Mineo makes debut with Scrappers

Jun. 7—NILES, Ohio — Thursday was the first day of the season for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. The players were announced and took the field for introductions.

Then "Chad Mingo" was announced.

"I was kind of confused," Ricky Mineo said with a smile. "We do have a Chad Coles, so they just got switch like that. But they got my name right when they announced when I went out to pitch."

Mineo had to wait until Friday to make his MLB Draft League debut. It was short, but exactly what the fans wanted.

The Slippery Rock High School alumni and current Slippery Rock University pitcher took the mound in the top of the ninth inning against the West Virginia Black Bears. He retired the side in order to clinch a 3-2 win for the Scrappers and record his first save.

Mineo was a starter with The Rock, but he made a couple relief appearances during their postseason run this year. He only has one save in his college career — he went 2 1/3 innings in a 9-4 victory over Dominican in 2020.

"I just keep the same mentality that I do as a starter," Mineo said. "Closing, you can give it a little more oomph when you're pitching because you don't have to worry about maintaining throughout the whole game."

His time in the bullpen at Eastwood Field could come to an end if he makes a good impression.

The MLB Draft League is designed to get curtain college players more exposure for scouts. With the college baseball postseason continuing, the Scrappers signed temporary players to 10-game agreements until the rosters can be completely formed.

Once the permanent players arrive, the Scrappers coaching staff will put together the pitching rotation and bullpen. Until then, the pitchers are used as both relievers and starters.

"I'm comfortable pitching wherever, honestly," Mineo said.

After recording his first save, Mineo changed out of his uniform and ran back out onto the field. He talked to his parents and enjoyed the first fireworks night of the season.

Despite living less than an hour away, the 6-foot, 5-inch right-handed pitcher is staying with a host family. It's easier than volleying back and forth across the state line.

"It's nice. I had two of my best friends come out and watch me, and my family," Mineo said. "It's pretty cool. I'm glad I got picked to be on the Scrappers than a team a little farther away just for the fact that I'm familiar with the area and I'll be able to have some of my friends and family come watch me play."

Just two months ago, Mineo was in the midst of his junior season, his best season with The Rock. He appeared in 12 games, making 10 starts. He finished with a 6-4 record with three complete games, a .185 opponents' batting average and a 2.84 ERA. He struck out 85 and walked 28 in 66 2/3 innings pitched.

Due to COVID-19 canceling the 2020 season, he still has one year of eligibility remaining. Mineo will put his best foot forward with the Scrappers, and if it doesn't work out, he can return to The Rock.

The coaches discussed bringing Mineo into the Draft League last season as a temporary player. He decided not to play ball in the summer. That also allowed him to watch the league.

Last season, 39 players were selected in the MLB Draft from the Draft League. That success played a part in Mineo's decision to jump into the league. It's also provided an opportunity for the Slippery Rock native to experience players from other parts of the country.

"(Roberto) Pena, our second baseman, is from Florida, I believe," Mineo said. "And Buck (Anderson), our center fielder's from (California). They're just two totally different players, how they carry themselves. They're both great guys, but you can see the different styles of baseball meshing together. I love it. It's pretty awesome."

With those different approaches to the game, different challenges emerge. That will allow for Mineo an opportunity to showcase himself for the scouts keeping track of the league.

"Me being from a Division II school, I want to prove that I can play with the best of them, that I can compete at any level that I'm given," Mineo said.

The first step is making sure they get his name correct, and they have. "Ricky Mineo" is now listed on the Scrappers' roster instead of "Chad."