Former Ontario Blue Jay Brendan Lawson (Toronto, Ont.).

June 6, 2024

By Bob Elliott

Canadian Baseball Network

Seven Canadians were on the rosters as season kicked off in the six-team MLB Draft League.

The only team without a Canuck was the Frederick Keys.

A quick rundown of the seven Canadians looking to improve heading into the July draft.

Trenton Thunder

INF Brendan Lawson (Toronto, Ont.) P27.

The former Ontario Blue Jay and Junior National Team member was 1-for-3 and showed a keen eye at the plate drawing two walks, including one with the bases loaded. The Thunder opened with an 8-7 win over the State College Spikes in front of a crowd of more than 6,000. Lawson drew a bases-loaded walk in the first to put the Thunder up 5-0.

Mississauga North Tigers RHP Josiah Romeo (Caledon, Ont.)

RHP Josiah Romeo (Caledon, Ont.) Mississauga North Tigers.

The Junior National Team grad pitched 2 1/3 innings on opening night allowing one run on three hits. He fanned three.

Former Vauxhall Jet RHP Tyler Boudreau (Bedford, NS).

State College Spikes

RHP Tyler Boudreau (Bedford, N.S.) Midland Chaparrals.

The former Vauxhall Jet, Boudreau was 11-2 in 16 starts with a 4.45 ERA for the Midland Chaparrals. He walked 38 and struck out 128 in only 85 innings. He pitched seven complete games.

Former Toronto Mets OF Brody Black (Stouffville, Ont.)

West Virginia Black Bears

OF Brody Black (Stouffville, Ont.) Coppin State University Eagles.

A Toronto Mets grad, Black hit .134 with a double, a home run and 10 RBIs for the Coppin State University Eagles. He had a .548 OPS in 36 games, making 30 starts. His brother Tyler Black made his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers with his pop Hot Rod Black calling the second hit on Milwaukee TV.

Ex-Victoria Eagle RHP Oliver Mabee (Oak Bay, BC)

Mahoning Valley Scrappers

RHP Oliver Mabee (Oak Bay, BC) Trinidad State Trojans.

Former Victoria Eagle Mabee was 2-2 in eight games with a 5.54 ERA walking 11 and striking out 33 on the mound for the Trinidad State Trojans. The two-way man also played outfield and batted .306 with eight doubles, two triples, six homers and 32 RBIs. He had a 1.025 OPS in 37 games.

Williamsport Crosscutters

INF Riley Nelson (Toronto, Ont.) Yavapai Roughriders.

Born in Toronto, he attended high school in Trophy Club, Tex., Nelson hit .412 with 21 doubles, two triples, 13 homers and 55 RBIs for the Yavapai Roughriders. In 54 games he had a 1.283 OPS.

Former Mississauga Tigers INF Blake Simpson (Toronto, Ont.).

INF Blake Simpson (Toronto, Ont.) Connors State Cowboys.

The former Mississauga North Tiger batted .419 with 18 doubles, six homers and 62 RBIs for the Connors State Cowboys. In 56 games he had a 1.105 OPS.

Elliott: Seven Canucks on Draft League rosters led by Lawson, Romeo, Boudreau