Arkansas Razorbacks in Professional Baseball

Jun 10, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Drew Smyly (33) pitches during the first inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Three former Arkansas Razorback pitchers have made their rookie debuts in 2012 when Drew Smyly made the Detroit Tigers’ roster as their fifth starter, Blake Parker got the call with the Cubs, and Dallas Keuchel started for the Houston Astros on Sunday June 17.

Smyly was a second round draft pick of the Tigers in 2010 and was considered the third best prospect in the Tigers’ organization before earning a spot on the Tigers’ opening day squad.

In 12 MLB starts Smyly has posted a 2-2 record with a 3.96 ERA in 63.2 innings of work. He has struck out 58 batters and allowed 18 base on balls.

Dallas Keuchel made his first MLB start against the Texas Rangers on Sunday throwing five innings allowing one earned run, struck out two, and walked four. He got a no-decision in the game and now has a 1.80 ERA as a major league pitcher.

June 17, 2009; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks pitcher Dallas Keuchel (29) reacts to the last out of the 12th inning against the Virginia Cavaliers during game nine of the College World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium. Arkansas defeated Virgina 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE

Keuchel spent parts of the last four seasons working through the New York-Penn League, the Texas League, and the Pacific Coast League before getting his call to the Bigs.

During his 2012 minor league season he posted a 5-4 record with a 4.26 ERA in 80.1 innings of work while striking out 46 batters and walking 16.

The most surprising and inspiring call-up of the season was when Blake Parker got to realize his major league dreams with the Chicago Cubs.

Parker worked back and forth between 12 different leagues since being drafted in the 16th round of the 2006 MLB draft by the Cubbies.

May 17, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Cubs relief pitcher Blake Parker throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

In four relief appearances for the Cubs Parker has pitched 4.1 innings, struck out five, and walked three while not giving up an earned run.

Parker had five saves for the Des Moines Iowa AAA Cubs farm team with a record of 1-0 and a 2.08 ERA during his 2012 minor league season.

Where are they now?

Going back over the past five college baseball seasons (2007-2011), the following is an update of former Arkansas Razorback players, their current statistics, and the teams they play for, and their MLB parent team.

Drafted in 2011

C James McCann, Erie Seawolves, Detroit Tigers AA, Eastern League

In 8 games: .214 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI

*Recently promoted to Double-A after hitting .288 in A-ball. Considered the best defensive catcher in the Tigers’ minor league system and 20th overall top Tiger’s prospect.

June 12, 2009; Omaha, NE, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks catcher James McCann (27) hugs pitcher Mike Bolsinger (32) after the Razorbacks 10-6 victory against the Cal State Fullerton Titans in game one of the College World Series. Arkansas defeated Cal State Fullerton 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-US PRESSWIRE

OF Collin Kuhn, Kannapolis Intimidators, Chicago White Sox A, South Atlantic League

In 20 games: .172 BA, O HR, 6 RBI, 2 SB

OF Kyle Robinson, Great Falls Voyagers, Chicago White Sox

No 2012 statistics to date

OF Jarrod McKinney, Tri-City Valley Cats, Houston Astros A, New York-Penn League

No 2012 statistics to date

Drafted in 2010

3B Zack Cox, Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals AAA, Pacific Coast League

In 56 games, .213 BA, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 0 SB

Cox hit .306 in 135 minor league games during the 2011 season.

March 9, 2011; Ft. Myers, FL, USA; St. Louis Cardinals third baseman Zack Cox (84) against the Minnesota Twins during a spring training game at Hammond Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

CF Brett Eibner, Wilmington Blue Rocks, Kansas City Royals A, Carolina League

In 60 games: .200 BA, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 1 SB

Eibner is considered the 14th best prospect in Royals minor league system.

1B Andy Wilkins, Birmingham Barons, White Sox AA, Southern League

In 48 games: .222 BA, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 3 SB

Drafted in 2009

RHP Mike Bolsinger, Mobile Bay Bears, Arizona AA, Southern League

In 11 games started in 2012: 5-4, 3.43 ERA, 57.2 IP, 68 SO, 23 BB

Drafted in 2008

2B Logan Forsythe, San Diego Padres

In 10 MLB games: .290 BA, 1 HR, 4 RBI

* On rehab assignment with Tucson Padres in AAA Pacific Coast League

June 17, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; San Diego Padres infielder Logan Forsythe (11) dives into home to score a run on a wild pitch by Oakland Athletics pitcher Ryan Cook (48) in the ninth inning at O.co Coliseum. The Padres defeated the Athletics 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

Drafted in 2007

LHP Nick Schmidt, Tulsa Drillers, Colorado Rockies AA, Texas League

In 13 games started: 5-3, 3.27 ERA, 77 IP, 70 SO, 12 BB

RHP Duke Welker, Indianapolis Indians, Pirates AAA, International League

In 23 relief appearances: 2-2, 2.76 ERA, 32.2 IP, 29 SO, 16 BB

RHP Jess Todd, Memphis Redbirds, St. Louis Cardinals AAA, Pacific Coast League

In 21 relief appearances: 0-1, 5.12 ERA, 31.2 IP, 34 SO, 10 BB

* Todd made his rookie debut in 2009 appearing in 20 games for the Rockies; he appeared in five MLB games in 2010.