AROUND THE DIAMOND: Zeuch Advancing in Blue Jays Organization
9/5/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
PITTSBURGH – It’s been a whirlwind nearly three months for former Panther pitcher T.J. Zeuch, who left his mark on the University of Pittsburgh baseball program, and has now turned his attention to the professional realm.
Zeuch made Pitt history on June 9, 2016 when he was drafted with the 21st overall pick of the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Toronto Blue Jays. The selection made him the highest drafted player in program history and just the second Panther to be taken in the first round.
One of the most successful pitchers at Pitt and amongst the talents of the ACC, the Mason, Ohio, native is working his way up the ranks in the Blue Jays’ system. He made his professional debut with the Golf Coast League Blue Jays on July 9, before making a stop with the Class A Short Season Vancouver Canadians and earning a promotion to the Class A Lansing Lugnuts.
“It feels amazing,” Zeuch added. “This whole last year at Pitt I wanted to leave my mark and also turn around any stigmas that may exist in terms of going to a northern school making it tougher for guys to get drafted high. If you have the talent they will find you.”
In his Blue Jays debut, he hurled three frames without surrendering a run, hit or walk, fanning three batters. He was instantly moved to Vancouver, where he made six starts with the Canadians. In 23.0 innings of work, the righty allowed just nine runs off of 21 hits, walking five and striking out 22 batters. In his time north of the border, Zeuch held opponents to an average of .247 and registered a WHIP of just 1.13.
“Making my debut win the GCL blue jays felt like any other game while some might assume there was some anxiety or nervousness behind it there really wasn't,” said Zeuch. “The mound is still 60 feet 6 inches away and my job remains the same, keep the ball down and throw strikes.”
On Monday, Zeuch made his debut with the Lansing Lugnuts, who went on to defeat the Lake County Captains by a score of 12-6. He struck out seven batters in just three innings of work. Despite allowing seven singles and departing with the bases loaded in the fourth inning, all three runs were scored against his reliever, as Zeuch’s final line reflected five earned runs.
A sentiment echoed throughout his time at Pitt was Zeuch’s ability to remain composed on and off the mound, regardless of the circumstances. Whether at Pitt or in the pros, he is a competitor, willing to tackle any situation and give maximum effort.
“It was a great pleasure to have the opportunity to coach T.J. for three years, and it will be even more exciting to follow his professional career,” said pitching coach Jerry Oakes. “He is a special talent who I’m sure will enjoy a long tenure of success. He is a competitor and embodies the tenacity needed to succeed at the highest levels.”
Zeuch Timeline
Feb. 16, 2014 – Made his first career start with the Panthers
May 15, 2014 – Made his first career start in ACC play for Pitt
May 19, 2016 – Tied a Charles L. Cost Field record for strikeouts thrown by a Pitt pitcher in his final start of his Pitt career
May 23, 2016 – Became the first Pitt pitcher to earn All-ACC recognition
June 9, 2016 – Became the highest drafted player in Pitt baseball history with the 21st overall selection by the Toronto Blue Jays
June 17, 2016 – Signed a professional contract with the Blue Jays
July 9, 2016 – Made his professional debut with the GCL Blue Jays
July 16, 2016 – Made his first of six starts with the Vancouver Canadians
Aug. 29, 2016 – Made his first start with the Lansing Lugnuts
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