Former Jackets Smoker, Culberson both playing in MLB
Three former local baseball standouts are climbing the ladder in professional baseball, trying to reach and stick in the Big Leagues for their respective organizations. Here is an update on how each are doing:
Charlie Culberson IF/OF, Los Angeles Dodgers MLB
Culberson was recalled by the Dodgers on Tuesday night and was immediately in the starting lineup at second base as he went 0-for-2 against the Giants. In his three separate stints in the Bigs this season, the former Jacket has played in 17 games with eight hits, including two doubles, and five RBIs. In 70 games at TripleA Oklahoma City this season, he hit .260 with 17 doubles, two triples, four homers and 26 RBIs.
Josh Smoker P, New York Mets MLB
Smoker made his long-awaited MLB debut last Friday when he pitched a third of an inning in relief after being called up earlier that day. It was his second call-up by the Mets this season, but he didn’t get to make an appearance the first time around in late July. He’s made three appearances so far in a little less than one week in the Bigs and has gone three full innings and given up two runs on four hits while striking out three.
Mott Hyde IF, Corpus Christi Hooks AA affiliate of Houston Astros
Hyde missed almost a month earlier in the season after a collision in left field left him with a concussion and broken nose. In total, before and after the missed time on the DL, Hyde is hitting .238 this season with 11 doubles, three triples, two homers, 24 RBIs and 25 runs scored in 76 games. He’s hitting .250 in his last 10 games with seven hits and an RBI, including four hits in his last three games with five runs scored. NOTE: If there is a former local player competing in professional baseball and we left them out, please let us know by contacting CT Sports Editor Alex Farrer at afarrer@calhountimes.com.