Freshman left-handed pitcher Daniel Tillo announced on Tuesday night that he was transferring from the Kentucky baseball program.
Tillo, a 6-foot-5 Iowa native, will return home to pitch at Iowa Western Community College next season. He was Iowa’s Mr. Basketball out of high school but chose to attend Kentucky for baseball. Tillo’s action was limited as a freshman — he pitched in just seven games and 7.1 innings on the season — but his role was expected to be much larger in 2017.
While Tillo was likely to be a reliever once again next season, the Wildcats must replace every starter from its weekend rotation. Only junior left-hander Zach Logue has made an SEC start on the roster.
Waiting game
Zack Brown and JaVon Shelby both signed professional contracts so barring transfers most of next year’s team seems set as far as returning players go. What new head coach Nick Mingione is waiting on now is adding new recruits while also trying to lure the ones who were drafted to school.
Kentucky Mr. Baseball Easton McGee was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 4th round but still hasn’t signed. McGee took a visit to Tampa Bay to tour the facilities a few days ago but no deal has been made. My guess is McGee will sign with the Rays, but each day that passes makes Kentucky fans a little more optimistic.
Two players that could provide a big boost to the class are left-handed pitcher Zack Thompson and right-handed pitcher/outfielder J.C. Flowers. Thompson was an 11th round pick of the Rays and Flowers was an 18th round pick of the Cincinnati Reds. Both players would likely make an immediate impact on next year’s team if they decided to go to school instead of signing a pro deal.
Drafted prospects have until July 15 to make a decision.
New kids in town
One source confirmed to Cats Illustrated that several members of the 2016 recruiting class are already on campus. First baseman Brayden Combs, infielder Brett Marshall, junior college third baseman Luke Heyer, infielder Joey Bellini and catcher J.P. Bitzenhofer are enrolled and taking courses in Lexington this summer.
Two of the prized recruits from the 2016 class, catcher/first baseman T.J. Collett and pitcher Chris Machamer, will enroll at Kentucky in the fall.
