By Byron Kerr on Thursday, June 05 2014
Category: Nationals

Nats select UNLV's Erick Fedde in first round of First-Year Player Draft (updated)

The Nationals selected UNLV right-hander pitcher Erick Fedde with the No. 18 selection in the First-Year Player Draft.

Fehde underwent Tommy John surgery Tuesday, according to media reports. The 6-foot-4, 180-lb., right-hander was highly regarded by his college coach. "Great competitor with tremendous work ethic," UNLV coach Tim Chambers said of Fedde. "He is the hardest worker I have ever coached in 27 years." Update: Fedde went 8-2 with a 1.76 ERA in 11 starts for the Rebels as a junior this season. He was named the 2014 Mountain West Pitcher of the Year and was on the All-Mountain West First Team. The 21-year-old entered the 2014 campaign rated the No. 12 pitching prospect and the No. 17 overall prospect in college baseball, according to Baseball America. "He was a strong top-10 candidate before he got hurt," said Baseball America national writer Aaron Fitt. "Loose and athletic, really commands the fastball to both sides with sinking life and solid velocity, feel for a quality breaking ball and changeup, but neither one is a wipeout pitch. Great makeup, and I think he'll get the most out of his ability. Tommy John is low-risk, obviously. I think it's another great pick by the Nats." Fedde graduated from Las Vegas High School, where he was a teammate of Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper. He was all-state in soccer and guided LVHS to a soccer state championship in 2009. The Padres selected him in the 24th round of the 2011 First-Year Player Draft. Here's what Harper had to say about the Nats' pick:

Yes @ErickFedde and I were teammates in high school! Give him a follow DC! So happy and proud of him! #LVpride

— Bryce Harper (@Bharper3407) June 6, 2014
Fedde also tweeted after the Nats' selection:

Truly blessed to be picked by such an amazing organization! Can't wait to be back on the field to show they made a great decision #Nationals

— Fedde (@ErickFedde) June 6, 2014
Here's video of Fedde throwing, via Baseball Prospectus: With the 57th pick, the Nats selected Andrew Suarez, a left-handed pitcher from Miami, Florida. Check back tomorrow for more coverage of the Nationals' selections in the First-Year Player Draft.
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