Illini in the MLB Update: July 2, 2018

Since our last update, four former Illini were drafted by MLB teams and have joined the ranks of those playing professional baseball. Let’s see how their pro careers have begun, and what other Illini are up to in the pros!

Tanner Roark, P, Washington Nationals

Roark has had a pretty rough go recently, going 0-3 and giving up 14 earned runs in his last four starts, including two where he didn’t make it out of the fifth inning. He finishes the month of June with a 4.10 ERA on the season and a 3-9 record overall in 16 starts.

Despite these setbacks, Roark now sports a new look, ditching his long beard for a mustache with sideburns.

Tyler Jay, P, Chattanooga Lookouts (MIN - AA)

Jay has also struggled in June, giving up eight hits and four earned runs in his last four relief appearances. His ERA for the season now sits at 3.52.

With 19 appearances, he still sits with a 1-1 record and one save.

Jason Goldstein, C, Stockton Ports (OAK - A Adv)

Since returning from a brief stint with Oakland’s Triple-A affiliate, Goldstein has seen a lot more playing time for the Ports. In his last six games, he has gone 7-for-24, with one home run and four RBIs.

His slash line for the season now sits at .314/.333/.486.

Adam Walton, 2B, Visalia Rawhide (ARI - A Adv)

Walton returned from the disabled list in mid-June, going 12-for-41 at the plate since, with four RBIs.

Walton has slashed .259/.348/.353 on the season so far.

Pat McInerney, 1B, Carolina Mudcats (MIL - A Adv)

McInerney was promoted to the Brewers’ High-A affiliate in mid-June, and has faced some difficulties at the plate since, with only four hits in 26 at-bats.

Bren Spillane, RF, Billings Mustangs (CIN - Rookie)

Since being drafted in the third round by the Reds following his breakout 2018 season, Spillane has continued to be a power at the plate, going 8-for-32 in his first nine games in the pros, with two home runs and four RBIs.

Doran Turchin, OF, Aberdeen IronBirds (BAL - Short A)

Drafted by Baltimore in the fourteenth round, Turchin has six RBI in 14 games so far, with nine hits in 49 at-bats.

Joey Gerber, P, Everett AquaSox (SEA - Short A)

The third and final Illini player this season to be signed, Gerber has made five relief appearances so far during the Short-A season, including three saves in three opportunities.

His ERA sits at 1.80 currently.

Luke Shilling, P, Arizona League White Sox (CWS - Rookie)

Shilling, who last played for the Illini in 2016, was drafted by the White Sox in the fifteenth round, but has since been placed on the disabled list without making any appearances.