Auburn Baseball in the Big Leagues: MLB Spring Training Begins
Mar 15, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; A general view of the field prior to the start of the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Texas Rangers at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
P. player. 96. Auburn pitcher from 2007-09. Right-handed Pitcher. Oakland Athletics. Taylor Thompson
The most recent member of the Auburn baseball program to make his Major League debut, right-handed pitcher Taylor Thompson appeared in five games for the Chicago White Sox last season.
Thompson struggled in the big leagues and posted a 10.16 ERA in 5.1 innings in his brief debut, but was solid for Triple-A Charlotte. In 39 games for the Knights, he was 3-0 with a 2.14 ERA and seven saves. Thompson struck out 68 hitters in 59 innings spread across 39 games.
A 44th round pick in the 2009 June draft, Thompson spent six years working his way through the White Sox system before making it to The Show. Following the season however, Thompson was designated for assignment by Chicago. He was claimed off of waivers by the Oakland Athletics, however, and will be in spring training with the A’s.
Unfortunately, the 6-foot-5, 225-pound right-hander won’t be able to compete for a spot in the bullpen this spring. After a handful of painful throwing sessions last week, Thompson was sent to the 60-day disabled list.
“We’re going to have to back him off and get going with the exercise and so forth until we feel comfortable with him throwing a baseball,” Oakland manager Bob Melvin said last week.
The timetable for Thompson’s return is unknown.
Next: Hunter Morris, Grant Dayton