Zach Eflin

Zach Eflin
Philadelphia Phillies
Pitcher
Born: (1994-04-08) April 8, 1994
Chuluota, Florida
Bats: Right Throws: Right

Zachary Eflin (born April 8, 1994) is an American professional baseball pitcher who is a member of the Philadelphia Phillies' farm system.

Career

Eflin attended Paul J. Hagerty High School in Oviedo, Florida.[1][2] In his senior year, Eflin had a 0.51 earned run average (ERA) and 59 strikeouts in 43 innings pitched.[1] Eflin committed to attend the University of Central Florida (UCF) on a college baseball scholarship.[1][2] Following his high school career, the San Diego Padres selected Eflin in the first round, with the 33rd overall selection, of the 2012 Major League Baseball draft.[3] Rather than enroll at UCF, Eflin signed with the Padres, receiving a $1.2 million signing bonus.[4]

Eflin began his professional career in the Arizona League, pitching to a 7.71 ERA in four appearances.[5] His performance was hampered by mononucleosis.[6] He pitched for the Fort Wayne TinCaps of the Class A Midwest League in 2013. His 2.73 ERA led the league. In 2014, Eflin pitched for the Lake Elsinore Storm of the Class A-Advanced California League, and finished the season with a 10–7 win–loss record and a 3.80 ERA.[7]

On December 18, 2014, the Padres traded Eflin, Joe Wieland, and Yasmani Grandal to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Tim Federowicz, Matt Kemp, and cash.[8] The Dodgers then traded Eflin, along with Tom Windle, to the Philadelphia Phillies for Jimmy Rollins.[9] The Phillies invited Eflin to spring training in 2015 as a non-roster player.[10] Eflin spent the 2015 season with the Reading Fightin Phils of the Class AA Eastern League,[11][12] and pitched to a 8-6 record and a 3.69 ERA. He received another invitation to spring training in 2016.[13]

Personal life

Eflin has two sisters, Candace and Brittany. His sister Ashley died of leukemia in 1995.[1] Following Ashley's death, Eflin's mother developed alcoholism.[1] Baseball served as an escape from his troubled home life.[2]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Lyon, Austin (June 1, 2012). "Family challenges don't keep Hagerty ace from becoming top draft prospect". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 Parker, Brandon (May 11, 2012). "Baseball has been a lifeline for Zach Eflin". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  3. ↑ Lyon, Austin (June 4, 2012). "Zach Eflin and Walker Weickel both taken by San Diego Padres in MLB draft". Orlando Sentinel. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  4. ↑ "PADRES: Second pick Eflin signs below slotted amount". U-T San Diego. June 16, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Eflin goes a career-best seven innings". U-T San Diego. May 29, 2013. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Pitchers Fried, Eflin, Weickel visit Petco Park". U-T San Diego. September 10, 2012. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  7. ↑ Connifff, Jon (September 23, 2014). "Under the radar, Zach Eflin making a name for himself". Fox Sports San Diego. Retrieved October 13, 2014.
  8. ↑ "Padres acquire OF Matt Kemp". ESPN.com. December 18, 2014. Retrieved December 18, 2014.
  9. ↑ Stephen, Eric (December 19, 2014). "Jimmy Rollins trade finalized by Dodgers, Phillies". truebluela.com. Retrieved December 19, 2014.
  10. ↑ "Eflin excited for Spring Training start". Courier-Post. March 29, 2015. Retrieved January 25, 2016.
  11. ↑ "Zach Eflin impressive in season debut". Philly.com. April 12, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  12. ↑ "Philadelphia Phillies prospect Zach Eflin sparkles in Reading Fightin Phils debut - MiLB.com News - The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
  13. ↑ "Phillies invite top prospects to spring training". philly-archives. Retrieved January 25, 2016.

External links

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