Gators in MLB: Anthony DeSclafani to Make Major League Debut

Feb 25, 2014; Jupiter, FL, USA; Miami Marlins Anthony Desclafani poses during media day at Roger Dean Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports

Add another former Florida Gator to the list of those in Major League Baseball. Right handed pitcher Anthony DeSclafani will make his major league debut Wednesday night for the Miami Marlins against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Meanwhile, at the plate, Mike Zunino continues to hit better after starting off the season slow. Here’s how the (now) 10 Gators in MLB fared this past week:

LHP Kevin Chapman (2007, 2009-2010), Houston Astros
The Astros optioned Chapman to Houston’s Triple-A affiliate, the Oklahoma City Redhawks affiliate April 16th. On the season in the majors, he has a 12.27 ERA in 3 2/3 innings with six strikeouts. In Triple-A, Chapman has pitched 11 innings, giving up just eight hits, six walks, and three runs (two earned), but he’s struck out 15 batters, has a 1.64 ERA, and has notched a save.

OF Matt den Dekker (2007-2010), New York Mets
The Mets currently have den Dekker on their 40-man roster, but has yet to see action in the big leagues. With the Las Vegas 51s (Triple-A), den Dekker raised his average this week to .280 with three home runs, 21 RBI, and 28 runs scored. He’s also stolen two bases as he looks to be called up sometime in the near future.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2008-2011), Miami Marlins
DeSclafani gets his chance in the majors after the injury to Marlins’ ace and reigning Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez. He previously pitched for Miami’s Double-A affiliate, the Jacksonville Suns, compiling a 3-4 record with a 4.19 ERA in eight starts. DeSclafani notched 38 strikeouts in 43 innings, while limiting opponents to a .278 average. He’s, of course, thrilled by this opportunity:

INF Mark Ellis (1996-1999), St. Louis Cardinals
Ellis had four hits, including a double, to hit .200 this past week for the Cardinals. He also added three RBI, three walks, and a run scored. After starting the season on the disabled list, Ellis has hit .190 with seven RBI on the season.

LHP Nick Maronde (2009-2011), Los Angeles Angels
Maronde has been reassigned to Triple-A Salt Lake Bees. He struggled as of late, leaving the majors with a 5.68 ERA after 6 1/3 innings and appearances in 11 games. With Salt Lake, Maronde has pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing six hits, five runs, and 12 walks. He has a 6.75 ERA in six appearances.

RHP Darren O’Day (2003-2006), Baltimore Orioles
O’Day’s week was interesting to say the least. He picked up his first win of the season after blowing his first save against the Tampa Bay Rays, and then added his second save of the season the very next night against the Rays. The weird part is, O’Day didn’t allow a run in any of his four appearances this past week, despite the blown save. He allowed only two hits in three innings while striking out three. His ERA is down to a measely 0.60 on the season.

INF Ryan Raburn (2000), Cleveland Indians
Raburn has driven in a run in his past two games, one against Tampa Bay, one against Minnesota. For the week, Raburn hit .250 with two RBI and a double.

LHP Paco Rodriguez (2010-2012), Los Angeles Dodgers
Paco has bounced back and forth between the Los Angeles and Triple-A Albuquerque. But this past week, he spent his time with the Isotopes. Rodriguez has had a tough season in the minors, allowing three runs on seven hits and three walks. He’s struck out three and picked up a save, but has a 5.40 ERA with the ‘Topes.

C David Ross (1998), Boston Red Sox
Ross went hitless in the only game he saw action in this past week. He did manage to get on base with a walk. On the season, Ross is hitting .162 with two homers and four RBI backing up Gator fan A.J. Pierzynski in Boston.

C Mike Zunino (2010-2012), Seattle Mariners
Zunino hit is sixth home run of the season against Tampa Bay Monday in a return trip to the Sunshine State. On the week, he hit .316 with two doubles, two homers, two RBI, two walks, with two runs scored. He’s really starting to find his groove in the big leagues and it couldn’t come at a better time after his slow start.

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