Baseball

Auburn Pitcher Ryan Hetzler Drafted by Hometown Angels

Illustration: SideLine

Auburn University's closing pitcher, Ryan Hetzler, was selected by the Los Angeles Angels in the seventh round of the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft. This marks a significant moment for the local product returning to his hometown team.

The Los Angeles Angels have added to their potential future pitching staff by selecting Auburn University's closer, Ryan Hetzler, in the seventh round of the 2026 MLB Draft. Hetzler, a right-handed pitcher, was a key contributor for the Tigers during his collegiate career.

His selection by the Angels is particularly noteworthy given that he hails from the Los Angeles area, making this a homecoming of sorts for the young hurler. Hetzler's ability to close out games for Auburn caught the attention of scouts, leading to his placement in the mid-rounds of this year's draft.

💬 SideLine Take

A seventh-round pick is rarely a guaranteed star, but for a hometown kid like Hetzler to be drafted by the Angels offers a compelling narrative for the franchise and a clear motivational boost for the player.

AI-assisted rewrite. This story was written by the SideLine Desk from the reporting below and reviewed by our editors — read the original for the full story. How we work.

Source: Yahoo Sports

#MLB Draft #Auburn Baseball #Los Angeles Angels #Ryan Hetzler

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Auburn Pitcher Ryan Hetzler Drafted by Hometown Angels

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