NOTRE DAME, Indiana — The University of Notre Dame had its 120th all-time selection in the Major League Baseball Draft Thursday night. Junior righthander Joe Boyle was selected with the 143rd pick in the fifth round by the Cincinnati Reds.
Boyle is the highest pick for the Irish since 2018 when Matt Vierling was selected 137th overall by the Philadelphia Phillies in the fifth round. He is the first Irish selection by the Cincinnati Reds since Joe Hudson was picked in the sixth round back in 2012.
“Joe positioned himself well heading into the unprecedented 2020 draft,” said head coach Link Jarrett. “His skill set and makeup are both outstanding as reflected in being chosen as one of our captains and throwing over 100mph. Chuck has done a great job in developing Joe’s talent. Tonight’s draft by the Reds is a recognition of talent, development and work ethic. Joe has a lot of good baseball in his future.”
Boyle, the Goshen, Kentucky native, pilled up the strikeouts out of the bullpen during his Notre Dame career. He finished with 57 strikeouts over 36 innings pitched and had his best year in the shortened season of 2020. Boyle finished with a 1-1 record with one save and a 3.24 ERA. He made six appearances and had 17 strikeouts in just 8.1 innings pitched. The 17 strikeouts ranked second among Irish relievers and Boyle recorded his first eight outs of the season were via the strikeout.
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—ND—