Willey Selected by Angels in 32nd Round

Doug Willey Bio | 2016 MLB Draft Central

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Senior right-handed pitcher Doug Willey became the fifth Arkansas player drafted this year when he was selected in the 32nd round, No. 966 overall, by the Los Angeles Angels in the 2016 MLB First-Year Player Draft Saturday afternoon.

Willey follows Zach Jackson, Clark Eagan, Dominic Taccolini and Michael Bernal as the newest Razorback drafted to the MLB over the last two days and the third taken on day three alone.

From Shelburne, New Hampshire, Willey was a transfer from Franklin Pierce University out of the Division II ranks and only played one season in a Razorback uniform. Willey didn’t disappoint as he was one of the Hogs’ best out of the bullpen, compiling a 3.49 ERA in 26 appearances with 29 strikeouts and 3 saves.

His season ERA was the fourth-lowest on the team and he recorded one victory, a three inning, three strikeout performance against Missouri that helped the Razorbacks earn the series-opening win over the Tigers.

Willey had one of the best starts to the 2016 season out of any Razorback pitcher on staff as he opened the year without giving up an earned run in 13-straight appearances. Over the string of 15 2/3 innings, Willey struck out 16 batters and only walked nine as the streak ran from the season-opener against Central Michigan to the series-opener against Missouri on April 1.

The signing deadline for underclassmen and high school seniors selected in the 2016 First Year Player draft is July 15.

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