Three Pirate Pitchers Chosen in 2017 MLB Draft

By: Keith Egan

Three Seton Hall pitchers have been drafted at the conclusion of the 18th round of the 2017 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Zach Schellenger, Shane McCarthy and Chris Morris all recently completed their junior seasons and can decide if they want to return to school for their senior season, or sign to the their respective MLB teams.

Zach Schellenger was first to be drafted of the Seton Hall players. The Boston Red Sox drafted the right-handed reliever in the sixth round with the 191st pick, valued at approximately $230 thousand. After beginning his career as a starter for the Pirates, Schellenger took on the role of relief pitcher his sophomore year, where he struck out 70 batters in 45.2 innings. His relief success was evident with his team best six saves. Schellenger finished this past season 2-0 on the year with ten relief appearances, having an earned run average of 2.08. He is the first Seton Hall player to be drafted by the Red Sox since they selected Steve Hayward in the 1993 draft.

In the 18th round, with the 544th pick overall, the St. Louis Cardinals selected starting pitcher Shane McCarthy. An impact player since the beginning of his time at Seton Hall, McCarthy was selected to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team in his first year, when he had the lowest earned run average in the BIG EAST at 2.19. In his sophomore season, McCarthy made history by throwing the first perfect game in Seton Hall and BIG EAST history on April 15, 2016 against LIU Brooklyn. McCarthy was also selected to the All-BIG EAST First Team for his performance during his sophomore season. In his recent junior year, McCarthy struggled a little, ending with a 3-7 record. However, he found his way at the end of the season, not giving up a run in his last two starts.

Chris Morris was the third Seton Hall pitcher selected in the 2017 draft, as he went in the 18th round with the Texas Rangers' 554th overall draft pick. Morris made 20 appearances and had five starts in his sophomore season, having a 3.76 earned run average. In his junior season, Morris took on the role of a starter more, making nine starts in 10 appearances. His 3.57 earned run average was his career best as opponents had a batting average of .201 against him.

Of the three Seton Hall pitchers drafted, they combined for eight wins and 113 innings pitched. They will have until the middle of July to decide if they want to return to school, or go play in the systems of the teams who drafted them.

Keith Egan can be reached at keith.egan@student.shu.edu.