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In a sense, Zack Thompson wasn’t the only Wildcat that Nick Mingione and his staff were waiting to see come off the board tonight.
Junior college transfer Jackson Rutledge who’s committed to Kentucky for the 2019 season was also projected to be a first-round selection, and that came to fruition as he was selected 17th overall by the Washington Nationals.
Rutledge who committed to the Cats back in November played his 2019 season at San Jacinto College but was previously with the Arkansas Razorbacks.
Excited to be heading back to the SEC next year to play at the University of Kentucky! #JuCoRoute pic.twitter.com/uEN8vd3tH6
— Jackson Rutledge (@J_Cheddar34) November 24, 2018
This unlike the excitement of being Thompson, is a massive blow for Kentucky as the right-hander will likely never suit up in the Blue and White.
With Kentucky, a program very much rebuilding especially in the pitching department, potentially losing Rutledge is a big setback albeit an expected one. However, it could also lead to more recruiting wins in the future as they can say they had the commitment of a first-round selection.