Wilkerson Makes MLB Debut

June 22, 2018 - Carolina League (CarL1)
Frederick Keys News Release

FREDERICK, MD-On Wednesday night former Frederick Keys infielder, Steve Wilkerson, made his MLB debut for the Baltimore Orioles. Becoming the 162nd former Keys player to reach the Major Leagues, Wilkerson becomes the second player with Frederick ties to make his debut in 2018, joining former Keys pitcher David Hess and catcher, Austin Wynns.

On Wednesday night, the Georgia native entered in the ninth inning as a defensive replacement at third base during the Orioles game against the Washington Nationals. Wilkerson started Thursday's contest at third base and went 0-for-2 with a walk.

The former Clemson Tiger had his contract selected by the Orioles on Tuesday night from the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. In 16 games, Wilkerson slashed .290/.362/.500 to go with three home runs, four doubles, nine RBIs and 11 runs scored. Playing a myriad of positions with the Tides, he split time between second, third, shortstop, leftfield and rightfield.

A member of the Keys in 2016-17, Wilkerson played 155 games in Frederick hitting .271/.354/.366 to go with six home runs, 51 RBIs, four triples, 27 doubles, 78 runs scored and 20 stolen bases.

Wilkerson was selected by Baltimore out of Clemson in the eighth round of the 2014 draft.

The Keys and Red Sox continue their four-game series on Friday night at Haley Toyota Field. Right-hander Cristian Alvarado (6-5, 4.06) starts for Frederick and will be opposed by Salem left-hander Darwinzon Hernandez (3-4, 5.40). First pitch is at 7:05 p.m and the broadcast can be heard on frederickkeys.com and the TuneIn App.

On Monday, June 25, the Keys return home for nine-game against the Winston-Salem Dash and the Lynchburg Hillcats. Highlights include Redneck Weekend, Wrestling Night with an appearance by WWE Hall of Famer Kevin Nash, A Longbow Bundy Bobblehead as well as four fireworks shows. For ticket information, fans can call the Keys at 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

To book tickets to the Keys upcoming homestand or for more information about promotions for the rest of the season, fans can call 301-815-9939 or visit frederickkeys.com.

The Frederick Keys are the Advanced-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, and play their home games at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium. In 2017, the Keys received the Esurance Home Field Advantage Award for Carolina League for the second straight season, after leading the circuit in highest percentage of attendance based on ballpark capacity. The club will celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2018. For more information about the Frederick Keys please contact Geoff Arnold by phone at (301)-815-9915 or by emailing at GArnold@FrederickKeys.com.

• Discuss this story on the Carolina League message board...

Carolina League Stories from June 22, 2018

• Red Sox Rally in Eighth to Top Keys - Frederick Keys
• Salem Shock Frederick 5-3 Friday Night - Salem Red Sox
• Dash Batter the Woodies in Friday Defeat - Down East Wood Ducks
• Seven-Run Eighth Inning Highlights 10-0 Potomac Win - Potomac Nationals
• Aguilar, Rodriguez and Segovia Lead Mudcats to 7-2 Victory - Carolina Mudcats
• Winston Tallies 13 Hits in 8-2 Win over Wood Ducks - Winston-Salem Dash
• Wilmington's Offense Silent in Loss - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Hillcats and Pelicans Postponed on Friday - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Rain Postpones Friday's Contest in Lynchburg - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Winston-Salem Dash: Game Notes (June 22 vs. Down East) - Winston-Salem Dash
• June 22 - Carolina Mudcats Game Information - Carolina Mudcats
• Brewers activate RHP Braulio Ortiz off the Carolina DL - Carolina Mudcats
• Myrtle Beach Pelicans: Game Notes, June 22 at Lynchburg - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Former Dash Righty Yency Almonte Makes MLB Debut - Winston-Salem Dash
• Governor Northam to Throw First Pitch at Lynchburg Hillcats Game Saturday - Lynchburg Hillcats
• Wilkerson Makes MLB Debut - Frederick Keys

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Frederick Keys Stories

• Jones Named Keys Manager
• Keys Announce 2024 Home Game Times
• Keys to Partner with Toys for Tots
• Keys Announce 2024 Home Schedule
• Keys Lose Marathon Finale