It’s a great time for West Virginia baseball fans.
The Mountaineers are in the midst of an incredible season and one particular alum in Victor Scott II has been tearing up the MLB early in the season.
And the number of WVU players in the pro ranks are growing each and every day. Now, just one week following former Mountaineer pitcher Ryan Bergert’s call up to the San Diego Padres, another WVU alum received his opportunity on a main roster.
Right-hand pitcher and Fort Worth, Texas native Kade Strowd was officially called up to the major leagues by the Baltimore Orioles, and Strowd joined the team Monday night for a matchup with the Yankees. Strowd was brought in to fill out the bullpen, but did not pitch and was quickly optioned on Tuesday as Orioles pitcher Kyle Gibson was able to return to the roster.
Strowd played three seasons with WVU baseball from 2017-2019 and was named an All-Big 12 Honorable Mention selection as a sophomore -- he was selected in the 12th round of the 2019 MLB Draft by the Orioles. Strowd is the 31st Mountaineer to earn an MLB call up.
Strowd joined Scott II and Bergert as Mountaineers that have been on an active roster this season. Another trio of former Mountaineers -- Alek Manaoh (Blue Jays), John Means (Guardians), and Michael Grove (Dodgers) -- are all currently on their organization's injured list. Meanwhile, 2024 MLB Draft pick and former Mountaineer star JJ Wetherholt is having a strong start in the minor leagues this season.