. Schamann has spent time in the Indians and Dodgers organization from 2012-15, while spending the last two seasons playing in the Independent league.

ANDRE WHEELER (LHP) – Winston-Salem Dash – Carolina League – Class A Advanced – Chicago White Sox
Wheeler has pitched in 18 games this year with the Winston-Salem Dash. In his third stint in Class A Advanced ball, Wheeler has struck out 24 over 27.1 innings, allowing 23 runs. Last season, he spent time with the Dash & moved up to AA ball in Birmingham, where he pitched in 19 games. On May 29, he was placed on the seven-day disabled list and was activated on July 28, but has since returned to the DL on Aug. 12.

MATT WITHROW (RHP) – Florida Fire Frogs – Florida State League – Class A Advanced – Atlanta Braves
Withrow made 10 starts this season for the Mississippi Braves, posting a 1-3 overall record. In 48.1 innings pitched, he's struck out 44 and put together a 4.47 ERA. It is his third year in the Braves organization, moving from Danville in 2015 to Carolina last year. On June 7, he was placed on the seven-day disabled list and was sent on rehab assignment to the Florida Fire Frogs. In four games, he's tossed 15.1 frames, striking out 16 for a 1.76 ERA.

Red Raiders In the Pros - Week 20

Players Mentioned

Robert Dugger

Orlando Garcia

Tanner Gardner

Hunter Hargrove

Ryan Long

Parker Mushinski

Tyler Neslony

Jacob Patterson

Stephen Smith

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