Getting the call to the big leagues is a very special moment for baseball players -- it is a moment that most will remember for the rest of their lives.
Now, former West Virginia baseball star Ryan Berget will have that memory as he has been called up to the main roster for the San Diego Padres. The Canton, Ohio native learned the news early Saturday morning.
Per MLB.com’s AJ Cassavell, a “unique” schedule upcoming for the Padres prompted the organization to send down fifth starter Kyle Hart and call up their Bergert to be used in a long relief role out of the bullpen.
Before getting his call to the big leagues, Bergert had five starts for Triple-A squad El Paso, working 22.2 innings. In his 22.2 innings, the right held a 5.16 ERA with 24 strikeouts. His 5.16 ERA is not what it seems, as Bergert pitched in the Pacific Coast League, a league known for having elevated hitters' success.
On Saturday, Bergert made his debut with the Padres during a weekend series against Tampa Bay -- he pitched just one inning, holding the Rays scoreless and tossing his first MLB strikeout.
Bergert spent two seasons (2019-2020) in Morgantown before headed to professional level. Despite COVID-19 ending the 2020 season early and Tommo John surgery sidelining him in 2021, Bergert was drafted in the sixth round by the Padres in the 2021 MLB Draft. While at WVU, he made 21 appearances, going 4-1 with a 2.30 ERA and tossing 68 strikeouts and just 19 walks in 58.2 innings pitched.