Mike Villani drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers in 13th Round

SAN MARCOS, CA (7/17/2024) -- Palomar College's standout relief pitcher, Mike Villani, has been selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 13th round of the MLB Draft, as the 400th overall pick.

Villani, a right-handed pitcher (RHP), played for Palomar during the 2023 season, where he showcased impressive stats that caught the attention of MLB scouts. Over the 2022-23 season, Villani appeared in 21 games, maintaining an outstanding ERA of 1.52 over 23.2 innings pitched. He recorded 9 saves, highlighting his reliability and consistency as a closer. With a WHIP of 1.18 and 21 strikeouts, Villani demonstrated his ability to control the game and deliver under pressure. Villani's performance that season was nothing short of remarkable, with only 17 hits and 8 runs allowed, and an impressive strikeout rate of 7.99 K/9. His ability to maintain composure and deliver in high-stakes situations has made him a standout player and a valuable asset to any team.

After a stellar season at Palomar, Villani transferred to Long Beach State University, where he continued to excel on the mound. In the 2024 season at Long Beach State, Villani appeared in 22 games, recording an ERA of 3.24 over 25.0 innings pitched. He notched 10 saves and struck out 29 batters, showcasing his growth and continued dominance. With a batting average against of .185 and 17 hits allowed, Villani proved to be a formidable presence on the field.

The Palomar community celebrates this significant milestone in Villani's career and wishes him continued success as he embarks on this exciting journey with the Los Angeles Dodgers.