#StateToTheShow Update: August 29

#StateToTheShow Update: August 29

August 29, 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 51 former Diamond Dawgs playing professional baseball this year including eight current 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 72 Major Leaguers, 13 MLB All-Stars (30 selections), seven World Series champions and had 21 first round draft picks during its storied history including Rooker, Westburg, Justin Foscue, Will Bednar, Landon Sims, Jurrangelo Cijntje and Ace Reese.

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

DIAMOND DAWGS IN MLB

JUSTIN FOSCUE – TEXAS RANGERS
Pos. 2B Height: 5-11 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018-20

AVG: .257 AB: 175 H: 45 R: 20 2B: 10 3B: 1 HR: 9 RBI: 25 BB: 15 SB: 0 OPS: .805

Notes: Foscue went 2-for-4 with a double, home run, two RBIs and scored a pair of runs at the White Sox on Aug. 25.

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

MLB
AVG: .250 AB: 108 H: 27 R: 18 2B: 7 3B: 1 HR: 1 RBI: 10 BB: 9 SB: 2 OPS: .686

Notes: Frazier is hitting .400 (4-for-10) with a double and two RBIs over 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: 9-8 ERA: 3.71 G: 27 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 138.1 K: 121 BB: 57

Notes: Ginn earned a win in a six-inning start against the Twins on Aug. 26 in which he struck out three.

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

AVG: .261 AB: 318 H: 83 R: 33 2B: 21 3B: 0 HR: 14 RBI: 49 BB: 32 SB: 0 OPS: .785

Notes: Lowe went 2-for-3 with two singles, a walk and one RBI at the Angels on Aug. 26.

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

AVG: .285 AB: 365 H: 104 R: 51 2B: 16 3B: 2 HR: 4 RBI: 28 BB: 22 SB: 21 OPS: .716

Notes: Mangum doubled at the Dodgers on Aug. 21.

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

AVG: .200 AB: 180 H: 36 R: 20 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 10 RBI: 29 BB: 19 SB: 2 OPS: .670

Notes: Rooker will miss the rest of the 2026 season following surgery on his left knee.

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 underwent Tommy John surgery in mid-May and will miss the 2026 season.

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

Record: 2-2 ERA: 2.98 G: 9 GS: 9 SV: 0 IP: 45.1 K: 47 BB: 10

Notes: Woodruff will miss the remainder of the season after having surgery on his right shoulder.

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: 5-1 ERA: 4.64 G: 33 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 54.1 K: 65 BB: 31*

Notes: Bednar is a perfect 3-0 with one save in road games this year.

ERIC CERANTOLA – SACRAMENTO RIVER CATS (GIANTS)
Pos. P Height: 6-5 Weight: 225 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2019-21

MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 10.13 G: 4 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 5.1.K: 7 BB: 10

MiLB
Record: 1-4 ERA: 3.30 G: 39 GS: 1 SV: 14 IP: 43.2.K: 61 BB: 24

Notes: Cerantola pitched 1 1/3 perfect innings with a pair of strikeouts to earn a save at Reno on Aug. 26.

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

Record: 3-8 ERA: 5.38 G: 24 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 112 K: 142 BB: 61*

Notes: Cijntje has struck out 73 in 55 innings while holding hitters to a .201 batting average in road games this season.

J.P. FRANCE – EL PASO CHIHUAHUAS (PADRES)
Pos. P Height: 6-0 Weight: 198 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2018

MLB
Record: 0-0 ERA: 8.10 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 6.2 K: 4 BB: 5

MiLB
Record: 1-3 ERA: 4.43 G: 37 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 44.2 K: 44 BB: 32

Notes: France pitched two shutout innings of relief with a pair of strikeouts against Round Rock on Aug. 21.

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

Record: 3-7 ERA: 5.63 G: 24 GS: 24 SV: 0 IP: 108.2 K: 127 BB: 34*

Notes: Hardin struck out seven across four shutout innings and only allowed one baserunner in a start at Norfolk on Aug. 23.

HOUSTON HARDING – FREE AGENT
Pos: RP Height: 6-1 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-1 ERA: 6.97 G: 25 GS: 2 SV: 0 IP: 51.2 K: 29 BB: 35*

Notes: Harding was released by the Angels organization on Aug. 3.

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

AVG: .271 AB: 354 H: 96 R: 66 2B: 19 3B: 3 HR: 11 RBI: 48 BB: 35 SB: 23 OPS: .777

Notes: Ledbetter went 2-for-4 with a single, double, a walk and a run scored at Charlotte on Aug. 27.

CHRISTIAN MACLEOD – JACKSONVILLE JUMBO SHRIMP (MARLINS)
Pos. SP Height: 6-4 Weight: 227 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2020-21

Record: 2-1 ERA: 5.50 G: 22 GS: 3 SV: 0 IP: 34.1 K: 34 BB: 35*

Notes: MacLeod was recalled to Triple-A on Aug. 26 and pitched two innings of relief to earn a win against Nashville the following day.

KONNOR PILKINGTON – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 240 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2016-18

Record: 2-5 ERA: 4.57 G: 31 GS: 5 SV: 1 IP: 41.1 K: 35 BB: 36

Notes: Pilkington was released by the Nationals organization on Aug. 5.

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

Record: 2-5 ERA: 4.97 G: 44 GS: 0 SV: 9 IP: 50.2 K: 40 BB: 25*

Notes: Sims worked a shutout inning of relief with one strikeout against Sacramento on Aug. 27.

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: 9.58 G: 11 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 10.1 K: 16 BB: 15

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

DIAMOND DAWGS IN DOUBLE-A

TYLER DAVIS – PORTLAND SEA DOGS (RED SOX)
Pos. P Height: 6-2 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 2023-24

Record: 2-3 ERA: 5.35 G: 21 GS: 0 SV: 1 IP: 37 K: 38 BB: 15*

Notes: Davis has held hitters to a .190 batting average with runners in scoring position this year.

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

AVG: .287 AB: 429 H: 123 R: 77 2B: 26 3B: 3 HR: 28 RBI: 84 BB: 17 SB: 24 OPS: .870*

Notes: Hujsak went 2-for-4 with a solo homer at Columbus on Aug. 23.

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

Record: 3-3 ERA: 5.02 G: 24 GS: 5 SV: 1 IP: 61 K: 52 BB: 42*

Notes: Hunt pitched 4 1/3 scoreless and hitless innings of relief with one strikeout at Columbus on Aug. 23.

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

AVG: .229 AB: 157 H: 36 R: 26 2B: 8 3B: 1 HR: 7 RBI: 23 BB: 18 SB: 3 OPS: .743

Notes: James doubled, walked and drove in two runs against Pensacola on Aug. 26.

PRESTON JOHNSON – WICHITA WIND SURGE (TWINS)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 250 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-22

Record: 1-3 ERA: 3.91 G: 20 GS: 15 SV: 0 IP: 73.2 K: 88 BB: 26

Notes: Johnson worked four shutout innings of relief with five strikeouts and only surrendered one hit against Arkansas on Aug. 26.

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

AVG: .289 AB: 356 H: 103 R: 55 2B: 26 3B: 1 HR: 18 RBI: 71 BB: 31 SB: 20 OPS: .866*

Notes: Jordan was activated from the injured list on Aug. 28.

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

Record: 7-8 ERA: 4.98 G: 22 GS: 21 SV: 0 IP: 110.1 K: 105 BB: 45

Notes: Smith earned a win after tossing six shutout innings with seven strikeouts and only one hit allowed at Hartford on Aug. 21. He was named the Eastern League Pitcher of the Week.

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

Record: 3-2 ERA: 3.44 G: 12 GS: 12 SV: 0 IP: 55 K: 49 BB: 23

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

DREW WYERS – CORPUS CHRISTI HOOKS (ASTROS)
Pos. SS Height: 6-2 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 20 26

AVG: .333 AB: 3 H: 1 R: 1 2B: 0 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 0 SB: 0 OPS: .583

Notes: Wyers was placed on the 7-day injured list on Aug. 22.

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: 1-1 ERA: 3.54 G: 16 GS: 16 SV: 0 IP: 56 K: 80 BB: 27

Notes: Auger has struck out 10 and only surrendered two hits in his last two starts.

BLAKE BEVIS – ACL CUBS (CUBS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2026

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: Bevis signed with the Cubs as an undrafted free agent.

BRYCE CHANCE – VANCOUVER CANADIANS (BLUE JAYS)
Pos. OF Height: 5-10 Weight: 180 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023-2 6

AVG: .284 AB: 67 H: 19 R: 11 2B: 3 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 11 BB: 9 SB: 4 OPS: .692

Notes: Chance went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles, two runs scored and a stolen base at Eugene on Aug. 22.

BEN DAVIS – FRESNO GRIZZLIES (ROCKIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 230 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 025-26

Record: 1-0 ERA: 0.00 G: 3 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 3 K: 4 BB: 1

Notes: Davis pitched a shutout inning of relief with one strikeout against Stockton on Aug. 22.

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

Record: 2-5 ERA: 6.91 G: 22 GS: 13 SV: 0 IP: 57.1 K: 63 BB: 37

Notes: Dohm logged a scoreless and hitless inning of relief with three strikeouts at West Michigan on Aug. 28.

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

Record: 2-1 ERA: 3.32 G: 31 GS: 0 SV: 4 IP: 40.2 K: 61 BB: 14*

Notes: Dotson has only given up one hit during a day game in 2026.

JACKSON FRISTOE – FREE AGENT
Pos. P Height: 6-4 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2021-2 3

Record: 2-3 ERA: 9.60 G: 16 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 15 K: 13 BB: 18

Notes: Fristoe was released by the Yankees organization on Aug. 6.

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

AVG: .242 AB: 302 H: 73 R: 46 2B: 18 3B: 2 HR: 16 RBI: 57 BB: 32 SB: 1 OPS: .790*

Notes: Hines went 2-for-4 with a solo homer against Kannapolis on Aug. 23.

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

Record: 2-1 ERA: 8.77 G: 15 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 25.2 K: 21 BB: 19*

Notes: Holcombe hurled a shutout inning of relief with one strikeout at Eugene on Aug. 22.

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: 1-1 ERA:1.42 G: 5 GS: 4 SV: 0 IP: 19 K: 25 BB: 8

Notes: Kohn struck out nine and gave up just one run in a four-inning start against Brooklyn on Aug. 27.

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: 0-3 ERA: 8.20 G: 8 GS: 7 SV: 0 IP: 18.2 K: 23 BB: 17

Notes: Ligon is holding hitters to a .182 batting average at home in 2026.

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

AVG: .221 AB: 240 H: 53 R: 42 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 2 RBI: 19 BB: 33 SB: 22 OPS: .599*

Notes: Mershon is batting .500 when he's hitting third in the lineup this season.

AARON NIXON – GREENVILLE DRIVE (RED SOX)
Pos. RP Height: 6-0 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2023

Record: 2-2 ERA: 8.14 G: 20 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 21 K: 25 BB: 14

Notes: Nixon worked two shutout innings of relief with three strikeouts against Rome on Aug. 28.

TYLER PITZER – ACL PADRES (PADRES)
Pos. P Height: 6-3 Weight: 205 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 0 26

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: Pitzer signed with the Padres as an undrafted free agent.

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

Record: 3-2 ERA: 4.87 G: 27 GS: 1 SV: 1 IP: 40.2 K: 47 BB: 27

Notes: Pruitt is limiting batters to a .188 average during day games this season.

ACE REESE – INLAND EMPIRE 66ERS (MARINERS)
Pos. 3B Height: 6-4 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 2025-26

AVG: .444 AB: 54 H: 24 R: 17 2B: 6 3B: 0 HR: 2 RBI: 13 BB: 16 SB: 1 OPS: 1.211

Notes: Reese went 2-for-2 with a pair of singles, three walks, one RBI and three runs scored against Fresno on Aug. 27.

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

Record: 3-3 ERA: 3.99 G: 37 GS: 0 SV: 5 IP: 56.1 K: 48 BB: 38

Notes: Schuelke picked up saves in consecutive games at Cedar Rapids, giving up just one hit in two scoreless innigns on Aug. 25 and 27.

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

Record: 7-3 ERA: 3.36 G: 21 GS: 21 SV: 0 IP: 104.1 K: 92 BB: 23

Notes: Siary earned a win at Wilmington on Aug. 28, striking out four and walking one in a 5 1/3-inning start.

REED STALLMAN – ST. LUCIE METS (METS)
Pos. 1B Height: 6-3 Weight: 220 Bats/Throws: L/L Lettered at MSU: 202 5-26

AVG: .283 AB: 46 H: 13 R: 3 2B: 4 3B: 0 HR: 0 RBI: 1 BB: 5 SB: 0 OPS: .723

Notes: Stallman walked and doubled at Daytona on Aug. 27.

BRENDAN SWEENEY – CLEARWATER THRESHERS (PHILLIES)
Pos. P Height: 6-7 Weight: 210 Bats/Throws: R/R Lettered at MSU: 2 0 26

Record: 0-0 ERA: 18.00 G: 1 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 1 K: 1 BB: 1

Notes: Sweeney was promoted to Clearwater on Aug. 26 and made his professional debut at Lakeland two days later, including his first-career strikeout.

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

Record: 2-0 ERA: 5.63 G: 11 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 16 K: 25 BB: 8*

Notes: Tanner threw three shutout innings of relief with four strikeouts, no walks and just one hit allowed against St. Lucie on Aug. 27.

AIDAN TEEL – FORT MYERS MIGHTY MUSSELS (TWINS)
Pos. OF Height: 6-0 Weight: 200 Bats/Throws: L/R Lettered at MSU: 202 6

AVG: .238 AB: 63 H: 15 R: 6 2B: 5 3B: 1 HR: 0 RBI: 9 BB: 12 SB: 5 OPS: .713

Notes: Teel doubled and scored a run at Palm Beach on Aug. 21.

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

Record: 4-0 ERA: 6.64 G: 27 GS: 0 SV: 0 IP: 39.1 K: 49 BB: 22

Notes: Williams went on the 7-day injured list on Aug. 25.

*Combined Minor League Stats

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