Nathan Hutchinson
Christian Friedrich has suffered the first minor setback of his professional baseball career.
The former Eastern Kentucky University standout was recently placed on the disabled list by the Class A (advanced) Modesto Nuts of the California League after he sustained a slight groin injury.
Friedrich had made just three starts at Modesto since being called up from Asheville (Class A) of the Carolina League last month.
Since joining the Colorado Rockies’ California League team, the ex-Colonel was 1-0 with a 2.70 earned run average. He allowed just 16 hits in 20 innings, while striking out 20 and walking five.
Friedrich went at least six innings in all three starts and did not give up more than two runs in any outing.
He should return to the line-up in the very near future, perhaps as soon as July 13.
In eight starts at Asheville, the former Ohio Valley Conference Pitcher of the Year posted a 3-3 record with a 2.18 ERA. In 45 1/3 innings, he allowed just 11 earned runs and 15 walks, while striking out 66.
After a brilliant, three-year career at EKU, Friedrich was drafted with the 25th pick in last year’s Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies. The Evanston, Ill., native was assigned to Class A Tri-City (Pasco, Wash.) after he signed and, in eight starts, was 2-1 with a 3.25 ERA. He struck out 50 in 36 innings and allowed only 31 hits and eight walks.
Late last season, the former Colonel was promoted to Class A Asheville. In just three games, Friedrich posted an 0-1 record with a 7.50 ERA.
Sellers shining at Double AA
Former EKU slugger Neil Sellers is putting together another solid season with the Reading Phillies of the Eastern League (Class AA).
The infielder is batting .298 with 85 hits, a team-high 19 doubles, 44 RBIs and eight home runs (which is second on the team). He has appeared in a team-high 78 games so far this season. Sellers finished tied for third in the league for games (134) and fifth in doubles (31).
