BOONE, N.C. — Appalachian State opens its 2018 baseball season at UNCG on Friday. App State alum and left-handed reliever Jeffrey Springs hit the road Tuesday for a much-longer trip.
Springs, who pitched for the Mountaineers before being drafted by the Texas Rangers in 2015, flew from Charlotte to Arizona to participate in the Rangers' big league camp. Pitchers and catchers officially report Wednesday, a day before team activities are scheduled to begin.
The non-roster invitation is a telling and noteworthy accomplishment, as the 25-year-old Springs averaged 11.7 strikeouts and only 3.0 walks per nine innings last season for the Kinston-based Down East Wood Ducks, the Rangers' affiliate in the High-A Carolina League.