#StateToTheShow Update: April 17

Photo by: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK

#StateToTheShow Update: April 17

April 17, 2026 | Baseball

By: Logan Lowery, Assistant Director/Communications

Mississippi State has produced plenty of professional baseball players over the years and 2026 is no exception.

There are 40 former Diamond Dawgs playing professional baseball this year including eight big leaguers. Among those in the majors are All-Stars Adam Frazier, Brent Rooker (2x), Jordan Westburg and Brandon Woodruff (2x) and World Series champion Nathaniel Lowe.

MSU has produced 71 Major Leaguers and had 20 first round draft picks during its storied history including Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims and Jurrangelo Cijntje.

HailState.com will have a weekly update on how these former Bulldogs are performing in their baseball journey.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB

J.P. FRANCE – HOUSTON ASTROS
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 198 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018

Record: 0-0 ERA: 7.71 G: 2 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 4.2 K: 3 BB: 4

Notes: France was sent down on April 11 and recalled two days later when he pitched two shutout innings of relief at the Mariners.

ADAM FRAZIER – LOS ANGELES ANGELS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-10 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2011-13

AVG: .304 AB: 23 H: 7 R: 8 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 3 BB: 6 SB: 0 OPS: .945

Notes: Frazier hit a solo homer at the Yankees on April 15 and is hitting .308 in his last seven games.

J.T. GINN – ATHLETICS
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-20

Record: 0-0 ERA: 3.31 G: 5 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 16.1 K: 11 BB: 7

Notes: Ginn has limited hitters to a .164 batting average against him this season.

NATHANIEL LOWE – CINCINNATI REDS
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2016

AVG: .211 AB: 19 H: 4 R: 0 2B: 2 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 5 BB: 4 SB: 0 OPS: .664

Notes: Lowe delivered a three-run double against the Angels on April 11.

JAKE MANGUM – PITTSBURGH PIRATES
Pos. OF Height: 5-11 Weight: 191 Bats/Throws: S/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-19

AVG: .275 AB: 40 H: 11 R: 8 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 4 SB: 2 OPS: .641

Notes: Mangum is hitting .375 (6-for-16) with an RBI, three walks and a pair of stolen bases in his last seven games.

BRENT ROOKER – ATHLETICS
Pos. OF Height: 6-3 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2014-17

AVG: .146 AB: 41 H: 6 R: 4 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 8 BB: 6 SB: 2 OPS: .538

Notes: Rooker was placed on the 10-day IL with an oblique strain on April 10.

JORDAN WESTBURG – BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Pos. 3B Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20

AVG: n/a AB: n/a H: n/a R: n/a 2B: n/a 3B: n/a HR: n/a RBI: n/a BB: n/a SB: n/a OPS: n/a

Notes: Westburg is currently on the 60-day injured list with a UCL sprain in his right elbow.

BRANDON WOODRUFF – MILWAUKEE BREWERS
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 242 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2012-14

Record: 1-0 ERA: 4.32 G: 3 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 16.2 K: 16 BB: 2

Notes: Woodruff struck out six and only allowed one earned run in a six-inning start against the Nationals on April 12.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN TRIPLE-A

WILL BEDNAR – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-2 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-0 ERA: 1.93 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 4.2 K: 6 BB: 3

Notes: Bednar had held hitters to a .188 batting average against him so far this spring.

ERIC CERANTOLA – OMAHA STORM CHASERS (ROYALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-21

Record: 1-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 7 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 8.1 K: 13 BB: 4

Notes: Cerantola pitched two scoreless innings with one strikeout to earn a save against Indianapolis on April 15.

JUSTIN FOSCUE – ROUND ROCK EXPRESS (RANGERS)
Pos. 1B Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20

AVG: .324 AB: 74 H: 24 R: 11 2B: 7 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 9 BB: 6 SB: 1 OPS: .883

Notes: Foscue went 3-for-5 with a double, homer and three RBIs against El Paso on April 14.

HOUSTON HARDING – SALT LAKE BEES (ANGELS)
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 0-0 ERA: 10.29 G: 3 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 7 K: 4 BB: 4*

Notes: Harding was promoted back to Triple-A on April 14.

K.C. HUNT – DURHAM BULLS (RAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 1-2 ERA: 7.20 G: 3 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 10 K: 9 BB: 7

Notes: Hunt picked up his first Triple-A win following a five-inning start at Scranton/Wilkes Barre on April 12 in which he struck out four.

COLTON LEDBETTER – MEMPHIS REDBIRDS (CARDINALS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

AVG: .170 AB: 53 H: 9 R: 10 2B: 1 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 4 BB: 4 SB: 3 OPS: .520

Notes: Ledbetter went 3-for-4 with a double and a stolen base at Charlotte on April 11.

CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – FREE AGENT
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 0-1 ERA: 81.00 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 0.2 K: 2 BB: 3

Notes: MacLeod was released by the Twins organization on April 4.

KONNOR PILKINGTON – TOLEDO MUD HENS (TIGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18

Record: 1-0 ERA: 1.04 G: 6 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 8.2 K: 7 BB: 5

Notes: Pilkington pitched a perfect inning of relief with one strikeout at Louisville on April 14.

ANDREW WALLING – LEHIGH VALLEY IRONPIGS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2022

Record: 0-1 ERA: 10.13 G: 6 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5.1 K: 7 BB: 10

Notes: Left-handers are hitting just .111 off Walling this year.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A

JURRANGELO CIJNTJE – SPRINGFIELD CARDINALS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 5-11 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: S/S Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 1-1 ERA: 6.75 G: 3 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 13.1 K: 16 BB: 9

Notes: Cijntje is holding right-handed hitters to a .143 batting average in 2026.

TYSON HARDIN – BILOXI SHUCKERS (BREWERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 0-1 ERA: 10.50 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 6 K: 12 BB: 4

Notes: Hardin struck out seven in a three-inning start against Pensacola on April 11.

KAMREN JAMES – MONTGOMERY BISCUITS (RAYS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

AVG: .000 AB: 7 H: 0 R: 0 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 0 BB: 1 SB: 0 OPS: .125

Notes: James worked a walk against Columbus on April 12.

DAVID MERSHON – ROCKET CITY TRASH PANDAS (ANGELS)
Pos. SS Height: 5-7 Weight: 175 Bats/Throws: S/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .120 AB: 25 H: 3 R: 8 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 2 BB: 5 SB: 2 OPS: .378

Notes: Mershon singled, walked and scored two runs against Birmingham on April 15.

LANDON SIMS – AMARILLO SOD POODLES (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

Record: 1-1 ERA: 3.68 G: 5 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 7.1 K: 7 BB: 4

Notes: Sims earned a win after two shutout innings of relief with one strikeout against Frisco on April 16.

CADE SMITH – SOMERSET PATRIOTS (YANKEES)
Pos. SP Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 20 2 1-23

Record: 0-0 ERA: 6.75 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 8 K: 13 BB: 6

Notes: Smith struck out eight in a start against Reading on April 16 that spanned 3 2/3 innings.

KHAL STEPHEN – AKRON RUBBERDUCKS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024

Record: 1-1 ERA: 0.71 G: 3 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 12.2 K: 15 BB: 11

Notes: Stephen picked up a win after tossing five shutout and hitless innings with six strikeouts in a start against Binghamton on April 15.

DIAMOND DAWGS IN SINGLE-A

BROOKS AUGER – GREAT LAKES LOONS (DODGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2022-24

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Auger is on the 7-day injured list.

NATE DOHM – PEORIA CHIEFS (CARDINALS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 0-0 ERA: 4.50 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 2 K: 3 BB: 0

Notes: Dohm struck out three and did not walk anyone in his first start against South Bend on April 12.

LUKE DOTSON – VISALIA RAWHIDE (DIAMONDBACKS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 4-25

Record: 0-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 5.1 K: 10 BB: 0

Notes: Dotson fanned five and only allowed one base runner across 2 1/3 scoreless innings to earn a save against Inland Empire on April 16.

JACKSON FRISTOE – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-2 3

Record: 0-1 ERA: 15.00 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3 K: 3 BB: 5

Notes: Fristoe has limited hitters to a .209 batting average over the course of his career.

HUNTER HINES – WILMINGTON BLUE ROCKS (NATIONALS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 202 2-25

AVG: .143 AB: 28 H: 4 R: 2 2B: 1 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 5 BB: 1 SB: 0 OPS: .458

Notes: Hines went 2-for-4 with a home run and two RBIs against Hub City on April 14.

COLBY HOLCOMBE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos: P Height: 6-6 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 0-0 ERA: 6.75 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 5.1 K: 5 BB: 5

Notes: Holcombe has limited right-handers to a .167 batting average this season.

CONNOR HUJSAK – BOWLING GREEN HOT RODS (RAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .195 AB: 41 H: 8 R: 9 2B: 3 3B: 0 HR: 3 RBI: 6 BB: 2 SB: 3 OPS: .721

Notes: Hujsak went 2-for-4 with a pair of solo homers at Greenville on April 14.

DAKOTA JORDAN – EUGENE EMERALDS (GIANTS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

AVG: .267 AB: 45 H: 12 R: 4 2B: 5 3B: 0 HR: 1 RBI: 8 BB: 4 SB: 2 OPS: .764

Notes: Jordan went 2-for-5 with a pair of singles, one RBI and a stolen base against Everett on April 15.

PICO KOHN – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 2 , 2024-25

Record: 1-0 ERA:1.59 G: 1 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 5.2 K: 8 BB: 2

Notes: Kohn is currently on the 60-day injured list.

KARSON LIGON – DUNEDIN BLUE JAYS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 202 4-25

Record: 0-1 ERA: 4.76 G: 2 GS: 1 SV: 0 IP: 5.2 K: 9 BB: 5

Notes: Ligon made his first pro start at St. Lucie on April 11.

AARON NIXON – HUDSON VALLEY RENEGADES (YANKEES)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

Record: n/a ERA: n/a G: n/a GS: n/a SV: n/a IP: n/a K: n/a BB: n/a

Notes: Nixon is currently on the 7-day injured list.

JACOB PRUITT – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 25

Record: 1-0 ERA: 3.00 G: 2 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3 K: 4 BB: 1

Notes: Pruitt picked up his first pro win at Dunedin on April 14, pitching two innings of relief with three strikeouts.

CAM SCHUELKE – LAKE COUNTY CAPTAINS (GUARDIANS)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2024

Record: 0-0 ERA: 1.80 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5 K: 5 BB: 2

Notes: Schuelke tossed two shutout innings of relief with one strikeout at Dayton on April 11.

EVAN SIARY – HICKORY CRAWDADS (RANGERS)
Pos. P Height: 6-1 Weight: 190 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 202 3-25

Record: 0-0 ERA: 2.25 G: 2 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 8 K: 11 BB: 1

Notes: Siary is limiting batters to a .194 average so far this season.

LOGAN TANNER – DAYTON DRAGONS (REDS)
Pos. C Height: 6-0 Weight: 215 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2020-22

AVG: n/a AB: n/a H: n/a R: n/a 2B: n/a 3B: n/a HR: n/a RBI: n/a BB: n/a SB: n/a OPS: n/a

Notes: Tanner is on the 60-day injured list.

NATE WILLIAMS – SOUTH BEND CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 25

Record: 0-0 ERA: 6.75 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 4 K: 5 BB: 2

Notes: Williams pitched two scoreless innings of relief with two strikeouts and only surrendered one base runner at Peoria on April 11.

*Combined Minor League Stats

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