Pippins Add UCLA-Bound Trio to Roster

Son of former Major League infielder heading to Yakima

YAKIMA, Wash. — Three freshmen headed to UCLA next fall, including a right-handed pitcher, a utility infielder/outfielder and a son of a former Major Leaguer, are the latest additions to the Yakima Valley Pippins’ 2021 roster.

“I’m very excited to continue the partnership the Pippins have built with UCLA and Coach (John) Savage,” Pippins manager Kyle Krustangel said. “I think fans will enjoy seeing these three as they are some of the best amateur talent in the country, and they’ll play major roles next summer.”

UCLA’s 2021 recruiting class has been ranked No. 4 nationally by Baseball America.

The three players are:

Josh Alger is a 6-foot-3, 185-pound right-hander from Roseville (Calif.) High School, a three-sport athlete and a two-time Preseason Underclass All-American in baseball.

Alex Fernandes is a 5-foot-10, 150-pound utility player from San Marcos (Calif.). The left-handed hitter is primarily a shortshop, but also plays outfield and pitches.

Bryce Martin-Grudzielanek is a 6-foot-2, 170-pound right-handed hitting shortstop from Torry Pines High School in San Diego who is ranked one of the top middle infielders in California. He is the son of Mark Grudzielanek, a middle infielder who played for six teams during a 15-year Major League career that spanned 1995 through 2010.

The trio represents half of the Pippins’ six incoming college freshmen that each West Coast League team is limited to roster each year.

“I’m pleased to bring three Bruins to Yakima next summer,” Krustangel said. “Coach Savage speaks highly on each of them, and they should be among the top high-end talent in the West Coast League.”

The Pippins are scheduled to open their seventh WCL season at Yakima County Stadium on June 4. Season tickets, mini season ticket plans and ticket vouchers are already on sale at PippinsTickets.com. Single-game tickets for all 32 Pippins home games will go on sale in early 2021.

By Yakima Valley Pippins

December 10, 2020