DENVER, Colo. – The Colorado Rockies announced today (August 25) that former Tom Sox lefty Evan Justice has been called up to the Major League club. Justice is the second former Tom Sox player to make it to the major leagues following Vinnie Pasquantino last season.
Justice starred as a starter and reliever for the Tom Sox in 2018 as the team finished as the Valley Baseball League Runners-Up. He finished his summer with a 4.62 ERA in 25.1 innings, making ten appearances and four starts. He finished fourth on the squad with forty strikeouts and held opponents to a .200 batting average. His 35 regular season strikeouts ranked top-20 in the VBL.
His strikeout pitch starred throughout the summer, striking out five or more batters on four occasions while limiting opponents to one or fewer earned runs in eight of his ten appearances. He maintained a 2.42 ERA during the 2018 regular season, locking down multiple relief situations while also making three starts.
Justice starred for four seasons at NC State, where he was named a Third Team All-American by D1Baseball and Perfect Game and a Third Team All-ACC Selection as a senior in 2021. He served decision after decision during that year, ranking fourth in the nation with 13 saves and serving as one of the key arms on a Wolfpack team who advanced to the College World Series. He ranked among the best pitchers in the ACC with 74 strikeouts and a .188 opponent batting average.
Following the 2021 season, Justice was selected with the 140th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft by the Rockies. He spent minimal time in the minors up until this season, appearing in three rookie ball games in 2021 before an injury kept him from competing the entirety of the 2022 season. He made his return in May of 2023 and competed for three teams prior to his callup, working his way through High-A and Double-A before making it to the Triple-A Albuquerque Isotopes. He owns a 3.49 ERA in 38 professional games this season, striking out 63 batters and allowing opponents to hit a miniscule .131 against him.
Justice’s callup is corresponding with fellow lefty Justin Bruihl being designated for assignment by the Rockies.
Justice is the second former Tom Sox player to make it to Major League Baseball following Vinnie Pasquantino’s callup in June of 2022. He is the first member of the 2018 team to be called up and the first of seven 2021 draft picks. The Tom Sox organization congratulates Justice on his success and hopes for nothing but success in the future!
