After a sizzling start to the season, the Chicago Cubs promoted former Boise State linebacker Joe Martarano to their Low-A affiliate in South Bend, Ind.
The Fruitland High graduate started the summer with the Eugene Emeralds of the short-season A Northwest League. Despite nearly two years away from baseball, he hit .366 with one home run and eight RBIs in 12 games.
The 22-year-old Martarano (6-4, 235) left the Boise State football team in March to focus solely on his baseball career after trying to juggle both sports the past three years. He was expected to be the Broncos’ starting middle linebacker this fall.