World Series winner taken in the eighth round
The Western Iowa Community College Reivers just won their third National Junior College title in the last five years, and right-handed pitcher Erik Swanson, who was taken by the Rangers in the eighth round, was a big reason behind it.
Swanson pitched in 14 games for Western Iowa and was 10-1 with a 2.39 ERA. He averaged 11.05 strikeouts. In the Junior College World Series, he threw a five-hit shutout against Midland to earn Outstanding Pitcher honors. He was also the winning pitcher in the regional final to put his team in the JUCO World Series.
"He has a big projectable body, an average to plus fastball in the mid 90s," scouting director Kip Fagg said.
The Draft concludes on Saturday, with exclusive coverage of Rounds 11-40 beginning on MLB.com at 12 p.m. CT.