NORMAL, Ill. - Professional baseball is nearing the midway point of the 2024 season as Illinois State baseball alumni are scattered throughout the professional ranks. With numbers through July 8, here's a glimpse at all 10 active Redbirds in the pros.
Paul DeJong, SS, Chicago White Sox (MLB)
After being traded from St. Louis to Chicago in the offseason, DeJong has become a mainstay in the Sox's lineup.
DeJong is second on the team with a .229 batting average and 66 hits while totaling a team-high 36 runs, 16 home runs, and an on-base percentage of .280 (third-best for Chicago). DeJong has also recorded 12 doubles and 36 RBIs.
DeJong has played primarily shortstop for the White Sox but has made one appearance at DH for Chicago.
The White Sox sit at 26-67 overall, going 4-6 in their last 10 games.
Brock Stewart, RHP, Minnesota Twins (MLB)
Stewart has made 13 appearances for Minnesota in 2024, last pitching on May 1 as he went an inning and one run allowed.
In 2024, Stewart is 0-0 with seven holds. The Normal native has fired 13.1 innings with 17 strikeouts, allowing just one run in 209 pitches. Stewart has limited opponents to a lackluster .174 batting average.
The Twins are second in the AL Central with a record of 52-39 overall.
Owen Miller, 1B, Milwaukee Brewers (MLB) / Nashville Sounds (AAA)
Miller has spent the 2024 season between Milwaukee and Nashville, playing in a total of 60 games this year.
Miller has spent most of his time in Nashville, playing in 46 games with a .259 batting average and 13 extra-base hits. Miller has tallied 20 RBIs and two stolen bases with an on-base clip of .344.
Miller has played in 14 games for Milwaukee, with his last appearance coming on May 30 versus the Cubs.
Brent Headrick, LHP, Minnesota Twins - St. Paul Saints (AAA)
Headrick has spent the 2024 season with St. Paul, allowing two earned runs in 8.2 innings (a 2.08 ERA) in two starts for St. Paul with 15 strikeouts and three walks.
Headrick has not pitched since April 6 due to injury.
John Rave, OF, Kansas City Royals - Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA)
In 75 games at AAA, Rave is hitting .286 with 34 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs. Rave has added 11 stolen bases while also reaching at a robust .368 clip.
Jeff Lindgren, RHP, Miami Marlins – Pensacola Blue Wahoos (AA) / Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA)
In seven games with Pensacola, Lindgren is 0-0 with a 4.40 ERA, fanning 14 batters over 14.1 innings.
In eight games with Jacksonsville, Lindgren is 0-0 and has fanned 20 batters over 18.1 innings.
Colton Johnson, LHP, Oakland Athletics – Lansing Lugnuts (High-A)
Johnson has 37 strikeouts in 33.1 innings in 2024 with eight saves and a record of 1-1.
Ryan Cermak, OF, Tampa Bay Rays – FCL Rays (R) / Bowling Green Hot Rods (A)
With the FCL Rays, Cermak hit .300 in seven games, reaching base at a clip of .517 with four extra-base hits and seven walks.
In Bowling Green, Cermak has reached base at a .267 clip with five extra-base hits and 11 RBIs.
Nick Gile, 3B, Colorado Rockies - ACL Rockies (R) / Fresno Grizzlies (A)
Over his time with ACL and Fresno, Gile is hitting .213 with 16 RBIs across 43 games. Gile has homered twice and is reaching base at a .301 clip.
Elijah Dale, RHP, Seattle Mariners - Modesto Nuts (A)
Dale has 71 strikeouts in 70.2 innings in 2024 with a record of 3-5 while holding opponents to a .206 batting average.
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