Franklin, Whitney Called Up To South Bend

The Chicago Cubs have promoted pitchers Kohl Franklin and Blake Whitney from the Eugene Emeralds (A-Short) to the South Bend Cubs (A-Full) in a roster move finalized on Wednesday.

Currently in his second professional season after being drafted in the 6th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Franklin had been arguably the Ems top starting pitcher all season long, compiling a 1-3 record with a 2.31 ERA, 49 strikeouts and just 14 walks while holding opposing hitters to a .214 average in 10 starts (39.0 IP).
Meanwhile, Blake Whitney had emerged as the team's go-to long reliever, posting a 4-0 record with a 3.19 ERA and 62 strikeouts with just 18 walks in 18 appearances out of the bullpen (53.2 IP). His 62 strikeouts this season currently lead the Emeralds while ranking third in the Northwest League, and his four wins are tied for the team lead.
Franklin and Whitney will join a number of former 2019 Emeralds teammates in South Bend, including Fauris Guerrero, Darius Hill, Brandon Hughes, Caleb Knight, Nelson Maldonado, Riley McCauley, Ivan Medina, Zach Mort, Yonathan Perlaza, Casey Ryan, Jake Slaughter, Chase Strumpf, and Carlos Vega.
In corresponding roster moves, the Emeralds have added RHP Maikel Aguiar and RHP Richard Gallardo to the active roster. Aguiar, who suited up for the Ems earlier this season, returns to Eugene having most recently played for the AZL Cubs 2 while Gallardo will arrive having last played for the AZL Cubs 1.
The Eugene Emeralds organization thanks both Kohl Franklin and Blake Whitney for their time in Eugene and wishes them the best of luck as they continue to climb through the Chicago Cubs system.
Visit www.EmeraldsBaseball.com for more information on player transactions throughout the 2019 season.
Tickets to Emeralds home games are on sale now at www.EmeraldsBaseball.com or by calling (541) 342-5367.
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