The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Pro Blazer Update: June 16
6/16/2025 1:00:00 PM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM - As the 2025 season reaches mid-June, five former Blazers continue their push through their respective professional careers. The Green and Gold now have three players in Major League Baseball, one in Minor League Baseball, and one in the Korea Baseball Organization.
GRAHAM ASHCRAFT - CINCINNATI REDS
Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.
POS: RHP | Height: 6-2 | Weight: 248 | Bats/Throws: L/R | Played at UAB: 2019
2025 Stats:
Record: 5-4 | ERA: 4.19 | G: 29 | GS: 0 | IP: 34.1 | K: 38 | BB: 14 | WHIP: 1.61
Note: Ashcraft has recorded at least one strikeout in four of five appearances in June. Additionally, he is 2-0 with an opponents' batting average of .208 and a 1.11 WHIP this month.
TYLER TOLBERT - KANSAS CITY ROYALS
Hometown: Trussville, Ala.
POS: Utility | Height: 5-11 | Weight 185 | Bats/Throws: R/R | Played at UAB: 2017-19
2025 Stats:
AVG: .125 | AB: 8 | H: 1 | R: 3 | 2B: 0 | 3B: 0 | HR: 0 | RBI: 0 | BB: 0 | SB: 7 | OPS: .250
Note: Tolbert tallied his first career big league hit on June 10 against the New York Yankees. Since being recalled by the Royals, he is 1-3 with a stolen base.
Click HERE to watch Tolbert's first career hit.
GARRETT WHITLOCK - BOSTON RED SOX
Hometown: Snellville, Ga.
POS: RHP | Height: 6-5 | Weight: 222 | Bats/Throws: R/R | Played at UAB: 2016-17
2025 Stats:
Record: 5-0 | ERA: 2.97 | G: 26 | GS: 0 | IP: 36.1 | K: 45 | BB: 14 | WHIP: 1.16
Note: Whitlock continues to have a perfect record in 2025. In a series against the New York Yankees June 13-15, Whitlock picked up a win on June 13 and a save on June 15 and lowered his season ERA to 2.97. He has allowed one run in his last 11 appearances.
Click HERE to watch Whitlock pick up a save on June 15 to complete the sweep against the Yankees.
BREWER HICKLEN - TOLEDO MUD HENS (TRIPLE-A AFFILIATE OF THE DETROIT TIGERS
Hometown: Huntsville, Ala.
POS: OF | Height: 6-1 | Weight: 220 | Bats/Throws: R/R | Played at UAB: 2015-17
2025 Stats (Minors):
AVG: .209 | AB: 148 | H: 31 | R: 28 | 2B: 5 | 3B: 0 | HR: 4 | RBI: 13 | BB: 20 | SB: 15 | OPS: .673
Note: Hicklen picked up a season-high eight total bases and five RBI on June 10 against Omaha. He has recorded 10 multi-hit games in 2025.
JAMES NAILE - KIA TIGERS (KOREA BASEBALL ORGANIZATION)
Hometown: Charleston, MO
POS: RHP | Height: 6-4 | Weight: 183 | Bats/Throws: R/R | Played at UAB: 2013-15
2025 Stats:
Record: 5-2 | ERA: 2.57 | G: 15 | GS: 14 | IP: 91.0 | K: 82 | BB: 22 | WHIP: 1.09 | QS: 10
Note: Naile is fresh off a one-run, one-hit performance and a season-high 111 pitches on June 15. He recorded his season-best outing in WHIP (0.30) and has tallied two walks or fewer in 13 of his 14 starts this season. He is tied for second in the KBO in Quality Starts (10), fourth in ERA (2.57), seventh in WHIP (1.09), and seventh in strikeouts (82).
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