HONOLULU—On the third day of the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, three University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors players heard their names called as draft selections — all pitchers. Leading off the group was first team All-Big West right-handed
HONOLULU—On the third day of the 2015 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, three University of Hawaii Rainbow Warriors players heard their names called as draft selections — all pitchers.
Leading off the group was first team All-Big West right-handed pitcher Tyler Brashears, who became the highest UH pick since 2011 with his 14th round (418th overall pick) selection by the Tampa Bay Rays. A junior in his first season at Hawaii, Brashears collected an 8-5 record as the Saturday starter for the ‘Bows, tying for the top spot in victories among Big West pitchers. His 1.86 ERA ranked second among Big West pitchers and 28th in the NCAA, putting in 101.2 innings of work, striking out 68 batters versus 19 walks. Against Big West foes, Brashears earned victory in five of his eight conference outings.
“Obviously it’s very exciting,” Brashears said. “It will also be exciting to see how things work out.”
Eight rounds later, junior right-hander LJ Brewster was selected by the Miami Marlins with the 656th overall pick in the 22nd round. A converted infielder, Brewster worked 94.2 innings as the ‘Bows’ Friday-night starter, logging a 6-5 record and 2.95 ERA, striking out 63 batters. He went at least 5.1 innings in every start of the season, including five games of seven innings or more, including a pair of complete games.
“It’s exciting,” Brewster said. “I didn’t ever think I would be a Marlin, but I’m pretty happy and I’m ready to play.”
Rounding out the UH trio named on Wednesday was redshirt sophomore left-handed pitcher Quintin Torres-Costa, who was named by the Milwaukee Brewers as their 35th round pick (1,051 overall). The top 2015 reliever for Hawaii and second team All-Big West performer, Torres-Costa proved dangerous out of the bullpen, registering an 0.75 ERA in relief with a 1-1 record, racking up eight (8) saves. Through 36 total innings pitched, he struck out 49 batters and only gave up two runs in relief—with no runs surrendered against Big West opponents—registering 22 consecutive scoreless innings.
“I’m excited that Milwaukee has given me the opportunity to play professional baseball,” Torres Costa said. “I’m ready to play, to represent where I come from and my family.”
Former Hawaii and current University of Houston right-handed pitcher Kyle Dowdy was taken in the 12th round of the Detroit Tigers.
