While it had been announced earlier by the Tampa Bay Rays, the Bowling Green Hot Rods officially announced their roster for the beginning of the 2019 season Monday, and it includes a former Hopkinsville Tigers. The 2018 Midwest League Champion Hot Rods, in conjunction with the Tampa Bay Rays, announced their 2019 opening day roster on Monday ahead of the team’s season opener Thursday in Dayton.
Right-hander Easton McGee joins the squad for the 2019 season. McGee was drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB draft by Tampa Bay out of Hopkinsville High School where he was named Mr. Baseball by the Kentucky High School Baseball Coaches Association in 2016.
The Hot Rods’ active roster also includes two players who have appeared for Bowling Green in past seasons. Right-handed pitcher Nicolas Padilla returns after appearing in seven games for the Hot Rods in 2018. Catcher Chris Betts played in 16 games for Bowling Green early in 2018. The second-round pick from 2015 rejoins the Hot Rods for 2019.
The Hot Rods will carry 14 pitchers on the roster for opening day, including McGee.
The Hot Rods open their 11th season on the road on Thursday, April 4 against the Dayton Dragons. On Saturday, April 6th the team’s home opener will mark their 11th season in Southcentral Kentucky against the Dayton Dragons.
(Courtesy Bowling Green Hot Rods)