Hernandez drafted by Phillies in 12th round; Bell to Rangers in 14th; Harris in 19th round to Braves

Tennessee may have lost two potential members of its pitching staff for the 2010 season during the second day of the Major League Draft.

Nick Hernandez, a junior lefthander, was selected in the 12th round Wednesday with the 377th overall pick by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Chad Bell, a UT signee and former South-Doyle High School standout, was chosen in the 14th round with the 424nd overall pick by the Texas Rangers. He played this past season for Walters State and would have two years of eligibility.

Tyrelle Harris, a senior righthander, was picked in the 19th round with the 568th overall selection by the Atlanta Braves.

Hernandez was 4-5 with 5.23 ERA this season. He started 13 games and pitched a team-high 84.1 innings. He allowed 110 hits, walked 21 and struck out 70.

As a freshman, Hernandez led the SEC and ranked fourth nationally with 0.97 walks allowed per nine innings (nine walks in 82 2/3 innings pitched).

Bell was 8-1 for the Senators with a 2.08 ERA. The lefthander started 12 games with five complete games and pitched 65 innings. He allowed 48 hits, walked 17 and struck out 78.

Bell, who was named Tennessee Junior Community College Athletic Association Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season, held opposing batters to a .198 batting average.

It's the third time Bell has been drafted. He was drafted out of high school in the 25th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Forgoing pro baseball, Bell had his choice of attending UT and Auburn, before finally landing at Memphis. Before the season started, Bell made the switch to Walters State to keep his pro prospects open. Bell was drafted again last year, this time in the 37th round by the Cleveland Indians.

Harris was 4-4 with a 6.18 ERA. He started seven games and made 12 relief appearances for 55.1 innings.

Outfielder Kentrail Davis and pitcher Bryan Morgado were drafted Tuesday.

Davis was selected by the Milwaukee Brewers with the 39th overall pick in the supplemental first round. Morgado was picked by the Chicago White Sox in the third round and was 102nd overall pick.

Three other UT signees were drafted. Right-handed pitcher Jon Reed (Tulsa, Okla., Tulsa Memorial High School) was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in the 21st round with the 629th overall pick. First baseman Cody Stubbs (Waynesville, N.C., Tuscola High School) was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 29th round with the 888th overall pick.

More details later online and in Thursday's News Sentinel.

© 2009, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
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