Ryan Atkinson is a long shot among long shots but his odds of fulfilling his dream to pitch in the Major Leagues became shorter.
Atkinson, who was not drafted out of high school or college, turned 26 on Friday and was promoted by the Arizona Diamondbacks from Double A Jackson to Triple A Reno on Sunday.
The 2011 Colerain Grad pitched four years at UC and worked as a nutritionist and personal trainer for a year when the itch to pitch prompted Atkinson to make some phone calls. He secured a tryout with the Evansville Otters of the Frontier League after not picking up a ball in over a year. Atkinson not only impressed the Otters but caught the eye of the Arizona Diamondbacks after on appearance. They signed him on June 2, 2016.
He has pitched his way through Missoula Mt, Visalia Ca, Kane County Il, Jackson Tn and now Reno, Nevada as the newest member of the Aces. He was invited to pitch in the prestigious Arizona Fall League in 2018 and invited to spring training. After a successful move to the bullpen that season, he was invited to spring training this year.
Arizona's bullpen is struggling they are 12th in the National League in ERA. Atkinson could help. He allowed one earned run in 11 2/3 innings to start the season. He had seven scoreless outings for Jackson. His last five appearances, Atkinson was touched for seven earned runs in 6 2/3 innings but he only walked five at Jackson while striking out 24. He has appeared once at Reno, pitching two innings on Monday. He allowed two three hits and two runs with four walks and two strikeouts.
Atkinson is learning some pitches in his arsenal and now is close enough that his trip to the Major League bullpen in Arizona will come soon.
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