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Arizona State junior right-handed pitcher Fitz Stadler was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 18th round (536th) overall on Wednesday morning.
The 6-foot-9 Glenview, Illinois native has the option to return for his senior season if he desires. He is the second Sun Devil to come of the board, as junior outfielder Gage Canning was picked by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round.
O Canada!
— Sun Devil Baseball (@ASU_Baseball) June 6, 2018
Congrats to @FitzStadler_4 on being drafted by the @BlueJays! pic.twitter.com/DMnaQzIjpM
Toronto’s selection of Stadler may come off surprising, as the righty went 0-0 with a 5.56 ERA in 22 2⁄3 innings in his junior season. He walked (18) just as many batters as he struck out. In three years with ASU, overall record is 1-2 with a 6.62 ERA, and opponents hit for a .325 average against him.
However, the tall prospect can consistently hit above 90 miles per hour and hit a speed of 94 in 2014, according to Perfect Game. Stadler was rated the 101st right-handed pitcher in the nation and the second-best in Illinois by Perfect Game out of Glenbrook South High School in 2015. In the summer prior to Stadler’s arrival at ASU, he was drafted in the 32nd round by the Chicago Cubs.
Below is a snippet of Stadler from this season.