Fenter in spring training with Yankees
Former West Memphis hurler looks to join New York club
By Ralph Hardin
ralphhardin@gmail.com
West Memphis native and former Blue Devils pitching standout Gray Fenter has joined the New York Yankees for spring-training as a non-roster invitee.
The Yankees signed the 27year-old right-hander to a minor league contract on Feb. 1 after he was released by the San Francisco Giants in January.
The Baltimore Orioles drafted Fenter in the 7th round of the 2015 MLB draft, but he required Tommy John surgery after just nine professional games and missed the entire 2016 season. Fenter pitched in Baltimore’s system through the 2021 season, though the Cubs used a Rule 5 draft pick on him in 2020 before returning him to the Orioles.
Fenter did not pitch in 2020 when the minor league season was cancelled due to COVID-19.
The 2022 season saw Fenter struggle with the Giants’ Double-A affiliate before joining the Lancaster Barnstormers.
Fenter pitched well over nine games with the independent Atlantic League club, recording a 2.95 ERA over nine games. He struck out 32 batters over 21.1 innings while only walking six. Fenter’s lone appearance was on March 3. He pitched 1/3 of an inning and recorded one out.
