OREM, Utah – Utah Valley hurler Casey Anderson was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 11^th round of the 2023 MLB Draft on Tuesday afternoon. He is the seventh draft selection in UVU's D1 era and the highest selection during that time.
 
"Casey was instrumental in elevating our program this season. He grew throughout the year in his habits and polished his work ethic to a new level," said UVU head coach Eddie Smith.
 
Anderson came to UVU for the 2023 season, where he finished 5-1 with a 3.39 ERA after tossing 69 innings. He was named First Team All-WAC after going 3-1 with a 3.14 ERA against WAC foes, recording two saves, and winning TicketSmarter WAC Pitcher of the Week twice.
 
His first Pitcher of the Week award came after holding Grand Canyon hitless in five innings of relief to help UVU to an 11-7 victory over the Lopes. He followed up his start with 4.2 innings in relief with a season-high ten strikeouts at Sacramento State. He later won his second TicketSmarter WAC Pitcher of the Week after tossing seven innings against Stephen F. Austin, allowing one run and recording nine strikeouts.
 
The junior pitcher left his marks in the UVU record books, finishing sixth all-time in single season strikeouts (90), third lowest opponent batting average (.240), and had 27 strikeouts looking for third all-time in a single season.
 
Smith explained, "To be a pro, you have to act like a pro before you are ever a pro, and Casey prepared like a professional all season long. This level of preparation, combined with his talent, will allow him to pitch in pro baseball for a long time."
 
Anderson joins an organization with the No. 3 ranked farm system by mlb.com and has minor league affiliates in Visalia, Calif., Hillsboro, Ore., Amarillo, Texas., and Reno, Nev.
 
Utah Valley's last draft pick came in 2019 when the Milwaukee Brewers selected Paxton Schultz. He is now pitching in Triple-A with the Buffalo Bisons of the Toronto Blue Jays organization. UVU signee Chase Jaworsky was selected by the Houston Astros yesterday in the fifth round.
 
UVU has two other players currently playing in professional baseball as 2022 grads Drew Sims (Glacier Range Riders) and Mitch Moralez (Billings Mustangs) are playing in the Pioneer League.