For the fourth time in IU history, two Hoosier baseball players have been selected in the first 10 rounds of the MLB Draft in the same year.
Junior 2B Micah Johnson was selected at pick 291 in the ninth round by the Chicago White Sox Tuesday afternoon, while senior RHP Chad Martin was selected only 23 picks later, in the 10th round at pick 314 by the crosstown rival Cubs.
Johnson, a preseason All-American according to Baseball America, only played 24 games this season after having elbow surgery on March 9, earning a batting average of .225 with one home run and 10 RBIs. Johnson however played his best during his freshman and sophomore years, compiling a combined .322 batting average in 99 games played with 25 stolen bases, 14 home runs and 76 RBIs.
Meanwhile, Martin, who transferred to IU in time for his junior season in 2011, earned a 4.79 ERA in 67.2 innings pitched for the Hoosiers this year, striking out 47 batters. Martin started nine games in 19 appearances on the season, holding a 2-3 record as a pitcher.
Thus far, none of the 2012 commits to IU have been drafted. Rounds 11-15 will occur later Tuesday afternoon, while rounds 16-40 will occur starting Wednesday at noon.
