ASU players in the minor leagues
Four former Appalachian State baseball players will begin the season on rosters of minor-league teams.
Relief pitcher Zach Quate is with the Montgomery Biscuits, the Class AA Southern League affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Right fielder David Rubinstein is playing for the Bradenton Marauders, a Pittsburgh Pirates affiliate, in the Class A Advanced Florida State League.
Reliever Josh Dowdy is with the Frederick Keys, the Class A Advanced Carolina League affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles.
Outfielder Rand Smith will begin the season with the Greensboro Grasshoppers, a Florida Marlins’ affiliate in the Class A South Atlantic League. He is on the seven-day disabled list after injuring a hand in spring training.
Rubinstein opened the season Thursday night going 2 for 4 against the Charlotte Stone Crabs. Quate and the Biscuits have an opening weekend series with Birmingham. Greensboro and Frederick begin their seasons tonight.
Rubinstein is in his fourth professional season. Dowdy, Quate and Smith are beginning their third seasons.