Former Porter standout and right-handed pitcher Zane Russell was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks with the No. 295th pick in the 10th round on Day 2 of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday afternoon.
Russell, 23, was the only player with Montgomery County ties selected in the draft over the first two days. He is the son of Porter head football coach Billy Russell.
Russell pitched four seasons at Dallas Baptist. Overall, he went 7-1 with a 2.03 ERA in 56 appearances. He had 110 strikeouts to 49 walks in 79 2/3 innings. He helped DBU to the Super Regionals in 2021.
Russell projects as a reliever with two strong pitches in the pros. His fastball hits around 91-95 miles per hour. Russell also has a nice slider.
The slot money designated for that pick is $160.80K.
Russell was a four-year letterman at Porter and a Class 5A all-state selection in 2019 as a pitcher. He is the third member of his family to be selected in the MLB Draft. His uncle, Damon Thames, was a ninth-round selection by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1999. His cousin, Charlie Thames, was a fourth-round pick by the Anaheim Angels in 2000.
The MLB draft concludes Tuesday with the final 10 rounds.
