NOTRE DAME, Ind. — The University of Notre Dame baseball team had one player selected on day two of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday afternoon. Sophomore right-handed pitcher Tanner Kohlhepp was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the fifth round with the 135th overall pick, the second-straight year the Irish have had a pitcher selected in the top-five rounds of the draft.
Kohlhepp was Notre Dame’s best weapon out of the bullpen this season after transferring from Iowa Western CC. He led the Irish in appearances with 23 while finishing second in wins (7), innings pitched (61.1) and strikeouts (65). He earned third team All-American honors from D1Baseball following the season, the second year in a row an Irish pitcher earned All-American honors. Kohlhepp also earned first team All-Region recognition from ABCA and second team All-ACC honors.
“Tanner’s contribution and unselfishness in various pitching roles was remarkable,” said head coach Link Jarrett. “His development and Chuck’s work in honing his skills were integral pieces to our team and Tanner’s successes. He is an athletic pitcher and most importantly, a tremendous person.”
Kohlhepp is the highest Irish draft selection since 2016 when Peter Solomon was picked in the fourth round by the Houston Astros. Kohlhepp is the first Irish player to be drafted by the Tigers since Brad Bass back in 2017.
The third and final round of the draft will begin on Tuesday at Noon ET with Round 11. Rounds 11-20 will take place on day three and coverage can be found on MLB.com.
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