Florida Gators in MLB: Cole Figueroa, Anthony DeSclafani Make Debut

The list for Florida Gators in MLB grew by over 20 percent this past week. Righty Anthony DeSclafani and second baseman Cole Figueroa both made their major league début this past week and DeSclafani picked up the win in his first career start. Here’s how the (now) 11 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 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 13 innings, giving up just nine hits, eight walks, and three runs (two earned), but he’s struck out 18 batters, and has notched two saves. The past weeks saw Chapman adding two more innings, only allowing one hit and two walks while picking up another save and striking out three. He lowered his ERA to 1.38 since he was demoted to the Redhawks.

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’s been on a tear. He’s raised his average nine points to .289 and added a home run, three RBI, and three runs scored to bring his totals to four homers, 23 RBI, and 31 runs scored. If he keeps this up, den Dekker might just get another shot in the majors.

RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2008-2011), Miami Marlins
DeSclafani got his chance in the majors filling in for injured Marlins’ ace and reigning Rookie of the Year Jose Fernandez. He certainly impressed in his first big league start. In six innings, DeSclafani gave up seven hits, two runs, a walk, and struck out seven to get his first career win. He also helped his own cause, going 1-for-four at the plate, driving in two runs. 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.

INF Mark Ellis (1996-1999), St. Louis Cardinals
It was a rough week for Ellis as he went hitless in six at-bats this week. He did manage to walk twice and tally an RBI. After starting the season on the disabled list, Ellis has hit .185 with seven RBI on the season.

INF Cole Figueroa (2007-2008), Tampa Bay Rays
Figueroa made his major league début last Friday when the Rays took on the LA Angels. He has yet to record a hit or RBI, but did strikeout once in four at-bats. Figueroa got called up when Ben Zobrist landed on the DL with a dislocated thumb. 

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. Maronde pitched two innings this past week, giving up five hits, four runs, and three walks. With Salt Lake, Maronde has pitched 8 2/3 innings, allowing 11 hits, nine runs, 15 walks, striking out 12. He has a 9.35 ERA in nine appearances.

RHP Darren O’Day (2003-2006), Baltimore Orioles
In 2 2/3 innings, O’Day continued to be lights-out. He didn’t walk anyone and didn’t allow a hit or run. O’Day has had an incredibly impressive season so far, with a 1-0 record, two saves, 12 strike outs, giving up only one run for a miniscule 0.54 ERA.

INF Ryan Raburn (2000), Cleveland Indians
Raburn got some play this week and made the most of it. He batted .286 (4-for-14) with a double, two runs scored, and four walks. With the four hits, Raburn raised his average nearly 20 points to .195.

LHP Paco Rodriguez (2010-2012), Los Angeles Dodgers
Paco has bounced back and forth between the Los Angeles and Triple-A Albuquerque. But his time lately has been spent with the Isotopes. Rodriguez has struck out eight while allowing five runs (four earned), seven hits, and four walks in just seven innings pitched. He’s managed to lower his ERA this past week to 5.14.

C David Ross (1998), Boston Red Sox
Ross played in two games this past week, going two-for-seven for a .286 average. On the season, he’s averaging .182 with two home runs and four RBI as Boston’s backup catcher.

C Mike Zunino (2010-2012), Seattle Mariners
Zunino had a bit of a rough week, batting .167 (2-for-12). He did manage to walk twice, hit a double, and drive in a run for the Mariners. Z’s hitting .246 on the year with a team-leading six homers and 16 RBI.