Former Ohio State, Dublin Scioto pitcher Andrew Magno patiently awaits first MLB call-up
Andrew Magno's MLB dream is one step away.
A 15th-round selection by Detroit in the 2019 draft, the 2016 Dublin Scioto graduate and former Ohio State pitcher was assigned to the Tigers’ Triple-A affiliate in Toledo on April 6.
The 24-year-old left-hander is back in Columbus this week for a six-game series between the Mud Hens and Clippers at Huntington Park. While he did not appear in the first two games Tuesday and Wednesday, Magno has yet to allow a run this season, throwing 3 2/3 innings over three relief outings with four strikeouts and three walks.
Although excited about the possibility of being called up by Detroit, he's staying on an even keel.
“It seems possible,” Magno said. “A lot of (my teammates) have played in the major leagues, so being able to hear from them experience-wise and what it takes, but also being able to prove it to myself at this level and get outs when I need to and still perform, it feels more possible every day.”
He got a small taste of what it could be like when facing Cincinnati first baseman Joey Votto last Friday. Votto, who was on a rehab stint with Louisville, doubled in his lone plate appearance against Magno.
“In the lower levels, you can get away with just beating hitters on the stuff that you have, but the closer you get to the big leagues, it’s being able to have a plan and how to attack guys,” Magno said. “I’m happy with the way things are going. ... I have to be able to locate and make guys beat me.”
He credits his strong start to continued hard work and an increase in velocity. He has hit 97 mph this spring after averaging 93-94 mph last season.
“I had some experience with him at our major league camp (in spring training and) he’s completely different now,” Toledo pitching coach Doug Bochtler said. “He touched 97 (mph) a couple of days ago, so his stuff is better than it’s ever been. I know he’s excited to be back home to pitch here.”
Magno’s father, Manny, was in attendance Tuesday night.
“I’m thankful and very happy for Andrew that’s he’s up here and you never look a gift horse in the mouth,” Manny said. “It’s a cut-throat business and it’s all results based. You get the job done and you have a chance to move up or you have a chance to stick around. If you don’t get the job done, you’re going to be finding yourself somewhere else.”
Magno spent most of last season with High-A West Michigan, but made four appearances with Double-A Erie and one with Toledo. He finished 2-2 and had a 2.65 ERA with 66 strikeouts and 33 walks in 54 1/3 innings.
“I was originally supposed to be back in High-A this year, so I’m going to be here as long as they need me,” Magno said. “It’s more so focusing on being where your feet are at the moment. We had some injuries, so they sent me up here before the High-A season even started. I’m just enjoying it right now.”
Magno also has received a pay increase with the promotion, as the salary in Triple-A has jumped from $17,500 last season to $35,800. The High-A salary has jumped from $11,000 last season to $27,300.
After being drafted and leaving college early to report to the Tigers’ facility in Lakeland, Florida, Magno completed his college requirements the following year to earn a bachelor’s degree in sport industry.
He closed his collegiate career in 2019 by helping Ohio State win its 10th conference tournament championship. He was named the Big Ten tournament's Most Outstanding Player, recording saves in each of the Buckeyes’ four wins.
Magno, a preferred walk-on in his three seasons with the Buckeyes, saw limited playing time in his first two years then broke out as a junior, going 5-3 with 14 saves and a 2.09 ERA with 75 strikeouts and 36 walks in 64 2/3 innings.
For his career, he appeared in 51 games and had 88 strikeouts in 73 2/3 innings.
As a senior at Scioto, Magno went 3-2 with a 1.80 ERA, 67 strikeouts and 35 walks in 46 2/3 innings and batted .366 with 11 RBI. He was named first-team all-OCC-Cardinal and second-team all-district in Division I.
“It was nice to see him make that jump from High-A to Triple-A,” former Scioto coach Ken Carpenter said. “He’s moving pretty quickly. He must be doing some things right. The best thing he had going for him was he was left-handed, he had good velocity and he did really well with his breaking ball. That’s what’s helping him out at the level he’s at now.”
Magno was the first player from Scioto to be selected in the MLB draft since 2009 graduate Eric Stamets, who was picked by the Angels in the sixth round in 2012. Stamets, who played 15 games with Cleveland in 2019, is now the development coach for the Asheville Tourists, the High-A affiliate of Houston.
Magno’s brother, Matt, is a junior catcher and first baseman for Northwood University. He is a 2018 graduate of Scioto.
“There’s going to be quite a few people coming to watch, which will be fun,” Andrew said. “It’s kind of crazy that I’m playing on this field and playing in Columbus. It’s kind of nuts. I’ve never played (at Huntington Park). I’ve been here to watch games a ton of times.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Former Ohio State pitcher Andrew Magno is one step from MLB debut
