Gators in MLB: 8.11.14 – Nine Former Gators in The Show
This is the most Gators we have seen in the Major Leagues at one time so far this season. With the call-ups and reassignments that happen during the course of a season, it is tough for players to stay on the 25-man roster. That struggle becomes a little easier come September 1, when rosters expand for Major League teams. These players will certainly be on the active rosters come then, but are already showing why they deserve to be playing for the rest of 2014.
INF Mark Ellis (1996-1999), St. Louis Cardinals
Mark Ellis only has three plate appearances since July 31. This comes as a result of extra off days built into the Cardinals’ schedule. While it may be beneficial for every day players, that is not the case for a utility man such as Ellis. He is having a down year as it is, and a lack of routine at-bats and a consistent workload could hinder him down the final stretch of the season.
INF Cole Figueroa (2007-2008), Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays’ Cole Figueroa had raised his average to .219 after a couple of two-hit performances, but he is at .205 currently. He made two starts in the series at Oakland and saw a single at-bat in two games at Wrigley Field. Figueroa had three consecutive appearances with an RBI. He will continue to see some starts at second base as Ben Zobrist has the ability to play the outfield and is a better hitter than Matt Joyce.
RHP Darren O’Day (2003-2006), Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have turned to O’Day just twice since August started. He threw an inning at Washington on the 4th recording a strikeout. O’Day then tossed a single inning at Toronto on the 7th and gave up one walk to two strikeouts. This was after O’Day had a heavy workload toward the end of July. Baltimore may have just been giving him some extra rest, but it seems they should be turning to him a bit more if they are going to contend for a playoff spot at the end of the season.
INF Ryan Raburn (2000), Cleveland Indians
Raburn has two hits in his last four appearances. He was 1-4 in a start versus Texas and 1-1 in a pinch-hit duty at Cincinnati. His hit against the Reds was a double that resulted in two RBI. Ryan Raburn sits at .201 on the year and is trying to stay above the Mendoza line. He looks to be a platoon option in the outfield for the rest of the year for a Cleveland team on the outside looking in for the playoffs.
C David Ross (1998), Boston Red Sox
David Ross was 1-3 in his last game against the Yankees on August 1. Since then, he has landed on the 15-day DL due to lingering plantar fasciitis. Dan Butler was recalled from Triple-A to take Ross’s spot on the roster. Ross should be back once the two weeks are up, but with the season so close to being over for Boston, they could elect to shut him down for the rest of the season.
C Mike Zunino (2010-2012), Seattle Mariners
With 18 homeruns on the season, Mike Zunino definitely has the power needed to be considered a “power hitter” at the Major League level. Since August 1, he has four hits including a three-run home run that came against he White Sox. The common drawback to power hitters are a plethora of strikeouts; Zunino has nine of them over his last six games. With a season batting average of .212, he has been productive as a bottom of the order hitter can be. His defense is also on tap as he has thrown out 20 of 47 runners on stolen base attempts.
LHP Paco Rodriguez (2010-2012), Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers placed Paco Rodriguez on the 15-day DL back on August 5. It was only a few days after Los Angeles had recalled Rodriguez from Triple-A. He made an appearance against the Cubs, tossing two innings and striking out two while giving up no hits or walks. The Dodgers called up prospect Pedro Baez to replace Rodriguez.
RHP Anthony DeSclafani (2008-2011), Miami Marlins
DeSclafani was recalled by the Marlins on August 8 and made a relief appearance on August 10 at Cincinnati. He tossed one inning and gave up one hit with two strikeouts. DeSclafani has pitched 25.1 innings in 2014 for Miami. We will have to see how much more he pitches at the Major League level with the call-ups and rotation the Marlins have used with their pitchers so far this season.
OF Matt den Dekker (2007-2010), New York Mets
Outfielder Matt den Dekker was promoted to the Majors on August 8 to replace Chris Young. The Mets optioned Young for assignment and are planning to start den Dekker against right-handed pitchers. den Dekker was 2-5 on August 10, his only action since being recalled. He has a .180 average this season in 50 at-bats with the Mets.