Former footballer now an MLBer

Former UCLA walk-on receiver and ex-Bruins right-hander Josh Roenicke was promoted to the Cincinnati Reds. Here is the release from UCLA:

FORMER UCLA RIGHT-HANDER JOSH ROENICKE PROMOTED TO CINCINNATI
Roenicke starred at UCLA from 2003-06 on mound, in outfield

CINCINNATI – Former UCLA right-hander Josh Roenicke has been recalled from triple-A Louisville to fill an open roster spot with the Cincinnati Reds. Roenicke, who pitched in five games in his first big-league stint in September 2008, replaces reliever Mike Lincoln, who has been placed on Cincinnati’s 15-day disabled list.

Roenicke has gone 1-0 with 11 saves at triple-A Louisville this season. He has recorded 26 strikeouts and three walks in 24.0 innings, making 23 relief appearances. Roenicke allowed three runs and six hits in 3.0 innings with the major-league club last September. He made his major league debut Sept .13, 2008 at Arizona.

Roenicke, 26, starred at UCLA from 2003-06, primarily playing in the outfield before serving as the team’s closer as a senior in 2006. A 10th-round draft selection by Cincinnati in 2006, Roenicke logged 14 strikeouts in 15.1 innings in two seasons (2004, 2006) for the Bruins. The right-hander from Nevada City, Calif., made 16 of his 19 career appearances as a senior, totaling a 2-3 record and 3.46 ERA in 13.0 innings that spring.

At the plate, Roenicke finished his four-year career with a .262 batting average, recording 14 doubles, 37 runs and 45 RBI in 123 games (81 starts). Roenicke also spent the 2002 and 2003 seasons as a wide receiver on the UCLA football team but did not accrue any receptions.

Cincinnati hosts the second contest of a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves at Great American Ballpark on Wednesday. Game time is 4:10 p.m. (PT).