University of California, Los Angeles, Athletics
Former UCLA Pitcher Erik Goeddel Recalled to the New York Mets
Former UCLA right-handed pitcher Erik Goeddel has been recalled from triple-A Las Vegas to join the New York Mets, it was announced by the organization on Tuesday.
Goeddel, 26, will replace Jenrry Mejia, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list.
The 6-foot-3 product from Hillsborough, Calif. made six appearances for the Mets last season, posting a 2.70 ERA in 6.2 innings pitched. Goeddel made his major league debut on September 1, 2014, pitching 0.2 innings, allowing no runs, at the Miami Marlins.
A go-to reliever on UCLA’s team that advanced to the 2010 College World Series, Goeddel became the fourth pitcher from that year’s squad to earn a major league promotion. The Bruins’ primary three starting pitchers from that team – Gerrit Cole, Trevor Bauer and Rob Rasmussen – have also pitched, or currently pitch, in the majors. Goeddel ranked second on the 2010 team with 36 pitching appearances.
Goeddel entered UCLA as a freshman in the fall of 2007 but was unable to pitch during the 2008 campaign while he recovered from an arm injury. He saw limited action in 2009, making nine relief appearances (3.38 ERA, 8.0 innings), before playing a significant role in the Bruins’ bullpen in 2010.
Since July 2012, seven former UCLA ballplayers have been promoted to the majors – Bauer, Charles Brewer, Tyson Brummett, Jermaine Curtis, Cole, Rasmussen and Goeddel.
UCLA currently has six former players competing in the major leagues – Bauer (Cleveland), Cole (Pittsburgh), Brandon Crawford (San Francisco), Goeddel (N.Y. Mets), Casey Janssen (Washington) and Chase Utley (Philadelphia).