With the MLB season well past the halfway point, now is a good time to take a look at how some of NC State baseball’s professional alumni are doing including some recent promotions and potential future promotions.
Carlos Rodon, Pitcher, Chicago White Sox
Over his last three starts, Rodon has thrown 22.1 innings, allowed five earned runs and has 24 strikeouts. He has lowered his ERA from 6.29 on July 25 to 4.24 on Aug. 10. Rodon’s current record is 1-4 prior to his start against the Dodgers in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Trea Turner, Shortstop, Washington Nationals
Turner was seen beginning workouts this week after spending time on the disabled list. Turner suffered a broken wrist after being hit by a pitch on June 29. Turner was tied for the third-most stolen bases in the MLB this year with 35 and has remained in third while on the DL.
Andrew Knizner, Catcher, St. Louis Cardinals Organization
Since being moved to the AA Springfield Cardinals, Knizner is hitting .331 and has three home runs. Knizner, who was hitting .132 at the beginning of July, has recorded 23 hits in his last 26 games to boost his average. He will likely finish the season at AA but will be looking to be promoted to AAA sometime next year.
Preston Palmeiro, First Baseman, Baltimore Orioles Organization
Palmeiro has spent the entire season with the low-A Delmarva Shorebirds. Palmeiro is hitting .261 with 23 doubles, three triples and 13 home runs. Palmeiro will be looking to start next year with the high-A Frederick Keys.
Evan Mendoza, Third Baseman, St. Louis Cardinals Organization
Mendoza made the jump from the short-season State College Spikes to the full-season Peoria Chiefs last week. At State College, Mendoza hit .370 with 14 doubles. Through five games in Peoria he is off to a slow start, hitting only .143 but has made a couple highlight-reel defensive plays.
Andy Cosgrove, Catcher, Minnesota Twins Organization
Cosgrove has spent the season with the Elizabethton Twins of the Appalachian League batting .220. He has one home run so far this season at the rookie-ball level.
Tommy DeJuneas, Pitcher, Cleveland Indians Organization
DeJuneas is currently pitching for the rookie-league Arizona Indians. He has a 2.08 ERA through 17.1 innings and has recorded 22 strikeouts.
Tim Naughton, Pitcher, Baltimore Orioles Organization
Naughton is pitching for the Gulf Coast League Orioles and has recorded 19 strikeouts in 15 innings to support his 2.4 ERA.
Cody Beckman, Pitcher, Milwaukee Brewers Organization
Beckman was promoted from the Arizona League Brewers to the advanced-rookie Helena Brewers. With Helena he has recorded 11 strikeouts and a 1.93 ERA. Beckman has converted one out of two save opportunities.
Sean Adler, Pitcher, Washington Nationals Organization
Adler signed as an undrafted free agent on July 15 and has been with the Gulf Coast League Nationals ever since. Adler has pitched 10.2 innings and a 5.06 ERA. Adler also has recorded 12 strikeouts.
Pitchers Will Gilbert and Ryan Williamson, along with infielder Joe Dunand all remain on the disabled list. Gilbert’s last appearance was June 4 and Dunand has returned to North Carolina after being assigned to the Greensboro Grasshoppers, but has yet to play. Tommy John’s surgery after the 2016 draft has kept Williamson off the mound and there is no word on his return.
