The excitement of baseball season is back, and several former Mississippi State players are making notable contributions in Major League Baseball. Jake Mangum, a standout from Mississippi State, has quickly made his mark with the Tampa Bay Rays after making his debut this season. His performance has been instrumental in helping the Rays achieve an impressive 11-4 record since his arrival.
Mangum isn’t alone in representing the Bulldogs in the league; he is one of seven former Mississippi State players actively participating this season. Among them are Nathaniel Lowe, who transitioned to the Washington Nationals, and Adam Frazier, returning to the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jordan Westburg is looking to build on a breakthrough season with the Baltimore Orioles, while Brent Rooker aims to maintain his momentum with the Oakland Athletics, where he has showcased strong batting.
In recent developments, J.T. Ginn made a successful return to the mound for the Athletics, delivering a stellar performance against the Houston Astros by throwing 3.0 scoreless innings and recording five strikeouts. Meanwhile, Brent Rooker had an exceptional week, collecting nine hits, including two home runs, further proving his prowess on offense.
Both Mangum and Westburg are currently in a competitive series, each contributing four hits in the first two games, highlighting the level of talent coming from Mississippi State. Westburg has been particularly impressive, racking up 10 hits and three home runs in his first seven games after recovering from injury, while Mangum continues to thrive in his new role.
As the season progresses, several former Mississippi State players are also managing their challenges, such as Kendall Graveman and J.P. France, who are currently recovering from injuries.
Overall, with numerous Bulldogs making strides in the MLB, this season offers a promising outlook for fans and alumni alike. The success of these players reflects their hard work and dedication, inspiring the next generation of athletes from Mississippi State and providing hope for exciting performances ahead.