The MLB Draft has taken a toll to Oklahoma’s starting rotation once again.
Friday night starter and ace Cade Cavalli went No. 22 overall on Wednesday night. Then all eyes turned towards the next guy in line.
Left-handed pitcher Levi Prater was the heart and soul of Oklahoma’s team. His energy and enthusiasm matched his talent and the Sooners followed his lead.
Prater won’t be in Norman, Oklahoma, after 2020 as he was selected with the 93rd overall pick by the St. Louis Cardinals.
With the 93rd overall pick, the #STLCards select Levi Prater! pic.twitter.com/lQdFiQ57sD
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) June 11, 2020
The Byng, Oklahoma, native entered the weekend rotation during his sophomore season in 2019. He made 14 starts of his 16 appearances, boasted a staggering 3.26 ERA and struck out 97 hitters in 80 innings pitched.
Prater continued that run in 2020 before the season was cut short due to the coronavirus pandemic. The southpaw struck out 33 hitters in 23.2 innings pitched and had a 3.42 ERA while facing a much more difficult early season schedule. His fastball ranged from the low-90’s to mid-90 mph with a devastating slider and quality changeup.
Replacing his arm is one thing, but Oklahoma will desperately miss his energy and attitude on the mound.
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