Niskayuna native Garrett Whitley made his debut for the Hudson Valley Renegades on Thursday night, going 0-1 with a strikeout and a walk.

Whitley was promoted to the Rays New York-Penn League affiliate on Thursday after playing 30 games in the Gulf Coast League. He was drafted No. 13 overall in June's amateur draft.

He entered the game as a replacement last night and was inserted into the No. 6 spot in the order. He played center field.

Whitley hit just .188 in the GCL, but he had a .310 OBP, proving he has good plate discipline and a good eye. That was evident in his drawing a walk last night.

Are people surprised that Whitley was moved up after a low batting average in the GCL?

My sources say no. "Not surprised that he gets a chance at NYPL late. It's the last week or so of the season and he's from just north of there."

The Renegades could meet the ValleyCats in the playoffs of the New York-Penn League.

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