Banks Makes MLB Debut with Chicago White Sox

CHICAGO and DETROIT – University of Utah baseball alumnus and left-handed pitcher Tanner Banks (2013-14) made his Major League debut on Sunday with the Chicago White Sox. In recorded history, Banks becomes the 19th alum of the U. to reach MLB.
 
Banks entered Sunday's game in the eighth inning of the team's win at Detroit, walking his first batter before recording three straight strikeouts. In the ninth inning he had another K on the way to finishing the contest.
 
The Riverton, Utah, native and 30-year old Banks was named to Chicago's Opening Day roster on April 7, a remarkable milestone and testament to Banks' hard work since being drafted by the White Sox in 2014. During Spring Training, he made five appearances (one start), tallying 7.2 innings pitched, finishing 1-0 with a 4.70 ERA.
 
He made 29 appearances as a member of the Utah baseball program in 2013 and '14, after transferring to the U. from Salt Lake Community College. He made 11 starts during the 2013 campaign, then had another eight during the 2014 campaign plus 10 relief appearances. All told, Banks pitched 113 innings as a Ute, finishing with four wins and a 5.18 ERA.
 
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