SPORTS

Mets call up former Westfield, Purdue star

Scott Horner

scott.horner@indystar.com

Indiana has a growing contingent of players on big-league rosters, or knocking on that door. You could put together a pretty decent pitching staff of Hoosiers, and every defensive position is covered except third base.

Kevin Plawecki, Mets, Catcher (Westfield HS/Purdue)

Plawecki was called up by the Mets from Triple-A Las Vegas on Sunday after New York catcher Travis d'Arnaud's hand was fractured when he was hit by a pitch.

Plawecki, 24, will be the team's starting catcher while d'Arnaud is out, according to manager Terry Collins. He hit .309 with 11 home runs and an .825 OPS in 101 games split between Double-A and Triple-A last year.

Josh Phegley (from left), Micah Johnson, Kevin Kiermaier and LaTroy Hawkins are players with Indiana ties in the major leagues.

• Lance Lynn, Cardinals, RHP (Brownsburg)

St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Lance Lynn (31) throws in the first inning of an exhibition spring training baseball game against the New York Mets Thursday, April 2, 2015, in Jupiter, Fla. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

Season debut: He allowed just two runs, one earned, in six innings Wednesday against the Cubs, but he got no support and picked up the loss. He struck out nine.

Last season: 15-10, 2.74 ERA, 181 strikeouts in 203 2/3 innings.

Career through 2014: 49-28, 3.46 ERA, 599 strikeouts in 616 innings; 5-4, 4.41 ERA in 23 postseason appearances.

Role: He's the No. 2 starter for a Cardinals team with high expectations.

• Jeff Samardzija, White Sox, RHP (Valparaiso/Notre Dame)

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Jeff Samardzija (29) delivers to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning an opening day baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, April 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Season debut: Six innings, five runs allowed in an opening day 10-1 loss to the Royals.

Last season: 7-13, 2.99 ERA, 202 strikeouts in 219 2/3 innings between the Cubs and A's

Career through 2014: 36-48, 3.85 ERA, 738 strikeouts in 777 2/3 innings; one career postseason appearance, allowing one run in one inning in 2008.

Role: Though he had a rocky debut, Samardzija was acquired from Oakland in the offseason to be the ace of a rebuilt White Sox roster.

• Kyle Gibson, Twins, RHP (Greenfield-Central)

Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Kyle Gibson (44) delivers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning during an exhibition spring training baseball game, Friday, March 20, 2015, in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Season debut: 3 2/3 innings, six earned runs allowed in a 7-1 loss to the Tigers.

Last season: 13-12, 4.47 ERA in 179 1/3 innings over 31 starts.

Career through 2014: 15-16, 4.92 ERA, 203 1/3 innings over 41 starts.

Role: He'll be a member of the Twins rotation again. If he can eliminate a handful of disastrous starts (he had five in which he allowed six or more earned runs, seven in which he allowed zero in at least six innings), he'll be a valuable starter for rebuilding Minnesota.

• Tommy Hunter, Orioles, RHP (Cathedral)

Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Tommy Hunter throws to the Toronto Blue Jays in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, Sept. 16, 2014, in Baltimore. Baltimore won 8-2 to clinch the American League East. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)

Season debut: Went 2/3 of an inning, in the eighth, on opening day in a 6-2 win over the Rays. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Last season: 3-2, 2.97 ERA in 60 relief appearances. He struck out 45 in 60 2/3 innings.

Career through 2014: 226 appearances, 75 starts over seven seasons. He has a 42-31 record and 15 saves with a 4.32 ERA. He has made seven postseason appearances, three starts in 2010 and three relief appearances in '12. He's 0-2 with a 4.40 ERA.

Role: He was ineffective early last season as the Orioles closer but re-discovered success when he moved back into middle relief.

• Drew Storen, Nationals, RHP (Brownsburg)

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Drew Storen (22) throws against the New York Yankees during the eighth inning at Nationals Park.

Season debut: One inning, two strikeouts and a save Wednesday in a 2-1 victory over the Mets.

Last season: 2-1, 1.12 ERA and 11 saves in 65 relief appearances. He had 46 strikeouts in 56 1/3 innings.

Career through 2014: 19-11, 2.94 ERA and 66 saves in 297 relief appearances. He had 43 saves in 2011. He has made six playoff appearances, with a 1-1 record and 8.44 ERA.

Role: Two blown saves in the postseason (Game 5 in 2012, Game 2 last season) have cast a harsh glare on Storen but he's more than established the skills to be an effective closer in the majors.

• LaTroy Hawkins, Rockies, RHP (Gary West)

LaTroy Hawkins #32 of the Colorado Rockies celebrates with Nick Hundley #4 after the 5-2 win over the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 7, 2015 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Season debut: Picked up a save by pitching a scoreless ninth inning in a 5-2 win over the Brewers. He allowed one hit and struck out one.

Last season: 4-3, 3.31 ERA and 23 saves in 57 appearances.

Career through 2014: 72-93 and 124 saves, 4.33 ERA in 1,000 career appearances over 20 seasons. He has made 98 starts and has 949 strikeouts in 1,428 2/3 innings. He has pitched for 10 teams.

Role: He's pitched in 1,000 games over 20 years and shows few signs of slowing down as he'll be the Rockies closer again.

• Aaron Barrett, Nationals, RHP (Evansville Central)

Washington Nationals relief pitcher Aaron Barrett (30) throws in Opening Day game against the New York Mets at Nationals Park.

Season debut: Went 2/3 of the ninth inning on opening day, allowing one hit and one walk and striking out one. The Nationals lost to the Mets 3-1.

Last season and career through 2014: 3-0, 2.66 ERA in 50 relief appearances. He struck out 49 in 40 2/3 innings. He made two appearances in last year's playoffs.

Role: Was effective as a middle reliever last season and is expected to remain in that role for the Nationals.

• Jarrod Parker, A's, RHP (Norwell)

Oakland Athletics starting pitcher Jarrod Parker delivers against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning of a spring exhibition baseball game Monday, March 10, 2014, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Mark Duncan)

2014 season: Missed it because of Tommy John surgery.

Career through 2014: 25-16, 3.68 ERA with 62 starts over three seasons. He had one complete game in 2013. He has four playoff appearances (three starts) with a 1-2 record and a 5.00 ERA.

Role: Had a second Tommy John surgery on his elbow in March 2014 but is on track to return by the All-Star break in July.

• Pat Neshek, Astros, RHP (Butler)

Houston Astros reliever Pat Neshek delivers a pitch against the Kansas City Royals in the eighth inning of an exhibition baseball game Friday, April 3, 2015, in Houston. (AP Photo/Pat Sullivan)

Season debut: Pitched the eighth inning, allowing a leadoff home run to Mike Aviles and striking out one in a 2-0 loss to the Indians.

2014 season: 7-2, 1.87 ERA with six saves for the Cardinals over 71 appearances. He struck out 68 in 67 1/3 innings.

Career through 2014: 23-11, 2.78 ERA over eight seasons with four teams. He has 284 strikeouts in 281 2/3 innings. He has 11 playoff appearances, 2.89 ERA and eight strikeouts.

Role: Re-emerged with a dominant season last season and signed a two-year, $12.5-million contract with the Astros where he will serve as the primary setup man.

• John Axford, Rockies, RHP (Notre Dame)

FILE - In a March 2015 file photo, John Axford of the Colorado Rockies baseball team poses for a photo in Scottsdale, Ariz. Axford's 2-year-old son is improving following a rattlesnake bite. Jameson Axford remained hospitalized for an eighth straight day, but Axford said Wednesday, Apri his son was able to sleep through the night as he deals with pain. Doctors have saved his right foot, but there is fear one of his toes may need to be amputated. "It's looking better," Axford said. "We're going by doctors' orders. They know more than we do. We're going to trust them to heal him the best way possible." (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)

Season debut: He pitched a scoreless 10th inning Wednesday, striking out one and picking up the save in a game won by Hoosier LaTroy Hawkins. The Rockies beat the Brewers 5-4.

2014 season: 2-4, 3.95 ERA and 10 saves in 62 relief appearances with the Indians and Pirates. He struck out 63 in 54 2/3 innings.

Career through 2014: 24-23, 3.40 ERA with 116 saves over six seasons. He had 46 saves with the Brewers in 2011. He has 12 career playoff appearances, striking out 18 with a 1.42 ERA.

Role: Axford had a difficult spring training off the field as his 2-year-old son, Jameson, was bitten twice by a rattlesnake. He is recovering. Axford is expected to pitch in middle relief for the Rockies.

• David Phelps, Marlins, RHP (Notre Dame)

Miami Marlins starting pitcher David Phelps (41) throws against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning at Marlins Park. Braves won 12-2.

Season debut: He pitched the last 2/3 of an inning in a 12-2 loss to the Braves. He allowed two hits but no earned runs in a four-run Braves ninth. He struck out one.

2014 season: 5-5, 4.38 ERA in 32 appearances, 17 of them starts for the Yankees.

Career through 2014: 15-14, 4.21 ERA in three season with the Yankees. He has 267 strikeouts in 299 1/3 innings.

Role: Phelps pitched well in spring training and will likely see time out of Miami's bullpen and in the starting rotation.

• Justin Masterson, Red Sox, RHP (Bethel)

Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Justin Masterson (63) delivers in the first inning of a spring training baseball game against the Philadelphia Phillies in Clearwater, Fla., Sunday, March 15, 2015. (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Season debut: Pitched six innings, allowing three runs and striking out seven, and got the victory against the Phillies on Thursday.

2014 season: 7-9, 5.88 ERA split between the Indians and Cardinals. He had 25 starts and three relief appearances.

Career through 2014: 60-72, 4.24 ERA over seven seasons with three teams. He led the majors with 34 starts in 2013 for the Indians, and led the majors in shutouts (3) and hit batters (17) in 2013 with the Indians.

Role: A difficult 2014 season followed a very successful 2013. He'll be counted on to rebound by the Red Sox.

• Eric Stults, LHP, Braves (Argos/Bethel)

Atlanta Braves pitcher Eric Stults throws during a spring training exhibition baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Lakeland, Fla., Monday, March 30, 2015. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)

Season debut: Scheduled to make season debut over the weekend.

2014 season: 8-17, 4.30 ERA with the Padres.

Career through 2014: 35-43, 4.12 ERA over eight seasons with four teams.

Role: A strong spring training enabled him to earn the job as Atlanta's fifth starter.

• Joe Thatcher, Astros, LHP (Kokomo/Indiana State)

Joe Thatcher #54 of the Houston Astros pitches in the seventh inning against the Cleveland Indians at Minute Maid Park on April 8, 2015 in Houston, Texas.

Season debut: One batter, one strikeout to end the seventh inning in a 2-0 loss Wednesday to the Indians.

2014 season: 53 appearances last year between the Diamondbacks and Angels, 2-1, 3.86 ERA.

Career through 2014: 10-13, 3.40 ERA in 362 appearances with 245 striikeouts over 238 1/3 innings.

Role: Need to get one left-handed batter out to get out of a jam? He's your guy.

CATCHERS

• Josh Phegley, A's, C (Terre Haute North/Indiana)

Oakland Athletics' Josh Phegley (19) throws during a spring training baseball game against the San Francisco Giants Tuesday, March 3, 2015, in Mesa, Ariz. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Season debut: 1-for-5 with a run scored Wednesday in the A's 10-0 win over the Rangers.

2014 season: 8-for-37 in 11 games with the White Sox.

Career through 2014: .207 batting average, 7 HRs, 29 RBIs.

Role: He'll serve as Oakland's backup catcher.

• Drew Butera, Angels, C (born in Evansville)

This is a 2015 photo of Los Angeles Angels' Drew Butera. This image reflects the Angels active roster as of Saturday, Feb. 28, 2015, when the photo was taken. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

Season debut: Went 1-for-2 and scored a run in a 6-4 loss to the Royals.

2014 season: .188 in 61 games for the Dodgers.

Career through 2014: .183 with 8 HRs in 251 games for the Twins and Dodgers over five years.

Role: Being tabbed by Angels' manager Mike Sciosia, a former Gold Glove catcher, to play the position is a strong endorsement of his skills behind the plate.

INFIELDERS

• Adam Lind, Brewers, 1B (Anderson Highland)

Adam Lind #24 of the Milwaukee Brewers hits a single during the second inning against the Colorado Rockies during Opening Day against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park on April 06, 2015 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Season debut: 3-for-4 in a 10-0 loss to the Rockies.

2014 season: .321 in 96 games for the Blue Jays. He hit 6 HRs with 40 RBIs.

Career through 2014: .273, 146 HRs, 519 RBIs in nine seasons with the Blue Jays.

Role: Though he struggles vs. lefties (.212 in his career), he'll bat in the middle of the order for the Brewers.

• Micah Johnson, White Sox, 2B (Park Tudor/Indiana)

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon, bottom, is forced out by Chicago White Sox second baseman Micah Johnson during the second inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, April 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)

Season debut: Made his big-league debut on Monday, starting and going 1-for-3 in a 10-1 loss to the Royals. He batted ninth.

2014 season: He rose through the system in 2013, stealing 84 bases over three levels, then . A solid 2014 helped him earn the starting job this season.

Role: He earned the starting second base job for Chicago.

• Clint Barmes, Padres, SS (Vincennes Lincoln/Indiana State)

Los Angeles Dodgers' Adrian Gonzalez, left, is forced out at second by San Diego Padres shortstop Clint Barmes on a single by Howie Kendrick during the fifth inning of an opening day baseball game, Monday, April 6, 2015, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Season debut: 1-for-3 with a double in an opening-day 6-3 loss to the Dodgers.

2014 season: .245 batting average in 48 games with the Pirates.

Career through 2014: .246 average with 86 home runs in 1,088 games with three teams over 12 seasons. He was in the playoffs in 2009 and '12, batting .120.

Role: He's expected to serve as a backup infielder in San Diego.

OUTFIELDERS

• Kevin Kiermaier, Rays, OF (Fort Wayne Bishop Luers)

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier (39) celebrates with second baseman Tim Beckham (1) after hitting a two run home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field.

Season debut: 1-for-3 with a double and a run scored in a 6-2 loss to the Orioles.

2014 season and career: .263, 10 HRs and 35 RBIs. He appeared in one game in 2013 but did not get an at-bat.

Role: He's considered one of baseball's best defensive outfielders and has surprised with the bat. He'll receive regular playing time with Tampa Bay.

• A.J. Pollock, Diamondbacks, OF (Notre Dame)

; Arizona Diamondbacks center fielder A.J. Pollock (11) looks on during the game against the Chicago Cubs at Chase Field.

Season debut: 1-for-5 out of the leadoff spot in a 5-4 loss to the Giants on opening day. He threw out a base runner at the plate from center field.

2014 season: .302 with 7 HRs and 14 stolen bases in 75 appearances for the Diamondbacks.

Career through 2014: .277 with 17 HRs an 51 doubles in three years with the Diamondbacks.

Role: Inury shortened his 2014 season but he's expected to start in center field for Arizona.

• Jordan Schafer, Twins, OF (Hammond)

Season debut: 1-for-2 in a 4-0 loss to the Tigers on opening day.

2014 season: .238, 30-of-37 stolen base attempts between the Braves and Twins.

Career through 2014: .229, 103 stolen bases in 130 attempts over five seasons with Braves, Astros and Twins.

Role: He's been a reserve, providing defense and speed off the bench, but will have a chance to earn playing time with the rebuilding Twins.

In the pipeline

The following players aren't on a 25-man roster, but they're trying to move in that direction; includes their current organization:

Brock Huntzinger, Athletics, RHP (Pendleton Heights); Alex Meyer, Twins, RHP (Greensburg); Justin O'Connor, Rays, C (Cowan); Jared Eickhoff, Rangers, RHP (Evansville Mater Dei); Kyle Schwarber, Cubs, C (Indiana); Derek Eitel, Diamondbacks, RHP (Rose-Hulman, at Triple-A Reno); Kevin Pawlecki, Mets, C (Westfield/Purdue); Kyle Freeland, Rockies, LHP (U. Evansville; played in Class A last season); Jeff Manship, Indians, RHP (Notre Dame, six-year veteran, 20 appearances for Phillies last year); Jake Petricka, White Sox, RHP (Indiana State; appeared in 67 games last year); Dean Anna, Cardinals, SS (Ball State; he played briefly for the Yankees last season); Dan Johnson, Reds, 1B (Butler, 15 games last year for the Blue Jays); Clayton Richard, Pirates, LHP (McCutcheon, trying to come back from injury with Indianapolis Indians); Tucker Barnhart, Reds, C (Brownsburg, made 21 appearances last year and had 1 HR); Tyler Holt, Indians, OF (born in Marion, .268 in 71 at-bats for Indians last year); Nevin Ashley, Brewers, C (North Knox HS/Indiana State); Dan Black, White Sox, 1B (Carmel/Purdue); Mel Rojas, Pirates, OF (born in Indianapolis); Brady Shoemaker, Marlins, OF (Brazil/Indiana State); Ryan Strausborger, Rangers, OF (Osceola/Indiana State); Jarrett Casey, White Sox, RHP (Lawrence Central); Conrad Gregor, Astros, 1B/OF (Carmel); Jeremy Hazelbaker, Dodgers, LHP (Ball State); Jeremy Kehrt, Dodgers, RHP (University of Southern Indiana); Nolan Sanborn, White Sox, RHP (Kokomo).

Others with recent experience

These players have recent MLB experience:

Jake Dunning, RHP (Indiana, 29 appearances in 2013, one last year); Darin Mastroianni, OF (U. Southern Indiana, 5-for-32 with the Blue Jays last year); Brandon Beachy, RHP (Northwestern/Indiana Wesleyan, recovering from Tommy John surgery); Jarrett Grube, RHP (DeKalb, one game 2/3 of an inning with the Angels last year).

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