Cal Poly starting pitcher Spencer Howard was drafted 45th overall (2nd round) by the Phillies in the first day of the Major League Baseball draft on Monday night. Howard, who was the Mustangs’ Saturday starter this past season, was 8-1 with a 2.05 ERA in 2017. He struck out 97 batters and walked just 23 in 87 innings.

Spencer Howard became the highest Cal Poly draft pick since Mitch Haniger went 38th overall in 2012. By Owen Main

Howard is the third Mustang drafted by the Phillies in recent memory. Brett Barbier was drafted in the 16th round by the Phillies last year and Matt Imhof went 47th, also in the second round, to Philadelphia in 2014. 

Imhof was a member of the Cal Poly coaching staff this past season while he finished his degree. 

A redshirt sophomore and local (Templeton, CA) product, Howard is the highest draft pick from Cal Poly since Mitch Haniger went 38th overall in 2012.