Eight former Wausau Woodchucks players have been selected to their team’s MLB Spring Breakout Rosters. Bryan Lavastida, CJ Kayfus, Zach DeLoach, Kevin Kilpatrick Jr., Gino Groover, Cade Denton, and Zach Levenson are names that Wausau fans cheered for, and now they’ll be showcasing their talents in MLB Spring Breakout Games for their respective teams.
Cleveland Guardians:
Bryan Lavastida (’18)
In 2018 with the Woodchucks, Lavastida played in eight games and hit .300 with three doubles, three runs scored and five stolen bases. He drove in one and walked five times in 35 plate appearances.
CJ Kayfus (’21)
Kayfus was with the Chucks in 2021, and in 26 games he batted .232 with 19 hits, four doubles and 13 RBIs.
Chicago White Sox:
Zach DeLoach (’18)
Zach DeLoach had a .323 batting average with 17 doubles, one triple, five home runs, 38 RBIs, and ten stolen bases through the 2018 season. He also had a .495 slugging percentage and a .409 on base percentage.
Jacob Burke (’21)
Burke batted .203 with 24 hits, 4 home runs and 16 RBI during his 2021 season with the Wausau Woodchucks.
Atlanta Braves:
Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. (’21 & ’22)
During his two years with the Woodchucks, Kilpatrick recorded 90 hits, 50 runs, and 58 RBI’s. He also led the team in several statistical categories including batting average and games played.
Arizona Diamondbacks:
Gino Groover (’21)
Groover played in 29 games with the Chucks back in the 2021 summer, hitting .265 with 26 hits, five doubles and 15 RBIs.
Colorado Rockies:
Cade Denton (’21 & ’22)
In two summers with the ‘Chucks Denton pitched a total of 49.2 innings which was highlighted by 3 saves in 2022 and an ERA of 3.43.
St. Louis Cardinals:
Zach Levenson (’22)
Levenson was a key player on the 2022 Woodchucks, helping the team get to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. In 30 games, he had a .306 batting average with 33 hits, five doubles, one triple, four home runs and 23 RBIs.
As they step onto the diamond, they do so not only as representatives of their teams but also as proud alumni of the Wausau Woodchucks, proving that dreams do come true with hard work and determination.
