In 2023, Rutgers baseball has eight players representing the Scarlet Knights within MLB organizations. Rutgers has eight prospects ranging from MLB organizations in Single-A to Triple-A, hoping to make it to the big league. How are these eight prospects making out in the MLB farm system?
John O-Reilly – Right-Handed Pitcher
Indianapolis Indians: Triple-A Affiliate – Pittsburgh Pirates
For the last two seasons, John O-Reilly has pitched for the Indianapolis Indians, a Triple-A organization with the Pittsburgh Pirates. The former Scarlet Knight recorded a 5.84 ERA in 41 games last season, logging 61.2 innings pitched with a 5-3 record. He recorded 29 strikeouts and 24 walks, giving up 40 earned runs. So far this season, little has changed. In 2023, O-Reilly has a 5.76 ERA within 25 innings pitched, holding a 1-3 record.
Jared Kollar – Right-Handed Pitcher
San Antonio Missions: Double-A Affiliate – San Diego Padres
On June 27, former Scarlet Knight Jared Kollar got assigned to the San Antonio Missions from the Fort Wayne TinCaps, a High-A affiliate organization for the San Diego Padres. In seven starts this season, Kollar has recorded a 5-0 record, striking out 35 batters in 37.2 innings pitched. Also, the right-handed pitcher holds a 1.67 ERA, appearing in nine games this season.
Ben Wereski – Left-Handed Pitcher
Quad Cities River Bandits: High-A Affiliate – Kansas City Royals
For the past two seasons, former Scarlet Knight Ben Wereski has pitched for the Quad Cities River Bandits, a High-A affiliate organization for the Kansas City Royals. In 2022, Wereski recorded a 4-6 record, holding a 4.42 ERA. The left-handed pitcher appeared in 26 games last season, striking out 62 batters and walking 16. Wereski has been battling an injury in 2023, working on a rehab assignment with the ACL Royals.
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Serafino Brito – Right-Handed Pitcher
Lansing Lugnuts: High-A Affiliate – Oakland Athletics
Former Scarlet Knight Serafino Brito got drafted by the Cleveland Guardians in 2019 with their No. 850 overall pick (round 28). On June 6, 2022, Cleveland released Brito, and the Oakland Athletics claimed the right-handed pitcher. The relief pitcher has not pitched in 2023 since going down with an injury in April.
Dale Stanavich – Left-Handed Pitcher
Jupiter Hammerheads: Single-A Affiliate – Miami Marlins
On July 23, 2022, the Miami Marlins signed former Rutgers pitcher Dale Stanavich to their Rookie-level affiliated organization. Weeks later, Stanavich got promoted to the Jupiter Hammerheads, a Single-A affiliated organization with the Miami Marlins. In 2023, Stanavich appeared in four games, not giving up a run in five innings. The left-handed pitcher has been battling injuries in 2023, finally returning to the bullpen on June 6
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Brian Fitzpatrick – Left-Handed Pitcher
Carolina Mudcats: Single-A Affiliate – Milwaukee Brewers
Former Rutgers pitcher Brian Fitzpatrick got drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers with their No. 312 overall pick (round 10) and has been with the organization for the past two seasons. Fitzpatrick started one game last season, recording a 2.45 ERA in 3.2 innings pitched. He logged one hit, seven strikeouts, and one earned run. In 2023, the Carolina Mudcats placed Fitzpatrick on the 60-day injured list, and has not pitched this season.
Nick Cimillo – Catcher
Bradenton Marauders: Single-A Affiliate – Pittsburgh Pirates
Rutgers former catcher Nick Cimillo got drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2022 with their No. 470 overall pick (round 16). Cimillo has been with the Pirates for the last two seasons and is the only non-Rutgers pitcher active within an MLB organization. In 2023, the ex-Scarlet Knight has a .255 batting average with 24 hits and 16 RBIs. Also, within 31 games played, Cimillo has five home runs, 16 walks, and an OPS of .902.
Harry Rutkowski – Left-Handed Pitcher
Dunedin Blue Jays: Single-A Affiliate – Toronto Blue Jays
Ex-Rutgers left-handed pitcher Harry Rutkowski has been with the Toronto Blue Jays’ Single-A team Dunedin Blue Jays since 2021. In 2023, Rutkowski has recorded a 4-0 record, logging a 3.58 ERA in 19 games. Also, he recorded 30 strikeouts, 21 walks, and 11 earned runs in 27.2 innings pitched this season.
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Story originally appeared on Rutgers Wire