Tag: Daniel Robert

Texas Rangers call up former Auburn utility man Daniel Robert

Robert, who now pitches in the Texas Rangers organization, is set to make his major league debut Monday night.

Former Auburn baseball utility man [autotag]Daniel Robert[/autotag] began transitioning to a full-time pitcher after being selected in the 21st round of the 2017 MLB draft. On Monday, the hard work will pay off as he will make his major league debut as a relief pitcher.

Robert’s contract was selected by the Texas Rangers on Monday after the Rangers designated LHP Antoine Kelly for assignment, and sent RHP Grant Anderson down to AAA-affiliate Round Rock.

Ahead of his MLB debut, Robert tossed 30 innings for Round Rock this season, striking out 40 batters and walking just seven while boasting a 2.35 ERA and a 3-1 record. In five minor league seasons, Robert has built 171 1/3 innings of work on the mound with 231 strikeouts and an ERA of 3.52.

While at Auburn, Robert hit .290 as a senior in 2017 with a team-leading 41 RBI. He pitched in just eight games during his sophomore and junior seasons at Auburn.

Robert will wear No. 57 for the Rangers, and will start off in the Rangers bullpen ahead of its series with the Los Angeles Angels.

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Moving on up: Ryan Bliss gets the call to join Triple-A Reno

The former Tiger shortstop hit .358 with 12 home runs in 68 games with the Double-A Amarillo Sod Poodles this season.

One of Auburn’s best infielders in recent history is continuing to climb up the minor league ranks.

Thursday, former Auburn shortstop [autotag]Ryan Bliss[/autotag] learned that he will be moving up in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization by advancing to Triple-A Reno after a successful campaign at Double-A Amarillo.

Bliss has been on a tear this season with the Amarillo Sod Poodles in the Texas League. In 68 games, Bliss hit .358 with 105 hits, 25 doubles, four triples, and 12 home runs. He sent home 47 runs and stole 30 bases.

With Bliss now being one step away from the show, Sports Illustrated sheds light on Bliss’ path to Arizona.

FanGraphs rates his total offensive output to be 62% better than the average Texas League hitter, with a 162 wRC+. The strong season has improved the likelihood his bat could play in the major leagues. Defensively he profiles best to play second due to a below-average arm, although he is blocked by Ketel Marte. Marte is signed through the 2026 season, so Bliss will need to be an above-average bat to take over at second long term.

Bliss spent three seasons on the Plains from 2019-21. He started all 134 games of his collegiate career, and posted a .328 average, with 176 hits, 20 home runs, 99 RBI, and 22 stolen bases. His junior season was his most productive, where he hit .365 with 14 doubles, 15 home runs, 45 RBI, and six stolen bases.

Bliss now joins a long list of former Tigers that currently compete in Triple-A, which includes [autotag]Keegan Thompson[/autotag], [autotag]Steven Williams[/autotag], [autotag]Ben Braymer[/autotag], and [autotag]Daniel Robert[/autotag].

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