Jérémy Pilon was confident of getting along with the Rays the day after his draft by the Tampa Bay team. (Picture: Courtesy)
Jérémy Pilon had experienced the joy of being drafted last year. So much so that the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield baseball player expected deja-vu. Despite everything, his selection by the Tampa Bay Rays yesterday [mardi] remains an equally special day for him.
“It was zero like last year, launched the left-handed gunner. The process was different; I couldn’t throw as much because I’m injured. I also had less contact with recruiters. It was more stressful. But in the end, it’s still just as magical.
The Tampa Bay Rays eyed him last year. Eventually, the Blues Jays had set their sights on the baseball player who has in his arm a fast ball, a change of speed and a curve.
This year, besides Tampa Bay, four or five teams spied on him more insistently. During the off-season, Pilon worked hard in the gym and with the coaches of the Baseball Academy of Canada. It was in the 18th round, at the 543rd level that Pilon heard his name pronounced. The Campivallensien became the second Quebecer to hear his name in 2023.
“Playing professionally is a dream,” he continues. You can do your passion. Who becomes your job for which you are paid.
In rehabilitation
For two months, Jérémy Pilon has not thrown a ball. An injury he was dragging around required surgery on May 30. A pinched nerve in his elbow was causing him pain. “I have been in rehabilitation for two months, explains Pilon. My arm is moving well and I’m working the muscles around the elbow right now. I should be able to start casting again within a month.”
Wednesday morning, he was waiting for the call from the Rays. They have a certain amount of time to sign an agreement with the Salaberry-de-Valleyfield pitcher. Pilon seemed rather confident on the phone. Putting his signature on the bottom of the contract would mean several changes in his trajectory.
“If I sign, I’m starting my professional career and heading to the Rays complex in the Tampa Bay area,” he said. So I wouldn’t go to the University of Alabama where I committed myself in the fall.”
The Tampa Bay Rays rank first in the American League Baseball Eastern Conference. Over the years, there have been a few move rumors associated with the franchise. One of them even proposed sharing with the City of Montreal. Pilon did not comment on the franchise’s transfer possibilities, saying he would follow the team wherever it goes.
2023-07-12 21:56:33
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