D-Backs top pick makes pro debut Sunday
Schlereth will be the first top pick to see game action in Missoula since Sergio Santos in 2002. The 22-year-old is only the fourth Osprey all-time to be selected as a top draft choice of the Diamondbacks and be on the Osprey roster (Corey Myers, 1999 & Jarrod Parker, 2007).
Schlereth joined the Osprey during their road trip in Casper in mid-July and has been on a throwing program and working out ever since.
A southpaw, Schlereth, is the son of former University of Idaho and NFL offensive lineman, and current ESPN football analyst Mark Schlereth. He finished 2-0 with one save and a team-best 1.81 ERA for the University of Arizona this season.
Schlereth was originally selected by the Oakland A's in the eighth round of the 2007 MLB draft, but did not sign and opted to return to Arizona. He posted an 8-2 career mark in his three seasons with the Wildcats, including 16 saves. He has fanned 190 batters in 139 innings.
Scouts say that Schlereth's velocity and consistency has improved. The one knock is his control, but with a 93-94 MPH fastball, a better-than-average curve, and a occasional plus changeup, the D-Backs could not pass up the chance to pick Schlereth. Prior to the draft many scouts also believed that with his football mentality on the mound and his willingness to pitch in the later innings that he was one of the pitchers that could be Major League ready the fastest.
Schlereth underwent Tommy John surgery in his senior season of high school, and redshirted while attending UNLV before transferring to Arizona.
The Osprey open a four game set at home against the Great Falls Voyagers tonight at 7:05 p.m. For tickets call the Osprey at 543-3300 or visit the team store located at 412 W. Alder St.