Archive photo by John Joyner
Junior pitcher Carlos Rodon prepares to pitch during the first game of a three-game series against Appalachian State on Feb. 21, 2014. The No. 12 Wolfpack defeated the Mountaineers 6-5.
With only a little over two months left in the MLB season, NC State players have made a tremendous splash around the league. Players from all organizations are hoping for their call up to the big leagues while others are just beginning their professional careers. Let’s take a look at where some of the Wolfpack alumni are now.
Trea Turner- Shortstop for the Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals sit directly behind the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East, and with the help of former NC State baseball player, Trea Turner, the Nationals are still in the running for first place. Turner has 494 at bats with a .269 batting average and 49 RBIs as the starting shortstop for the organization. The shortstop was one of thirty players selected for the 2018 Heart and Hustle Award, given to those who demonstrate passion and spirit for the traditional game of baseball.
Carlos Rodon- Pitcher for the Chicago White Sox
Carlos Rodon is a left-handed pitcher for the Chicago White Sox and was activated from the 60-day disabled list on June 9. Rodon has pitched 80.1 innings this season with 64 strikeouts and a 2.69 ERA. After being reassigned in May for rehab to the Double A team, the Charlotte Knights, Rodon is determined to keep his shoulder healthy to finish out the regular season.
Cory Mazzoni- Pitcher for the Chicago Cubs
The right handed pitcher and former Wolfpack player has been part of the Cubs organization since the end of March. With a few appearances on the major league field, Mazzoni remains on the 40-man roster although he is currently playing with the Triple A team, the Iowa Cubs. He has thrown 8.2 innings this year with an outstanding ERA of 1.04. Fans are hoping to find Mazzoni back in the majors later in the fall when the roster expands.
Jon Olczak- Pitcher for the Milwaukee Brewers
Recently named a South Division Mid-Season All Star, Jon Olczak has had an impressive year with the Double A team, the Biloxi Shuckers. With 52 innings pitched this season, the NC State alum has recorded 60 strikeouts and a 1.38 ERA. The Shuckers are only three games out from taking the lead in the Southern League South, and Olczak should help their chances.
Andy Cosgrove- Catcher for the Minnesota Twins
Andy Cosgrove is a catcher for the rookie-level team, the Elizabethton Twins in Tennessee. The team is currently on top of the standings in the Appalachian League West with 29 wins. Cosgrove’s slash line for the 2018 season sits at .300/.397/.420, and the NC State native continues to rack up his success with appearances in 14 games so far.
Brock Deatherage- Outfielder for the Detroit Tigers
Recent NC State alum, Brock Deatherage, has been moving up the ranks quickly in his first year in the minors. Currently with Class A-Advanced team, the Lakeland Flying Tigers, the outfielder has made 48 starts with 60 hits, six home-runs, and 25 RBIs. Deatherage began his career with the West Michigan Whitecaps as a Class A minor team in the Midwest League and was promoted to the Lakeland Tigers in mid-August.
Brett Kinneman- Outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates
Brett Kinneman of the West Virginia Black Bears has appeared in 45 games with a slash line of .230/.318/.339 as well as three stolen bases. As part of Class A Short Season, Kinneman has made a name for himself as a rookie. Fans are hoping to see more advances with Kinneman’s career in the following years as his first year with the Pirates organization comes to an end.
Josh McLain- Outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers
The Class A outfielder has moved up from the Arizona League Dodgers to the Great Lakes Loons stationed in Springfield, Illinois. After 42 appearances with the Loons, McLain has 48 hits and 13 RBI’s. Leading the ACC in hits last year, the outfielder has lived up to his glory days at NC State with a .293 batting average and a .330 on base percentage.
Jack Conley- Catcher for Philadelphia Phillies
Currently with the GCL Phillies East rookie team, Jack Conley has made 27 appearances. Conley’s slash line stands at .339/.461/.500, with 21 hits and 10 RBIs, as the Phillies lead their division by three games.