Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Baseball alumni: J.B. Bukauskas impressive in Double-A debut

By Zack Pearson

FORT BRAGG, NC - JULY 03: A detailed view of baseballs prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on July 3, 2016 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Fort Bragg Game marks the first regular season MLB game ever to be played on an active military base. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
FORT BRAGG, NC - JULY 03: A detailed view of baseballs prior to the game between the Miami Marlins and Atlanta Braves on July 3, 2016 in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. The Fort Bragg Game marks the first regular season MLB game ever to be played on an active military base. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Former University of North Carolina stand out J.B. Bukauskas shined in his Double-A debut for the Houston Astros

The Houston Astros’ starting pitching has been fantastic all season long backed by Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. Both have been big reasons why the Astros are heading back to the MLB Playoffs and have a chance at winning another World Series.

While the two are dominating at the big league level, there’s a pitching prospect for the Astros who could be one of the key players to the future.

That pitcher is former University of North Carolina Tar Heels ace J.B. Bukauskas.

Houston decided to call up Bukauskas to Double-A Corpus Christi and the 21-year-old made one heck of a debut. On Sunday, Bukauskas made his Hooks debut and took a no-hitter into the sixth inning.

He pitched six scoreless innings while allowing just one hit and no runs on the day. Bukauskas walked just two and struck out eight in those six innings as he looked pretty sharp.

Despite being sidelined for two months with an injury, Bukauskas has put together a solid campaign in 2018.

He’s spent most of the season in Single-A Quad Cities while also making rehab starts down in Rookie Ball. But despite all of that, he’s still feeling good about how he’s progressing.

"“It’s been a lot,” said Bukauskas. “I was telling my dad the other day, it’s kind of tough being the new guy every month or so. But it’s been good. Being able to get out there and pitch, I feel healthy and stuff, it’s awesome. I feel really happy to be where I am and getting out there healthy and pitching.”"

Bukauskas was selected as the fifteenth overall pick in the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft after a stellar career at UNC. He’s currently ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Astros farm system and could be one of their future aces if everything goes well.

The pitcher is expected to play in the Arizona Fall League before reporting to Spring Training.

Bukauskas could be a candidate for a late September call-up in 2019 if all goes as planned for the former UNC ace.

Next. Mike Fox signs extension to stay at UNC. dark

For more on Bukauskas and other UNC alumni in the big leagues, please check back with Keeping It Heel.

Home/North Carolina Tar Heels