This week in Catching Up With the Bucks, we are taking a look at former Buck Dan Jennings. Jennings played two seasons for the Bucks in 2006 and 2007 while attending the University of Nebraska. With the Bucks, he appeared in 125 innings in 33 games. He posted a 6-7 record, 2.58 ERA, 99 strikeouts, and 51 walks. He was drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 9th round (268th overall) of the 2008 Amateur Draft.

In the minors, he began as a starting pitcher with Short-Season Jamestown. In 13 starts, Jennings posted a 3.53 ERA, with a 9.5 K/9. The following year, Jennings was converted to a relief pitcher and shot through the farm system, moving from low Class A Greensboro to Double-A Jacksonville. In 2010, Jennings began with Jacksonville, posting a 2.56 ERA. In 2011, Jennings returned to Jacksonville, and threw 25 innings with a 3.16 ERA before being promoted to Triple-A New Orleans. Jennings struggled in 2011, allowing 24 earned runs in 30 innings pitched. In 2012, Jenning’s stint in Triple-A was far more successful as he posted a 2.08 ERA in 8.2 innings pitched before getting called up to the Miami Marlins.

In 2012, Jennings appeared in 22 games, posting a 1.89 ERA in 19.0 innings pitched, and only gave up five runs for the Marlins. However, he was called back down to New Orleans and that is where he began the 2013 season. Jennings was impressive this season as he posted a 3-2 record with a 1.80 ERA for New Orleans and was called back up to the majors when they placed Alex Sanabia on the disabled list. Jennings has appeared in eight games for the Marlins, posting a 1.23 ERA in 7.1 innings, allowing one run off five hits, and striking out seven batters. 

We will always remember Dan Jennings as a great Waterloo Buck and we wish him luck in what is sure to be a great major league career. Bucks fans, tune in every Wednesday to Catch Up With former Waterloo Buck players!