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Corey Walter to pitch in All-Star Game

By Matthew Peaslee

May 27, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Fireworks illuminate the sky following the baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
May 27, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Fireworks illuminate the sky following the baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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Corey Walter is blazing his way through the Oakland Athletics farm system.

Since being drafted in 2014, the Wheeling native and former WVU starting pitcher is already at the Double-A level, pitching with the Midland Rockhounds.

Midway through his first full season in Double-A, Walter has been selected to the Texas League All-Star Game.

This season, the 23-year old (who will turn 24 on Aug. 11) has led the Rockhounds to a 30-33 record as of June 15. The team sits in third place in the South standings but could make a move in the second half of the campaign.

In Walter’s last start, he struck out three batters over four innings. This season, he has racked up a team-best 3.00 earned run average and a 1.17 WHIP.

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Walter has 27 strikeouts over 47 innings pitched. He has appeared in 14 games and started eight. Getting that nice mix on the starting staff as well as in the bullpen will prepare him for either situation should he get the call to the major league level within the next two years.

Getting this All-Star Game nod certainly helps his future chances and shows that the A’s organization is high on him to do great things in the next few seasons.

In Spring Training, Walter had a handful of opportunities to take the hill with the big league club in actual games.

Walter has always had a good head on his shoulders and he really seemed take ownership of the WVU baseball team when head coach Randy Mazey first arrived on the scene in 2013.

As an in-state prospect, Walter had a greater responsibility to the team and the university, so he had to lead in the acclimation process for Mazey, who was coming to West Virginia from TCU.

For his minor league career, Walter has a record of 3-5 with a 2.18 ERA. He has played for the Vermont Lake Monsters, the Arizona League Athletics, the Stockton Ports and his current Rockhounds.

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In 132 innings pitched over that time frame, Walter has only surrendered two home runs with a total of 105 hits. Also, he has struck out 100 batters in his professional career.

Getting to the Double-A level in a swift manner has been a great accomplishment for Walter. Plus, having the opportunity to pitch in the Texas League All-Star Game proves he has what it takes to succeed.

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