In Major League Baseball, the VFLs are dazzling as the second half of the season begins…

In Major League Baseball, the VFLs are dazzling as the second half of the season begins…

KNOXVILLE, Tennessee – Former Tennessee Volunteers throughout the country continue to honorably represent their alma mater throughout the professional ranks, including one’s impending induction into the sport’s annals for all time, as the second half of the 2024 season gets underway this Friday afternoon.

During the first half of the season, Garrett Crochet’s rapid ascension has been the talk of baseball. After being chosen for the MLB All-Star Game, he became the eighth VFL in program history. He then pitched a scoreless fourth inning in Tuesday’s Midsummer Classic, which the American League won. The highlight of his inning was when he struck out Teoscar Hernandez, the previous night’s Home Run Derby winner.

Crochet ranked fifth in opponent batting average and led the majors in strikeouts (150) going into the break.

(.199). He was named AL Pitcher of the Month in June and ranks in the 90th percentile for eight different advanced metrics, according to Statcast.

 

It’s undeniable,” Angels manager Ron Washington declared. “Man, he’s getting bigger. His confidence in his ability to hit the ball over the plate is growing. He’s going to be really good if he can pull that off.”

In the National League’s MLB All-Star Futures Game on Saturday, July 13, Chase Dollander started and worked a scoreless first inning at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. He recorded a 2.83 ERA in 70 innings at High-A Spokane before being promoted to Double-A Hartford, it was revealed following the game. He recorded a league-best 111 strikeouts (14.27 K/9) in those 70 innings.

Below is information about every Major and Minor League Baseball VFL in existence. Soon, the eight Volunteers chosen in the 2024 First-Year Player Draft will also be joining this group. Click HERE to learn more about the draft class for 2024.

MLB’s Vols

Colorado Rockies OF Jordan Beck

10-Day List of Illnesses

Season stats:.190 AVG,.198 OBP,.316 SLG, 23 G, 79 AB, 15 H, 25 TB, 4 2B, 2 HR, 8 RBI, 2 BB, 30 K, 2 SB

has been out of action since May 26 due to a fractured hand, but he has started playing baseball again and is very close to returning to the field. Before getting hurt, Beck was getting into a groove and went on a six-game hitting streak from May 11–17.