Former Florida reliever to make first MLB start with New York Mets

Former Florida right-handed reliever Christian Scott is getting his first taste of the major leagues. The New York Mets called him up Friday.

Former Florida right-hander [autotag]Christian Scott[/autotag] is getting his shot in the majors, according to ESPN prospects insider Kiley McDaniel.

The New York Mets have called him up to make his debut on Saturday. Scott spent three seasons in Gainesville, including the shortened 2020 campaign. As a freshman in 2019, Scott made a team-high 22 appearances, ending the year with a 6-3 record and a 5.19 ERA over 52 innings.

His second year started off well with a 2-0 record and 1.20 ERA over 15 innings out of the bullpen, but the season ended early because of the pandemic. Finally, Scott came into his own as a junior, appearing in an SEC-high 26 games and maintaining a 3.00 ERA and 1.02 WHIP over 54 innings.

The New York Mets selected him with the 142nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 MLB draft.

Coming out of college, Scott was profiled as a sinker-slider arm, but the Mets believed he could become a starter. He began relying on fastballs more than sinkers and has added a changeup and sweeper over the past two years.

That new arsenal and a 6.4% walk rate in Triple-A this year has New York ready to see if Scott can do it in the Show. He’ll take over Adrian Houser’s spot in the rotation.

Scott also played for the prestigious Original Florida Pokers travel organization during his high school years which were spent at Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale.

The Mets and Tampa Bay Rays are scheduled to start play at 7:15 p.m. ET Saturday night. Fans can watch on the MLB At Bat app, Fubo, or on local FOX stations.

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Christian Scott discusses home run performance versus Western Carolina

Christian Scott discusses home run performance versus Western Carolina.

No. 12 Tennessee (16-6, 0-3 SEC) defeated Western Carolina (9-11, 0-0 SoCon), 7-0, on Tuesday at Lindsey Nelson Stadium.

Tennessee now leads the all-time series, 26-7, versus the Catamounts.

Tennessee entered Tuesday’s contest ranked No. 12 in the latest USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll after being No. 2 for four consecutive weeks.

PHOTOS: Tennessee baseball defeats Western Carolina, 7-0, at Lindsey Nelson Stadium

Christian Scott started in centerfield for the Vols against Western Carolina. He went 1-for-1, recording one home run, one RBI, three runs, two walks and two stolen bases in the contest.

Following Tennessee’s win versus Western Carolina, Scott met with media. Scott’s media availability can be watched below.

2023 Tennessee baseball season preview: Christian Scott

2023 Tennessee baseball season preview: Christian Scott

Opening day for Tennessee baseball is slated for Feb. 17.

The Vols will play in the 2023 MLB Desert Invitational in Arizona Feb. 17-19. The MLB Desert Invitational field will consist of Tennessee, Arizona, Fresno State, Grand CanyonMichigan State and San Diego.

Tennessee’s 2023 baseball schedule

The 2023 season will be Tennessee’s sixth under head coach Tony Vitello. Vitello has compiled a 191–77 (71–49 SEC) record as the Vols’ head coach.

Tennessee won the Southeastern Conference East division for the second consecutive season, the league regular-season and tournament championships in 2022.

The Vols were a No. 1 overall national seed in the NCAA Tournament, winning the Knoxville regional and advancing to the Knoxville super regional.

Tennessee was ranked No. 1 in the USA TODAY Sports baseball coaches poll for 10 consecutive weeks (March 28-May 30) during the 2022 season.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Vols Wire previews the upcoming campaign. Below are statistics for outfielder Christian Scott entering the 2023 season.

New York Mets grab Christian Scott in 5th round of MLB draft

The early-round call came a bit contrary to his MLB Pipeline rankings entering the draft, notched as the No. 228 prospect this year.

Day 2 of Major League Baseball’s amateur draft has been a busy one for the Florida baseball program, with a few current Gators already off the board and several more expected to be selected. After catcher Nathan Hickey was taken by the Boston Red Sox in the fifth round at No. 136, his teammate Christian Scott got the call just a half-dozen picks later at No. 142 from the New York Mets.

The early-round call came a bit contrary to his MLB Pipeline rankings entering the draft, tabbed as the No. 228 prospect this year. This might not bode well for those hoping for him to return to Gainesville after getting picked higher than expected with an estimated slot value of $386,600 — though he might be expected to accept less than full value, which could conversely convince him to come back.

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The third-year sophomore had a solid campaign in 2021, appearing in 26 games while maintaining a 3.00 ERA and an impressive 1.02 WHIP over 53 innings, striking out 51 batters while walking just nine. The right-hander notched a 4-2 record while also recording two saves for Kevin O’Sullivan’s squad.

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