Where our pro guys are playing to begin 2017 baseball season

CEDAR RAPIDS — Here's a list of players with local, area or University of Iowa ties who are playing affiliated professional baseball this year and where they have been assigned to begin the season:

Joel Booker (University of Iowa) — The outfielder is a solid 4 for 8 in his first two games with low-A Kannapolis (White Sox) of the South Atlantic League.

Matt Dermody (University of Iowa) — Relief pitcher made his major league debut last season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Begins this season with Jays' Triple-A affiliate in Buffalo.

Blake Hickman (University of Iowa) — The pitcher is still recovering from Tommy John surgery in 2015 and has yet to throw a professional pitch. In extended spring training with Chicago White Sox.

Jon Keller (Cedar Rapids Xavier) — Right-handed pitcher has been assiged to Double-A Bowie in the Baltimore Orioles system.

Mitch Keller (Cedar Rapids Xavier) — Righty starting pitcher is considered one of top prospects in Pittsburgh Pirates farm system. Is with high-A Bradenton of Florida State League.

Derrick Loveless (Solon) — Outfielder is 3 for 9 with a pair of doubles early for Dunedin, high-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays

A.J. Puk (Cedar Rapids Washington) — First-round pick of Oakland Athletics last year is making the jump from Shortseason-A to high-A Stockton of California League.

Nick Roscetti (University of Iowa) — Shortstop is in extended spring training with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Scott Schebler (Cedar Rapids Prairie) — The only current major league, the outfielder went into Saturday 2 for 12 in four games with the Cincinnati Reds.

Jake Yacinich (University of Iowa) — The 24-year-old shortstop is with high-A Inland Empire of California League, a Los Angeles Angels affiliate.

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