The Futures League

San Diego Padres

WEYMOUTH, Mass. (July 5, 2022) -- A former 32nd-round draft pick out of Quinnipiac University, Matthew Batten became the ninth-ever Futures League alum to rise to the Major League Baseball (MLB) ranks when he debuted for the San Diego Padres last week.

A 27-year-old veteran of five minor league seasons, Batten became the third former Futures Leaguer and second former Torrington Titan to make his MLB debut this season. He played for Torrington following his freshman year at Quinnipiac in 2014.

Batten joined the Padres last Thursday for the start of a four-game series against the Los Angeles Angels and made his first appearance as a pinch runner and defensive replacement at second base. He received his first MLB at-bat on Saturday and recorded his first hit against Seattle Mariners reliever Ryan Borucki on Monday.

Before getting the call to San Diego after fellow infielder Sergio Alcantara was designated for assignment, Batten was hitting .299 with 14 doubles, one triple, 10 home runs and 31 RBI in 59 games for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas this season. He is the Padres’ No. 27 prospect according to MLB Pipeline.

The Shelton, Conn., native led the Pacific Coast League team in runs scored (70), hits (125) and stolen bases (27) in 2021. He was originally drafted in 2017 and becomes just the second Quinnipiac alum to receive his call to The Show.

Batten earned 2014 Futures League All-Star honors for the Titans, hitting .282 with five doubles, one triple, one homer, 30 RBI, 23 runs scored and 16 stolen bases.

As for his college career, Batten graduated as Quinnipiac’s all-time leader in career hits (249) and stolen bases (65), while his 139 runs scored tied a Division 1 program best. He was a two-time All-MAAC selection.

Batten follows former Titans shortstop Jeremy Pena in making his MLB debut this season. Pena, who played for Torrington in 2014, broke spring camp with the Houston Astros, started in their April 7 season opener and has since emerged as the top rookie hitter in the American League.

Most recently, Matt Gage became the first former Pittsfield Sun to make the majors. The left-handed pitcher made his first relief appearance for the Toronto Blue Jays on June 6.

The first-ever league alum to be called up to MLB was another former Titan, Tyler Bashlor, who pitched for the New York Mets in 2018.

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