NEW ORLEANS – Four former New Orleans Privateers are currently in the professional ranks across the country. Shawn Semple,
Bryan Warzek,
Kyle Arjona, and
Reeves Martin have added to the long list of Privateers in the pros.
Semple, who was drafted in 2017 by the New York Yankees, has pitched across four different levels this season. The New Jersey native started out in Low-A Charleston where he dominated in five appearances. Semple earned three saves and had 32 strikeouts to just two walks in 21 innings.
From there, Shawn was moved up to High-A Tampa where he has spent the most time this year. Semple started 13 games with the Tarpons. During that stretch, he got called up to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre for a spot start. Recently, Semple was promoted to Double-A Trenton where he made his first start. Semple ended the game on a strong note as he retired 13 of his last 15 batters.
Warzek became the highest draft pick from New Orleans in 10 years when he was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 Draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers. After just two appearances in the Arizona League, Warzek was moved up to Low-A Great Lakes.
There, he picked up where he left off. After etching his name in the Privateer record books, Warzek continued to collect strikeouts in bunches. He recorded 33 in just 19.2 innings with the Loons in eight appearances (three starts). Warzek has spent all of 2019 in California with High-A Rancho Cucamonga. He has recorded 50 strikeouts in 43.1 frames this season.
Arjona had an excellent end to 2018, which was parlayed into a call from the Philadelphia Phillies. He signed on July 26 and reported to the Gulf Coast League. The Florida native pitched in five games out of the pen and allowed eight hits, one walk, and two runs.
This season, Arjona got the call to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and made one appearance out of the pen. Since then, he was reassigned to High-A Clearwater. Arjona recorded a 0.84 ERA in June with the Threshers over 10.2 innings of work.
Martin is the most recent draft pick, a 21
st round selection by the Seattle Mariners. After breaking the program record for saves and appearances, Martin was assigned to Short Season Everett. After four appearances with the AquaSox, Martin was assigned to Low-A West Virginia.
Since joining the Power, Martin has registered 15 strikeouts over 9.1 innings. Martin ended his New Orleans career with a multitude of awards including All-American status from three different publications. He was also named Southland Reliever of the Year and made the All-Academic Team.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow
@Privateers_BSB on Twitter,
@Privateers_BSB on Instagram, like
/PrivateerBSB on Facebook and subscribe to the
PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.
