10 former Arizona Wildcats are on MLB 60-man player pool for 2020 season
-
Alec White
Digital Sports Producer & Reporter
- Updated
These former Wildcat baseball players are expected to arrive at MLB's abbreviated spring training on July 1 in preparation for a 60-game season.
60-man rosters report to spring training July 1
Updated
Philadelphia Phillies' Scott Kingery watches after hitting a three-run home run off Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Jon Duplantier during the second inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, June 11, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Initial rosters for Major League Baseball's 60-game season were finalized June 28 in anticipation for the start of the 2020 season with an expected Opening Day set for July 23 or 24.
Players will report to their respective home town's facilities on July 1 for an abbreviated training and practice period before starting the season. Also, players must be included on a team's roster pool in order to participate in spring training or regular season games.
10 former Arizona Wildcats were included across the league's player pools and are listed below.
Mark Melancon, RP, Atlanta Braves
Updated
San Francisco Giants relief pitcher Mark Melancon delivers during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Chicago Cubs, Monday, May 22, 2017, in Chicago. The Giants won 6-4. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
2019 stats
G: 66
W/L record: 5-2
ERA: 3.61
K's: 68
SV: 12
Kevin Ginkel, RP, Arizona Diamondbacks
Updated
In 20ª innings with the D-backs, former Arizona Wildcat Kevin Ginkel has 23 strikeouts and a 1.74 ERA.
2019 stats
G: 25
W/L record: 3-0
ERA: 1.48
IP: 24.1
K's: 28
Bobby Dalbec, 3B, Boston Red Sox
Updated
Former UA Wildcat Bobby Dalbec feels he’s ready for his shot with the Red Sox in 2020. He hit .239 with 27 homers and 73 RBIs in 135 games in the minors this season.
2019 stats (AAA Pawtucket, AA Portland)
Hits: 113
BA: .239
HR: 27
RBI: 73
SLG: .460
Jett Bandy, C, Boston Red Sox
Updated
Former Arizona Wildcat Jett Bandy is getting plenty of starts lately at catcher for the Brewers, who are battling injury problems.
2019 stats (AAA Pawtucket)
Hits: 56
BA: .231
HR: 13
RBI: 33
SLG: .430
Brandon Dixon, Utility, Detroit Tigers
Updated
Detroit Tigers infielder Brandon Dixon watches batters at the Detroit Tigers spring training baseball facility, Monday, Feb. 18, 2019, in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
2019 stats
Hits: 97
BA: .248
HR: 15
RBI: 52
SLG: .435
Scott Kingery, Utility, Philadelphia Phillies
Updated
Scott Kingery hit 19 home runs in 2019. His WAR of 3.0 was fourth among Phillies regulars.
2019 stats
Hits: 118
BA: .258
HR: 19
RBI: 55
SLG: .474
Jared Oliva, OF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Updated
Jared Oliva, who was an All-Pac-12 player last season for Arizona, is batting .316 in Class A since July 11. His six triples are the most in the New York-Penn League, and he’s hitting .275 overall in 167 at-bats.
2019 stats (AA Altoona)
Hits: 124
BA: .277
HR: 6
RBI: 42
SLG: .398
Kevin Newman, INF, Pittsburgh Pirates
Updated
Pittsburgh Pirates' Kevin Newman, right, celebrates after he drove in the winning run against the Chicago Cubs on Aug. 16, 2019, in Pittsburgh.
2019 stats
Hits: 152
BA: .308
HR: 12
RBI: 64
SLG: .446
Joey Rickard, OF, San Francisco Giants
Updated
Orioles outfielder and former Arizona Wildcat Joey Rickard has bounced around between the majors and Triple-A this season. “Baseball is an everyday battle to find your swing,” he said. Rickard, who was a major contributor to the Cats’ 2012 title run, was batting .349 in the minors.
2019 stats
Hits: 38
BA: .226
HR: 3
RBI: 10
SLG: .357
Robert Refsnyder, Utility, Texas Rangers
Updated
Tampa Bay Rays’ Rob Refsnyder has maintained a close friendship with teammate and fellow former Wildcat Johnny Field.
2019 stats (AAA Louisville)
Hits: 94
BA: .315
HR: 10
RBI: 45
SLG: .500
Alec White
Digital Sports Producer & Reporter
