BY SAUL BERRIOS-THOMAS | STAFF WRITER
With the third pick in Round 28 of 2017 MLB First-Year Player Draft, the San Diego Padres took Noel Vela.
The Mission Veterans pitcher went 8-1 this season with an 0.94 ERA. In 52 innings he amassed 87 strikeouts. The 828th overall pick hit .462 this year with 45 RBIs.
The Patriots went 26-6 overall and 14-2 in District 31-5A this season. Vela helped Mission Vets reach the bi-district round, where the teamswept Donna High. In the area round, Veterans lost to Calallen in thee games.
If Vela were to sign with the Padres, he would begin his professional baseball career in the Arizona Rookie League.