Former Trojan TJ Rivera promoted to New York Mets
NEW YORK (troytrojans.com) – The New York Mets called up former Troy Trojan TJ Rivera on Wednesday; he will make his MLB roster debut when the Mets host the Arizona Diamondbacks at 6:10 p.m. (CDT) at Citi Field.
Rivera, the reigning Pacific Coast Player of the Week, had 15 hits last week, including eight for extra bases. Prior to his call up, Rivera was batting .349 in Triple-A with the Las Vegas 51s. He also had 26 doubles, one triple and 11 home runs to go along with 80 RBIs. Undrafted out of Troy, Rivera has posted a .323 batting average over his six seasons in the minors, which is the best of any active Minor League Baseball player.
“I am extremely proud of TJ and what he has accomplished,” Mark Smartt said. “It’s a great story of perseverance and determination. He got the ultimate reward by getting his Major League Baseball opportunity with his hometown team.”
During his two-year career at Troy (2010-11), he batted .299 with 31 doubles, nine home runs and 88 RBIs. He accumulated a .429 slugging percentage and a .363 on-base percentage. In 2010, Rivera had 21 multi-hit games and 12 multi-RBI games.
In his senior year, the Bronx, N.Y., native had a .303 batting average with 76 hits, 18 doubles, 37 RBIs and 11 stolen bases, which helped send the Trojans to a NCAA Regional appearance. In Troy’s Regional win over Oklahoma State, Rivera went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, one double and a run scored.
Rivera joins Troy teammate Chase Whitley (Tampa Bay Rays) and Clint Robinson (Washington Nationals) as former Trojans on MLB rosters; Whitley is currently on a rehab assignment with the Montgomery Biscuits.
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