Non-Prospect No More

Padres promote Hayhurst to major leagues

August 22, 2008

The Padres have promoted righthander Dirk Hayhurst, selecting his contract from Triple-A Portland and adding him to the 40-man roster. Hayhurst has made just two starts this season for the Beavers but has had one of his best pro seasons, with 98 strikeouts in 84 innings overall. The righthander out of Kent State is 2-3, 3.75 this season for the Beavers, and was just named yesterday as the Beavers' community player of the year.

"There is nothing we do that is more important than community outreach, and nobody has embodied that ideal more this season than Dirk Hayhurst," Portland team president/general manager Merritt Paulson said in a statement. "Dirk has both a unique passion and talent for connecting with youth in an effort to positively impact their lives."

It's been a remarkable year for Hayhurst, 27, author of our very own Non-Prospect Diary. He's had his best season as a player, he's making his big league debut, he won the Beavers' award and he's had as much exposure as ever for his writing, with writeups all over the Internet touting his column.

Just one thing—we'll have to change the name. Congratulations, Dirk.