Cole Phillips was always a longshot to play for Arkansas even though he committed out of Boerne, Texas.
Phillips, one of the top high-school pitchers in the country, was selected in the second round of the MLB draft Sunday by Atlanta, going 57th overall, five picks ahead of Arkansas pitcher Peyton Pallette, who went to the White Sox.
Phillips underwent Tommy John surgery three months ago and won’t play the rest of the summer even if he decides to join the Braves organization. If Phillips chooses to go to Arkansas, he will draft-eligible after his sophomore season.
He was one of four players with Diamond Hogs connections taken on Sunday. Third baseman Cayden Wallace was the first Arkansas player taken when Kansas City chose him with the No. 49 pick. Second baseman Robert Moore, whose father Dayton is the general manager for Kansas City, went to Milwaukee with the 72nd pick.
Several other Arkansas players are likely to be taken during Monday’s portion of the draft which covers rounds three through 20.
Phillips and the other three Arkansas players selected have until August to decide whether he will sign with Atlanta or attend Arkansas.
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