Olivet Nazarene alumnus Ben Heller was called up to Major League Baseball to join the New York Yankees earlier this month, according to ONUTigers.com.
The school's news release says Heller, a 2013 graduate, received the call on Aug. 10 while pitching for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Yankees' Class AAA minor-league affiliate. However, on Aug. 13, Heller was optioned back to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, according to milb.com. He did not appear in a game during his time with the Yankees.
Heller was acquired by New York, along with three other minor-league players, from Cleveland for relief pitcher Andrew Miller on July 31.
In 47 minor-league appearances this season through Aug. 16 -- all in relief -- Heller threw 46 innings, recording 52 strikeouts, a 1.76 earned-run average, a 3-3 record and 13 saves in 14 chances. In his minor-league career as of Aug. 16, Heller was 9-9 with 32 saves, a 2.75 ERA and 230 strikeouts in 176 2/3 innings.
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