By Scott Barancik, Editor

This year’s MLB draft is limited to just five rounds versus the normal 40, thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic and related financial concerns.

But that didn’t prevent a Jewish player from cracking Round 1.

Yesterday, the Atlanta Braves chose lefty Jared Shuster with the 25th overall pick. A native of New Bedford, MA, Shuster made big strides in his junior year with Wake Forest, going 2-1 with a 2.76 ERA, 43 strikeouts, and only 4 walks across 26.1 innings before the season was cut short.

Sports Illustrated says the 6-foot-3-inch Shuster “made improvements last summer in the Cape Cod League, improving his control and command. His fastball was in the 92-94 mph range and hit 97 mph. His best pitch is his changeup,” although his curveball reported needs work.

Together with our friends at Jewish Sports Review, Jewish Baseball News will identify other Jewish draftees, if any. Be sure to follow our social-media accounts for updates.

And for those who have asked: Max Meyer, the draft’s 3rd overall pick, is not Jewish.

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