Top two local picks from MLB draft sign with NL Central teams
The top two Southern Nevada players selected in this year’s Major League Baseball draft have signed professional contracts and will forgo their remaining college eligibility.
Right-hander Erich Uelmen, a Faith Lutheran graduate, signed with the Chicago Cubs for slot value.
The Cal Poly (California) junior, who was drafted in the fourth round, signed for $382,300.
Uelmen went 4-8 with a 2.93 ERA this past season to earn second-team all-conference honors with the Mustangs. His 100 strikeouts in 98 1/3 innings ranked second in the Big West Conference and 49th in the nation.
Uelmen’s starting assignment has yet to be determined.
Colorado Mesa outfielder Bligh Madris, a Foothill alumnus who was drafted in the ninth round, signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $130,000. His pick value was $142,700.
The redshirt sophomore achieved the triple crown in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and was one of 12 finalists for the Tino Martinez Division II Player of the Year Award.
Madris will start in short-season Class A West Virginia.
