Rockies, Tigers, Guardians take West Michigan players

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The MLB draft ended Tuesday, but not before three local players heard their names called.

The Colorado Rockies drafted Caledonia native Luke Thelen in the 15th round. Thelen had a 2.19 ERA in conference play the past season at Western Michigan University. He struck out 35 hitters in 24.2 innings. He posted a 3.53 ERA through the entire season and limited opposing hitters to a .233 batting average. In 25 appearances, the righty collected two saves and 58 strikeouts in 43.1 innings. Thelen also had the final outs to secure the 2024 MAC Tournament Championship for the Broncos. Thelen is the 11th Bronco drafted under head coach Billy Gernon.

Portage native Zach MacDonald was drafted in the 15th round, too, by the Detroit Tigers. MacDonald is a junior at Miami University in Ohio. The outfielder started all 54 games in the 2023-24 season, hitting .337 on the year with 20 home runs. He was named to the ABCA East All-Region First Team.

The Cleveland Guardians drafted Byron Center’s Cam Schuelke in the 19th round. Schuelke played the 2023-24 season at Mississippi State, where he made 32 appearances on the mound (the fourth most in the SEC). He finished with a 5-3 record and two saves, holding a 4.21 ERA in 47 innings with 47 strikeouts.

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