Back in 2014, while playing for Division-II junior college Mercer, shortstop Heath Fillmyer moved to the mound to become a full-time pitcher. His instant success earned him a 5th-round draft selection from the Oakland A's that summer, and he set about developing his game in the pro ranks. Just two years later, the 22-year-old has already reached the upper minors, making his debut start for the Double-A Midland RockHounds on Thursday. His final line included 5 ip, 2 runs, 4 Ks, 1 BB.
It's been a quick rise for the right-handed Fillmyer, though of course this is the same organization that turned Sean Doolittle from an injury-plagued first baseman into a big league reliever in under a year (and an All-Star closer in under three).