Eight former Illini will be suiting up to play baseball this year, either in the Major Leagues or in a farm system. Here’s a brief overview of the Illini you should be following this year, playing professional baseball.
Tanner Roark, SP, Cincinnati Reds
Roark, who played for Illinois from 2006-07, was traded to the Cincinnati Reds during the offseason, following a multi-year stint with the Washington Nationals.
Last year, Roark went 9-15 in 30 starts, with a 4.34 ERA and 146 strikeouts.
Tyler Jay, RP, Rochester Red Wings (MIN - AAA)
The left-handed reliever will begin the 2019 season on the Minnesota Twins’ AAA roster, after spending all of last year playing AA ball.