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The 2021 MLB Draft is complete and two former Illinois Fighting Illini heard their names called Tuesday afternoon.
Right-handed pitcher Andrew Hoffmann (pictured above) was picked by the Atlanta Braves in the 12th round (No. 367 overall).
Champaign → Atlanta
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) July 13, 2021
Congratulations to @hoffdaddy27 on being selected by the @Braves!#Illini x #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/gdYs5ev0AD
The 6-foot-5 righty transferred to Illinois last season from John A. Logan Community College, following a stint at Division I Oakland University in 2019.
Hoffmann garnered All-Big Ten Third Team honors, finishing 3-0 with 2.87 ERA, 64 strikeouts, 15 walks in 62.2 innings pitched. His 4.27 strikeout/walk ratio was third in the Big Ten.
Left-handed pitcher Nathan Lavender was selected by the Braves’ NL East rival, the New York Mets, in Round 14 (No. 412 overall).
Champaign → New York
— Illinois Baseball (@IlliniBaseball) July 13, 2021
Congratulations to @NathanLavende12 on being selected by the @Mets!#Illini x #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/GzG0X6uQIi
After missing 2020 due to injury, the Hudson, Ill., native tossed 57 innings in 13 appearances (nine starts) for the Illini this past season. Lavender finished with a 7-2 record, 79 strikeouts & 15 walks. The 6-foot-2 southpaw led the Big Ten in K/BB ratio (5.27), and Lavender’s seven wins tied for the conference lead. He was also named an Academic All-Big Ten selection.
Lavender threw 85.2 innings across his three seasons in Champaign, posting an overall record of 8-4 with a 4.10 ERA in 30 appearances (13 starts).
Best of luck to Andrew & Nathan as they embark on their pro careers.