Tag: Rutgers baseball

Transfer Portal – Rutgers baseball recruited Preston Prince from Niagara University

After playing two seasons at Niagara University, Rutgers baseball landed 6-foot-5, 225-pound left-handed pitcher Preston Prince.

This week, Rutgers baseball landed left-handed pitcher Preston Prince after playing two seasons at Niagara University. The junior pitcher from Hilton, New York, is transferring to Rutgers baseball after making 12 appearances (11 starts) for the Purple Eagles.

In those 12 appearances, Prince logged a 0-2 record with 33 strikeouts, 42 walks, 36 hits, and a 6.10 ERA in 39 innings pitched. Prince’s best 2024 outing came against Siena, where the future Scarlet Knight registered six strikeouts in a 6-4 victory.

Prince produced 50 strikeouts in 52 innings pitched in two seasons with Niagara. He logged a 7.27 ERA, holding his opponents to a .255 batting average.

According to Perfect Game, Prince was the No. 9 ranked left-handed pitcher and the No. 53 overall prospect in New York in 2022. Also, he was ranked the No. 500 prospect and the No. 195 left-handed pitcher in the nation.

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The 6-foot-5, 225-pound transfer can produce multiple pitches on the mound. He can throw a fastball that ranges in the high 80s while throwing an off-speed pitch (curveball \ changeup \ slider) in the high 70s.

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Prince’s addition to the Scarlet Knights brings much-needed depth to the Rutgers’ bullpen as they head into the 2025 season.

 

Big Ten announces Zach Edey, Caitlin Clark as the conference’s top athletes

The Big Ten Conference announced their athlete of the year, with Rutgers Josh Kuroda-Grauer being one of 14 male athletes nominated.

On Thursday, the Big Ten announced their male and female athlete of the year, with Purdue Zach Edey and Iowa Caitlin Clark selected as the top athletes in the conference.

The Big Ten nominated 14 male athletes from 2023-24 with Rutgers’ Josh Kuroda-Grauer being named one of them. The Rutgers shortstop was named First Team All-American by Perfect Game and was the first Scarlet Knight since Todd Frazier in 2007 to receive First Team All-American honors.

Kuroda-Grauer had a stellar season for the Scarlet Knights, becoming the first player in program history to receive Big Ten Player of the Year honors. Also, Kuroda-Grauer is the first Scarlet Knight to receive a major award (Player/Pitcher/Freshman of the Year) from the Big Ten since joining the conference in 2014 (baseball’s first season in the Big Ten came in 2015).

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Kuroda-Grauer played three seasons with the Scarlet Knights, recording a .343 batting average, 222 hits, 116 RBIs, and 16 home runs in 647 career at-bats. The Third Team All-American (NCBWA) had his best season in 2024, passing his career season hit total by 39 hits.

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The 2024 NCBWA District 2 Player of the Year was a staple in the Rutgers lineup this season, starting all 53 games at shortstop for Rutgers. He led the country in hits (95) and hits per game (1.79), registering a .428 batting average.

 

 

Transfer Portal – Rutgers baseball added Dillon Ryan to their pitching staff

Rutgers baseball added hard-throwing Third Team All-LEC pitcher Dillon Ryan to their 2025 pitching staff.

On Monday, Rutgers baseball added Division III standout pitcher Dillon Ryan to their pitching staff for the upcoming season.

Ryan is a 6-foot-1, 190-right-handed pitcher from Sandwich, Massachusetts who was a Third Team All-LEC selection last year.

The senior pitcher played five seasons with UMass-Boston, recording a 4.67 ERA and a 12-8 record in 44 appearances. In 2024, Ryan notched a career-high six wins in 59 innings pitched. The future Scarlet Knight finished last season with a 3.81 ERA, allowing 25 earned runs while striking out 80 batters.

During the 2023 season, Ryan struck out a career-best 12 batters in six innings of work against Castleton on March 24. He held opponents to the lowest batting average (.251) and WHIP (1.39) of any UMass Boston pitcher with at least 25 innings pitched.

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Ryan is a hard-throwing pitcher who can add depth to the Rutgers starting rotation. He can produce a fastball in the mid-80s and a slider with good tilt and command to both sides. Also, he flashed a changeup that can complement his fastball.

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He has shown good control and confidence on the mound. With his commitment, Ryan is now the sixth pitcher added to the Scarlet Knights’ 2025 roster.

 

 

Former Rutgers star Drew Conover is turning things around in the Oakland A’s system

As Ryan Lasko has caught fire at the plate, Drew Conover has found his rhythm on the mound and put together the best stretch of his minor league career

June has been a good month for former Rutgers baseball players in the Oakland A’s minor league system. As Ryan Lasko has caught fire at the plate, Drew Conover has also found his rhythm on the mound and put together the best stretch of his minor league career.

In his last three appearances, Conover has posted a 2.45 ERA in 11 innings. During that span, the 22-year-old has struck out 14 batters and held opponents to a .171 batting average. Due to his recent play, Conover’s ERA has dropped from  21.32 to 9.32

Over the last few weeks, Conover has been a productive arm while working out of trouble. The former 11th-round pick is still walking a lot of batters, but he has avoided big innings. That was not the case in May when he allowed 13 runs in 10.2 innings of work.

One reliever who could shoot up draft boards is RHP Drew Conover (@RutgersBaseball). Slingy arm action, Low 3/4 slot and throws a bowling ball sinker that’s been up to 97 and just dives into RHH hands. High spin SL is a sw/miss pitch with spin rate pushing 3,000

Top-8 round pot. pic.twitter.com/JY2Kb2rEPv

— Peter Flaherty III (@PeterGFlaherty) February 7, 2023

Additionally, after splitting time between the rotation and bullpen, Conover’s last three appearances have come as a starter. That is the longest stretch he has gone this year being used out of the rotation. During his time at Rutgers, the former Cape Cod League All-Star only made four appearances as a reliever.

While Conover is far from a finished product, he has shown he can work out of trouble. For Oakland, that is an encouraging sign as during the 2024 campaign, the New Jersey native has split time between Rookie Ball and Single-A. As he has faced adversity, Conover has gotten better.

For Conover the key will be building on his success as the innings pile up. Over the last few weeks he has shown how good he can be.

Oakland A’s prospect Ryan Lasko, a former Rutgers baseball star, is heating up

Ryan Lasko is progressing nicely with the Oakland A’s system.

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2023 MLB Draft, Ryan Lasko has struggled to replicate his college success. However, since the calendar flipped to June, the former Rutgers baseball star has shown encouraging signs at the plate. For the first time in the minors, he has looked like the on-base machine he was in Piscataway.

Through 61 at-bats, Lasko has posted a .295 batting average while driving in eight runs. During that stretch, the talented 21-year-old outfielder has shown some power (like he did at Rutgers) with three home runs and four doubles. He entered the month with one home run in his minor league career.

For many at Rutgers, Lasko’s recent success has come as no surprise. During his career as a Scarlet Knight, the Jackson Memorial High School product posted a .314 batting average in 156 games. He was never a huge power threat, but Lasko always found a way to get on base.

Another catch by Ryan Lasko! pic.twitter.com/6VuY7evpip

— James (@JamesLasko26) June 9, 2024

As Lasko has seen his average steadily rise, he has also made a difference on the bases. This month, he has added seven stolen bases to his resume after recording just four May. That has made life more difficult for opposing pitchers.

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For the Oakland A’s, Lasko’s recent play has been a welcome sign. In his first months at Single-A, he did not look like a player worthy of a second-round pick. However, with more experience, Lasko has improved just like he did in college and raised his average from .197 to .226.

While the season is far from over, Lasko will be a player to watch. If he can build on his recent success, the former 41st overall pick could be in High-A before the 2024 campaign ends.

Hard throwing Andrew Rondini signs with Rutgers baseball

Rutgers baseball added right-handed pitcher Andrew Rondini.

On Thursday, Rutgers baseball added right-handed pitcher Andrew Rondini.

The 6-foot-1, 185-pound pitcher from New Milford, Connecticut adds depth to the Rutgers bullpen next season. He was most recently at William & Mary.

As a senior in high school, Rondini recorded a 1.84 ERA and a 5-1 record in seven appearances this past season. In 39 innings pitched, he allowed 10 earned runs, 29 hits, 16 walks, and struck out 60 batters.

During the past two seasons, the future Scarlet Knights logged a 1.51 ERA and a 10-2 record in 14 appearances, holding a .833 winning percentage.

He is a big get for Rutgers and adds significant depth and experience to the Big Ten program,

On the mound, Rondini offers four different pitches to opposing batters. He throws a fastball, change-up, curveball, and slider, averaging in the mid-80s to high 70s. Rondini can reach 88 MPH with his fastball and throw off-speed pitches at 75 MPH, ranking 96.14% in his recruiting class.

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According to Prep Baseball, Rondini has a spin rate of 2322 rpm on his fastball and a rate of 1894 rpm on his change-up. As Rodini continues to develop over the summer, he will be a nice addition out of the bullpen for the Scarlet Knights next season.

 

 

Rutgers baseball gets a commitment from All-NEC catcher Matt Chatelle

After two seasons at Merrimack College, Rutgers baseball added First Team All-NEC catcher Matt Chatelle from the transfer portal.

On Wednesday, Rutgers baseball added First Team All-NEC catcher Matt Chatelle from the transfer portal. Chatelle played the last two seasons at Merrimack College.

The 6-foot-4, 225-pound catcher from Stoneham, Massachusettes led the Warriors to a 33-26 record last season, ranking third in the Northeast Conference (NEC).

The All-Conference First Team catcher made 43 starts as a catcher/designated hitter in 2024, recording a .319 batting average with a 943 OPS while hammering in 46 RBIs. Also, he logged 51 hits, six doubles, and 11 home runs. Behind the plate, he held a .993 fielding percentage and caught 11 base runners stealing last season.

Chatelle held a .298 batting average in two seasons with the Warriors, logging 81 hits, 11 doubles, 16 home runs, and 69 RBIs in 272 at-bats.

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According to Prep Baseball, Chatelle has an 85.4 MPH exit velocity, 20.4 MPH hand speed, and a 65.5 MPH bat speed. Chatelle is an excellent defensive catcher who offers plenty of power.

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The future Scarlet Knight attended Austin Prep High School, where he was a two-time Catholic Central League All-Star and helped the Cougars win league titles in both baseball and hockey.

 

Transfer portal – Rutgers baseball lands Virginia catcher Mark Gialluisi

After one season with Virginia, Rutgers baseball recruited transfer catcher Mark Gialluisi from the NCAA transfer portal.

On Monday, Rutgers baseball added catcher Mark Gialluisi from the NCAA transfer portal. Gialluisi committed to the Scarlet Knights after one season with Virginia.

The 5-foot-11, 205-pound catcher didn’t see any action with the Cavaliers and returns to New Jersey looking for playing time with Rutgers.

Gialluisi played his high school baseball for St. Joseph’s (Metuchen, New Jersey).

During the summer of 2023, Gialluisi played for the Brockton Rox of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. He appeared in 24 games throughout the summer, recording a .236 batting average (13-for-55) with three doubles, six RBIs, and eight walks. Also, he had 12 hits in his final 11 games of the summer including four multi-hit efforts.

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At St. Joesph’s, Gialluisi earned Third Team Rawlings/ABCA All-America and First Team All-Region honors as a senior in 2023. Gialluisi was a four-year letter winner and was the team’s captain for three seasons.

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Gialluisi owns St. Joe’s highest career batting average (.450) and leads the program in career hits (126). He is a three-time First Team All-Conference selection (2021, 2022, 2023) and is a two-time First Team All-State selection (2022 & 2023).

According to Perfect Game, Gialluisi ranked as the No. 3 catcher in New Jersey and the No. 56 catcher in the country in 2023.

 

Rutgers baseball lands transfer portal infielder Tony Rossi

Rutgers baseball landed a talented third baseman when transfer Tony Rossi from Susquehanna University committed to the Scarlet Knights.

Rutgers baseball landed transfer infielder Tony Rossi from Susquehanna University this weekend. Rossi recorded a stellar 2024 season, logging a .402 batting average, seven home runs, 17 doubles, and 26 stolen bases at Susquehanna.

He played three years at Susquehanna and now heads to the Big Ten to play for Rutgers.

The 6-foot-5, 225-pound third baseman from Doylestown, Pennsylvania, received ABCA/Rawlings NCAA DIII All-Region Teams honors with the River Hawks this past season. Also, the future Scarlet Knight was selected as the First-Team third baseman for Region 5. It’s the second time Rossi has been selected in his career, having been named to the Third Team last season.

In 116 games played, Rossi finished his career with a .367 batting average, 154 hits, 19 home runs, and a .459 on-base percentage with Susquehanna.

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The junior passed 150 career hits, 100 runs scored, and 100 RBIs in 2024. His .367 career batting average ranks No. 11 in program history, while his 154 hits rank No. 8. Also, he finished third in program history with 105 RBIs.

The impressive totals continue, as Rossi’s 102 runs scored is tied for No. 7 all-time. His 37 doubles have him tied for fourth in program history and is second in home runs with 19.

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Rossi’s addition to the Scarlet Knights allows Rutgers to be flexible at the corner positions heading into the 2025 season.

 

 

Former Rutgers baseball star Chris Brito was promoted to High-A in the Royals organization

Former Rutgers infielder Chris Brito was promoted to the Kansas City Royals’ High-A team, the Quad Cities River Bandits

On Friday, former Rutgers baseball star Chris Brito was promoted to the Kansas City Royals’ High-A team, the Quad Cities River Bandits.

After hitting .306 with two homers, 37 hits, 18 RBIs, 31 walks, and 18 strikeouts with the Columbia Fireflies (Single-A Team), Brito got promoted. Brito was a multiple selection to the All-Big Ten team while at Rutgers.

Brito signed with the Royals this past December, performing at a high level for the Royals Single-A team. The former Rutgers infielder has eaten up right-handed pitching throughout the season, logging a .311 batting average with 32 hits in 103 at-bats.

Before signing with the Royals organization, Brito earned the MLB Draft League Hitter of the Month for June while playing for the Trenton Thunder, showcasing hit talents leading up to the 2023 MLB Draft.

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Brito had one of the most accomplished hitters in Rutgers baseball history, wrapping up his career as the all-time leader in career home runs (46) and RBIs (200). Also, Brito set the program single-season record with 74 RBIs in 2022. During his college career, Brito showed that he can conquer any challenge, and so far, he has been locked in at the plate in the minors.

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As the 2024 campaign continues, Brito will be a prospect to watch.