Six Former Razorbacks on MLB Opening Day Rosters

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Six former Arkansas standouts are set to begin the 2021 Major League Baseball season today.

Former Razorbacks appearing on MLB Opening Day active rosters as the 162-game campaign gets underway on Thursday include infielder Brian Anderson (Miami Marlins), outfielder Andrew Benintendi (Kansas City Royals), pitcher Dallas Keuchel (Chicago White Sox), catcher James McCann (New York Mets), pitcher Drew Smyly (Atlanta Braves) and pitcher Ryne Stanek (Houston Astros).

Pitcher Jalen Beeks begins the season on the Tampa Bay Rays’ 60-day injured list. The former Hog is part of the team’s 40-man roster after as he rehabs from Tommy John surgery in the offseason.

Benintendi, McCann, Smyly and Stanek are each beginning their first season with their respective new ballclubs. Benintendi was included in a three-team trade this offseason, sending him to Kansas City from Boston.

McCann signed a four-year, $40.6 million contract with the Mets this winter after two seasons with the White Sox. Smyly and Stanek, meanwhile both inked one-year contracts with their new teams in the offseason.

Arkansas has produced 59 Major Leaguers in its storied program history. The Razorbacks have also had at least one player selected in each of the past 45 MLB drafts dating back to 1975.

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