Despite the fact that he hasn’t been able to play for a couple seasons, Oregon Ducks right-handed pitcher Isaac Ayon is getting a shot at the big leagues. The Los Angeles Dodgers made the choice to pick up Oregon baseball’s Ayon during the 18th round of the 2024 MLB Draft.
That seems pretty noteworthy for Ayon (and Oregon) given how the right-handed pitcher missed the entire 2023 and 2024 seasons due to injuries. Still, he’s now got a shot to take his baseball career on as a professional if he so chooses because the Dodgers have seen enough potential (even with his extended absence from the mound) from the talented pitcher.
This is the second time that Ayon has been picked up in the MLB Draft.
Oregon Ducks baseball: Isaac Ayon picked by Los Angeles Dodgers in 18th round of 2024 MLB Draft
But before he was drafted this year (or last season) and before he had to miss either of the past two seasons due to injuries, Ayon’s journey with the Oregon Ducks baseball team began with promise. While he was in his true freshman season back in 2021, Ayon made 22 appearances (mostly out of the bullpen).
And while he was coming out of the bullpen in 2021, Ayon played a role that helped the Ducks make it to the NCAA Tournament for the first time in six seasons.
That’s a big deal.
During his sophomore season, in 2022, Ayon was able to build a bit on that success and served as a starting pitcher in the weekend rotation. And in 2022, the Ducks made it back to the NCAA Tournament, ending their season in the Louisville Regional.
During the two seasons he was able to play, Ayon recorded a 5.60 ERA and posted a win-loss record of 6-5. In 125.1 innings pitched, Ayon has struck out 124 batters.
Ayon has become the 72nd Oregon baseball player to get picked in the MLB Draft since 2009 and he’s now the fourth ever Duck to get selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to the official Oregon Ducks baseball press release. So far, five Oregon Ducks have been selected in the 2024 MLB Draft.