Former SXU Baseball Standout Involved in MLB Trade

Former SXU standout Luke Gregerson is headed to the San Diego Padres

Jupiter, Fla. – Former Saint Xavier University standout relief pitcher/outfielder Luke Gregerson (Lyons, Ill./Morton) was “the player to be named” that completed a Major League Baseball (MLB) trade Monday between the St. Louis Cardinals and the San Diego Padres that originated in December 2008 and sent shortstop Khalil Greene from San Diego to St. Louis.

Gregerson joins rightie Mark Worrell, who was announced as part of the deal when it first took place on December 4, 2008. The Cardinals selected the former Cougar closer in the 28th of the 2006 MLB First-Year Player Draft.

Gregerson, 24, spent the 2008 season at Double-A Springfield. He made 57 appearances, all in relief, posting a 3.35 ERA in 75 1/3 innings. He struck out 78 against 26 walks and allowed six home runs, collecting 10 saves for the S-Cards. Gregerson has gone 16-12 overall with 48 saves, a 2.72 ERA (52 ER/172.1 IP) and 196 strikeouts in 138 relief appearances over parts of three minor league seasons in the Cardinals organization (2006-08). He joined the Padres in Big League camp Tuesday.

On the mound for SXU, Gregerson had a stellar senior season as the team’s closer in 2006 compiling nine saves and a 3-1 win-loss record with an impressive 0.68 earned-run average (ERA). In addition, as the team’s starting right fielder over 58 games, he earned both CCAC and Region VII Player of the Year honors. Gregerson hit .330 (72-for-218) and recorded a team-leading 49 runs-batted-in (RBI) and 12 stolen bases. He also posted 15 doubles, five home runs, and 46 runs scored.