NORMAL, Ill. – Former Redbird Eric Aguilera keeps on hitting and keeps on advancing through the Los Angeles Angels' minor-league system.
The native of Cary, Illinois, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the 34th round of Major League Baseball's First-Year Player Draft in 2013. He started his professional career in the Rookie Pioneer League that summer, as a member of the Orem Owlz. He then moved through two levels of Class-A ball in 2014, playing first for the Midwest League's Burlington Bees and later for Inland Empire of the California League. Aguilera played the majority of the 2015 season with Inland Empire before a late-season call-up to Double-A Arkansas of the Texas League.
Aguilera started the 2016 season at Arkansas as the team's everyday first baseman, and is currently slashing .281/.321/.456, while leading the team in hits (95), doubles (20) and RBIs (50).
His stellar play was recognized with his naming to the Texas League's North Division All-Star squad. Aguilera went 0-for-2 in the annual all-star game June 28 in Springfield, Missouri, as the North Division's starting first baseman.
The all-star nod marked the second time Aguilera was recognized as such during his professional career. He was also tabbed an all-star in 2014, for the Midwest League All-Star Game.
Aguilera is one of 11 former Redbirds currently playing affiliated baseball. They include:
Brock Stewart | Triple-A | Oklahoma City Dodgers | MiLB.com bio
- Made Major League Baseball debut June 29 at Milwaukee; allowed five runs over five innings of work, striking out seven.
- Allowed three runs over six innings in a 6-5 win at Colorado Springs July 5.
Neal Cotts | Triple-A | Round Rock Express | MiLB.com bio
- Currently 1-2 with a 4.80 ERA in 28 appearances, spanning 30 innings, for three Triple-A clubs in 2016.
- Pitched 2.2 perfect innings of relief against Memphis July 7, striking out three.
Ryan Court | Triple-A | Pawtucket Red Sox | MiLB.com bio
- Slashing .307/.385/.402 with 14 extra-base hits and 24 RBIs in 58 games across two minor-league levels.
- Went 2-for-4 with a double, run scored and an RBI in a 4-1 win at Durham July 10.
Paul DeJong | Double-A | Springfield Cardinals | MiLB.com bio
- Owner of a .250/.308/.454 batting line with 15 home runs and 54 RBIs in 81 games. Â
- Went 0-for-3 in a reserve role in the Texas League All-Star Game as a member of the North Division All-Stars June 28 in Springfield, Missouri.
Chad Hinshaw | Double-A | Arkansas Travelers | MiLB.com bio
- Batting .191 with a .289 on-base percentage over 55 games, with five home runs and 13 stolen bases.
- Placed on the seven-day disabled list June 11.
Jeremy Rhoades | Class A Advanced | Inland Empire 66ers | MiLB.com bio
- Currently 2-8 with a 5.84 ERA in 17 games, including 16 starts, spanning 91 innings.
- Pitched seven shutout innings, allowing just two hits and four walks, in a no-decision at High Desert July 2.
Dylan Craig | Class A | Asheville Tourists | MiLB.com bio
- Currently 3-1 with one save, a 6.10 ERA and 33 strikeouts over 48.2 innings of work.
- Placed on the seven-day disabled list June 9.
Ryan Koziol | Class A | Augusta GreenJackets | MiLB.com bio
- Currently 4-3 with a 2.22 ERA in 27 relief appearances totaling 48.2 innings.
- Earned the first save of his professional career with 1.2 scoreless innings in a 3-2 win at Columbia June 25.
Will Headean | Class A Short Season | Tri-City Dust Devils | MiLB.com bio
- Owns a 3-2 record and 5.85 ERA over 13 games, including five starts, across two minor-league levels.
- Pitched five innings of one-hit, shutout baseball in a 10-1 win over Vancouver June 29.
Jean Ramirez | Rookie League | Princeton Rays | MiLB.com bio
- Recorded first professional hit in pro debut as Princeton's designated hitter June 23.
- Currently slashing .238/.304/.238 in six games in the Appalachian League.
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