Koplove Selected by Hometown Philadelphia Phillies

DURHAM, N.C. – Duke junior shortstop and right-handed pitcher Kenny Koplove was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 17th round (No. 504 overall) of the 2015 Major League Baseball First Year Player Draft Wednesday.

Koplove, a Philadelphia native, is the third Blue Devil picked in the 2015 MLB Draft, joining teammates Michael Matuella (3rd Round | No. 78 Overall | Texas Rangers) and Sarkis Ohanian (9th Round | No. 265 Overall | Cincinnati Reds). In addition, Koplove is the 29th Duke player drafted over the past 15 years and the fifth under third-year head coach Chris Pollard.

“Kenny Koplove has been one of the most fun players to coach in my 16 years as a head coach,” said Pollard. “He has one of the all-time great motors and loves to be at the field every day. To accomplish what he has as both a pitcher and a high level shortstop just shows his competitiveness and work ethic.”

Koplove had a tremendous junior campaign for the Blue Devils, serving as both the team's primary closer and starting shortstop. He was named to the John Olerud Two-Way Player of the Year watch list after starting 43 games at shortstop and making 21 relief appearances on the mound.

Koplove set the program single-season record with 11 saves in 2015. He posted a 2.13 ERA, allowing just six earned runs over 25.1 innings. He struck out 37 batters and averaged 13.1 strikeouts per nine innings. In addition, Koplove ranked fourth on the team with a .275 batting average, adding seven doubles while scoring 16 runs.

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