FB Recruiting Thompson named preseason All-American

[Jeff Drummond]

UK's Thompson named preseason All-American

Jeff Drummond • CatsIllustrated.com
@JDrumUK

Junior left-hander enters 2019 college baseball season as one of the top pitching prospects in the game.

Kentucky's Zack Thompson leads the pitching staff into the 2019 season.
Jeff Drummond/Cats Illustrated

Kentucky's Zack Thompson has been named a preseason All-American by Baseball America.

The publication named the Wildcats' junior left-hander a first-team selection on Monday in voting conducted by Major League Baseball scouting directors.

Thompson, a 6-foot-3, 225-pound native of Selma, Ind., is considered one of the top prospects for this year's MLB Draft. He is expected to move into the role of the Cats' Friday night starter this season.

During his first two years at UK, Thompson went 10-4 with a 3.88 ERA and 138 strikeouts in 106.2 innings pitched. Opponents hit only .212 with five extra-base hits against him last season.

Thompson played on the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team this, going 1-0 with no runs allowed and only three hits surrendered in 8.2 innings of work. He struck out seven batters in international play.

 

[CatsFanGG24]

Best MLB prospect on our team (at least arm wise) for maybe all of his time here. Needs to put it all together this year and stay healthy.

 

[Jeff Drummond]

Best MLB prospect on our team (at least arm wise) for maybe all of his time here. Needs to put it all together this year and stay healthy.

You just hope there's not too much pressure this year. There's going to be a ton riding on his shoulders, both for the team and his own future.