NORMAL, Ill. – In six starts since moving into a starting pitching role in the Class-A Short Season Northwest League, it's been a mixed bag for former Redbird Will Headean.
Headean's first three starts for the Tri-City Dust Devils were strong. He allowed two earned runs over a combined 15 innings of work, striking out 13 batters and walking just two during the stretch.
His next two starts were less stellar, however, as he was touched up for 14 earned runs over his next two starts, covering just seven innings on the mound.
But Headean's most recent start was his best to date.
The left-handed pitcher from Morton, Illinois, pitched five innings without allowing a hit in Tri-City's game against Eugene July 16. He walked just one batter and struck out seven, just one shy of his career high.
Tri-City couldn't continue the no-hit bid after Headean's departure and Eugene took the lead in the seventh inning, saddling the former Redbird with a no-decision.
Through 14 games across two minor-league levels this year, Headean is 3-2 with a 5.20 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 45 innings of work. Headean started the season at Class-A Fort Wayne, where he worked exclusively in relief. He reported to Tri-City after a stint in extended spring training, where he prepared to move for the starting role.
Headean is one of 11 former Redbirds currently playing affiliated baseball. They include:
Brock Stewart | Triple-A | Oklahoma City Dodgers | MiLB.com bio
- Currently 8-3 with a 1.74 ERA and 113 strikeouts over 98 innings across three minor-league levels in 2016.
- Became the 13th player in Illinois State history to make his Major League Baseball debut when he started for the Los Angeles Dodgers June 29 at Milwaukee; Stewart allowed five runs over five innings of work, striking out seven.
Neal Cotts | Triple-A | Round Rock Express | MiLB.com bio
- Owns a 1-2 record and 4.50 ERA in 30 total relief appearances for three Triple-A teams this season.
- Turned in scoreless outings July 14 versus Sacramento and July 18 against Fresno.
Paul DeJong | Double-A | Springfield Cardinals | MiLB.com bio
- Slashing .254/.313/.468 with 17 doubles, 17 home runs and 59 RBIs in 88 games at the Double-A level.
- Went 2-for-4 with a home run and three RBIs at Northwest Arkansas July 15.
Ryan Court | Double-A | Portland Sea Dogs | MiLB.com bio
- Slashing .308/.385/.398 with 14 extra-base hits and 26 RBIs in 62 games across two minor-league levels.
- Posted back-to-back multi-hit games July 17-18 after his return to Portland July 14.
Eric Aguilera | Double-A | Arkansas Travelers | MiLB.com bio
- Current owner of a .289/.328/.461 batting line, with 21 doubles, 11 home runs and 54 RBIs in 92 games.
- Went 3-for-4 with a double, RBI and a run scored as Arkansas' clean-up hitter against Springfield July 18.
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 3-9 with a 5.85 ERA in 19 games, including 18 starts, spanning 104.2 innings.
- Came within one out of the first complete game of his professional career when he went 8.2 innings in an 11-6 win at Rancho Cucamonga July 13.
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 2.12 ERA in 29 relief appearances totaling 51 innings.
- Has not allowed an earned run in four-straight appearances, spanning 6.2 innings of work, striking out five and walking none during the stretch.
Jean Ramirez | Rookie League | Princeton Rays | MiLB.com bio
- Slashing .227/.292/.227 with three RBIs in seven professional games played.
- Went 0-for-1 July 18 in first appearance in 11 days.
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