The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Former Blazers In Professional Baseball
7/8/2015 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. -- Six UAB baseball alumni are currently playing in the professional ranks across the country. Below is a look at how each player is performing through July 7.
Chase Mallard | Lansing Lugnuts (Class A) | Toronto Blue Jays
A 2014 MLB Draft 14th round selection, Mallard is currently playing with the Class A Lansing Lugnuts in the Blue Jays organization. Through 18 appearances in 2015, Mallard is 3-2 with a 4.82 ERA. He's started in four contests and struck out 45 in 61.2 innings pitched, and also has four saves in four opportunities. The 2014 C-USA Pitcher of the Year has allowed just two runs combined in his last 8.2 innings pitched, after making the start July 7, his first start since April 22.
Turner Lee | Vancouver Canadians (Short-Season A) | Toronto Blue Jays
Lee, who signed with the Blue Jays to a free agent deal in 2014, is currently with the Vancouver Canadians. He's appeared in five contests in relief with a 6.35 ERA, and held opponents to a .217 average in 5.2 innings.
Alex Luna | Burlington Royals (Rookie League) | Kansas City Royals
Luna, the highest UAB June draftee ever in program history, has appeared in four games for the Rookie League Burlington Royals, all in relief. The Huntsville, Ala. native earned a win in his first professional outing on June 23. Through 6.2 innings, he is 1-1 with a 6.75 ERA and five earned runs allowed.
James Naile | Vermont Lake Monsters (Short-Season A) | Oakland A's
After beginning his professional career with the AZL Athletics of the Arizona Rookie League, Naile has since been promoted to the Vermont Lake Monsters, Oakland's Short-Season Class A affiliate. Combined, Naile has done well so far with a 2.25 ERA and .214 opponent batting average, with just one earned run allowed spanning over 4.0 innings pitched.
Adam Lau | GCL Red Sox (Rookie League) | Boston Red Sox
Lau, a 37th round selection to the Boston Red Sox, has three appearances with the GCL Red Sox of the Gulf Coast League. Through 3.0 innings pitched, he's allowed three runs off five hits.
Jamal Austin | New Jersey Jackals | Independent League
Austin, a Seattle Mariners draft pick in the 13th round of the 2011 draft, has played all of 2015 in the Canadian-American Association Independent League. In 38 games for the Jackals, Austin is hitting .290 with one home run and 18 RBI, including 15 stolen bases.
For more information on the UAB baseball team, follow the Blazers on Twitter (@UAB_Baseball). For more on all Blazer sports teams follow the official Twitter account of UAB Athletics (@UABAthletics).
