The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Whitlock Drafted by Yankees in 18th Round
6/14/2017 4:51:00 PM | Baseball
The right-handed pitcher became the Blazers second draftee this year
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB baseball team saw another name taken in the 2017 MLB Draft on Wednesday. The New York Yankees selected right-handed pitcher Garrett Whitlock in the 18th round at pick 542. He has yet to make a decision on whether to return to UAB or pursue a professional career.OFF THE BOARD!!!
— UAB Baseball (@UAB_Baseball) June 14, 2017
RHP Garrett Whitlock gets selected in the 18th round by the 27-time World Series Champion @Yankees!!!!! #TogetherWeAre pic.twitter.com/dIVuRyaM5L
Whitlock becomes the ninth player drafted in the 20th round or higher since head coach Brian Shoop took over in 2007. He joins Brewer Hicklen in this draft class, who was selected in the seventh round yesterday by the Kansas City Royals, as they become just the third pair in UAB history to each be selected in the top 20 rounds.
"Exciting is the one word to describe it," said Whitlock. "God gave me the opportunity but we'll see what happens."
Whitlock dazzled at times this season with an incredible start to the year and a strong finish. The sophomore received the ball on opening day against Creighton and he proceeded to induce 13 groundouts, registered three, 1-2-3 innings and didn't allow an extra-base hit or a walk. Whitlock was locked into a pitcher's dual with Rollie Lacy, who was selected in the 11th round today, and finished with the win after throwing eight innings while tallying six strikeouts. The performance was recognized by Conference USA as the sophomore was tabbed the Conference USA Pitcher of the Week following the opening weekend of action.
The Snellville, Ga., native carried that dominance into the next start by throwing a one-run complete game against Valparaiso. Whitlock didn't allow a single base runner over the final three frames and needed only 97 pitches to get through the game. It was the first complete game for the Blazers in nearly two years.
Whitlock then dominated Georgia on March 3. The right-hander retired the first 17 batters in order and carried a one-hitter into the ninth frame. Whitlock finished with a no decision but threw 8.1 innings allowing three hits, one walk, and one run while racking up five strikeouts.
Whitlock made the move back to the bullpen, where he spent the majority of his freshman season, for the final portion of the season. He allowed just a pair of runs over his final 12.1 innings pitched to finish the season with a 4.03 ERA and 3-6 record across 17 appearances and seven starts. Whitlock struck out 44 batters while walking 24 over 60.1 innings.
The Blazers also saw another high school commit taken. Ian McWilliams, from Hendersonville, Tenn., was selected by the New York Mets in the 30th round at pick 907. The right-handed pitcher recently threw a one-hitter in a Class AAA Sectional game less than a month ago.
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 social media accounts of UAB Athletics on Twitter (@UAB_Athletics), on Facebook (Facebook.com/UAB.Blazers), on Instagram (@uab_athletics) or on Snapchat (@uabathletics).
Players Mentioned
OF
/ Baseball
RHP
/ BaseballThe Gold Helmet Is Back
Friday, September 26
Coffee with Coach | 2025 Week 6
Friday, September 19
Coffee with Coach | 2025 Week 4
Tuesday, September 16
UAB Athletics Live Stream
Monday, September 15
