OREM, Utah – The professional baseball season has begun, and former Wolverines are playing or getting ready to play across the country. The month was highlighted by the MLB debut of Paxton Schultz with the Toronto Blue Jays and 2023 UVU hurler, Casey Anderson, earning a promotion from Low-A to High-A.
Paxton Schultz – RHP – Buffalo Bisons (AAA) Toronto Blue Jays
Schultz made his MLB debut earlier this month by tying the MLB record for most strikeouts in an MLB debut by a reliever. He has been sent back to Buffalo after his last outing against the New York Yankees in the Bronx. The Orem native finished with two games in Toronto for 6 2/3 innings and 11 strikeouts and has not appeared in a game with Buffalo since his return. The Bison are currently 12-16 in the International League East.
Casey Anderson – RHP – Hillsboro Hops (A+) Arizona Diamondbacks
Anderson earned a promotion to High-A Hillsboro after going 0-1 with a 2.16 ERA and a save in just two appearances this season. His first two outings with the Hops included six strikeouts against Spokane, and his outing against Tri-City featured 5 2/3 innings for a season-high. The Hops are currently tied for first-place in the Northwest League with the Eugene Emeralds.
Waiting for the Season:
Mitch Mueller – RHP – FCL Twins (Rookie) – Minnesota Twins
The Minnesota Twins recently signed Mueller and will start the 2025 season in the Florida Complex League on May 3. Last season, he pitched for the Lake Country DockHounds of the American Association, where he appeared in 19 games with a 3.68 ERA in 22 innings. He finished with 32 strikeouts in his first professional season.
Garrett Broussard – 3B – Windy City Thunderbolts (Independent League) – Frontier League
Broussard headed east to the Windy City and played third base for the Thunderbolts. He saw action in 18 games and hit .316 in the Frontier League. His season ended early due to injury, but he had 18 hits, 12 runs, and 11 walks. Windy City's opening day is Thursday, May 8, against the Schaumburg Boomers.
Calyn Halvorson – OF – Milwaukee Milkmen (Independent League) – American Association
Halvorson signed this this season with the Milwaukee Milkmen of the American Association. He played in 67 games for the Grand Junction Jackalopes of the Pioneer League, hitting 12 home runs and 50 RBIs while adding 16 doubles. The Guthrie, Okla., native finished with a .312 batting average, .391 OBP, and a .557 slugging percentage. Milwaukee opens the year on May 9 against the Gary Southshore Railcats.
Cole Jordan – INF/OF – Ogden Raptors (Independent League) – Pioneer League
After finishing his career at Utah Valley, he signed in Ogden and played in 68 games with eight home runs and 51 RBIs. The utility player hit .322 throughout the season and scored 59 runs. Ogden will start the 2025 campaign on May 20 against the Oakland Ballers.
Patrick Mills – OF – Billings Mustangs (Independent League) – Pioneer League
Mills played in 46 games last season before suffering a season-ending injury. He brought some power to the Mustangs, where he launched 12 homers and knocked in 54 runs. The Mustangs will open the 2025 season on May 20 against the Missoula PaddleHeads.
Drew Sims – C – Glacier Range Riders (Independent League) – Pioneer League
Sims returns to Glacier after playing in 18 games in 2024. He finished the season with one homer and 9 RBIs while hitting .286. He recorded two hits in five games last season. The Range Riders will open the season on May 20 against the Great Falls Voyagers.
