Daytona Beach, FL - The Daytona Tortugas release their initial roster for the upcoming 2021, featuring a 2020 first-round pick and seven of Baseball America’s top 20 Reds’ farmhands.
2020 first-round pick Outfielder Austin Hendrick—the Cincinnati Reds' No. 2 prospect and one of Baseball America’s current top 100—is headlining 2021's preliminary roster as the 19-year-old Pennsylvania native makes his professional debut in Daytona after being selected 12th overall in last summer's MLB draft.
Also featured is Rece Hinds, 2019's second-round pick who will join the Tortugas' infield after thriving during the shortened 2020 campaign at the Reds’ alternate training site in Ohio. 2019's third- and fourth-round selections, Tyler Callihan and Ivan Johnson, are also a part of the team after each clubbed six home runs in their professional debuts.
Michel Triana, a 21-year-old infielder from Cifuentes, Cuba, who also played on Cuba's U18 national team, is scheduled to make his professional debut after signing with the Reds back in July 2019. Also making their professional debut is Gus Steiger of Minnesota, who was a two-time All-Summit League performer collegiately at South Dakota State University.
In all, 12 of the 31 players on Daytona’s initial roster will make their professional debut when they appear in their first game of the season.
By the way, did you know the Tortugas are looking for performers to sing the National Anthem? Instead of in-person auditions, the club is asking all interested singers, vocal groups and musicians to enter a digital submission online. Candidates who have been selected will be contacted at a later date.
The 2021 season will open for the Tortugas on the road as Daytona takes on Palm Beach Cardinals on Tuesday (May 4). Opening night at Jackie Robinson Ballpark is set for next Tuesday (May 11) when the Tortugas will face the St. Lucie Mets.
For more information on the Daytona Tortugas, including ticket sales, be sure to visit their website.
Pitchers (16): Juan Manuel Abril, Frainger Aranguren, Bryce Bonnin, Stevie Branche, Tanner Cooper, Jake Gozzo, Nick Hanson, Ricky Karcher, Evan Kravetz (L), Jason Parker, James Parker, Christian Roa, Carson Rudd, Carson Spiers, Vin Timpanelli, Case Williams
Catchers (3): Wilfred Astudillo, Daniel Vellojin, Garrett Wolforth
Infielders (8): Tyler Callihan, Rece Hinds, Ivan Johnson, Reyny Reyes, Debby Santana, Leonardo Seminati, Gus Steiger, Michel Triana
Outfielders (4): Allan Cerda, Austin Hendrick, Danny Lantigua, Wendell Marrero
