Former USPBL Pitcher Dugan Darnell Called Up to the Major Leagues by Colorado Rockies
August 1st, 2025
ROCHESTER, Mich. – August 1, 2025 – The United Shore Professional Baseball League (USPBL powered by UWM) is proud to announce that former Eastside Diamond Hoppers pitcher Dugan Darnell has been called up to the Colorado Rockies, making his Major League debut a reality. Darnell becomes the seventh USPBL alum to be promoted to a Major League roster, further solidifying the league’s mission to serve as a launching pad for professional baseball careers.
Darnell is a Northville, Michigan native who played college baseball at Adrian College. Darnell signed his first professional contract with the USPBL in 2019, where he showcased his electric arm and relentless work ethic. Originally a converted third baseman, he pitched for the USPBL’s Eastside Diamond Hoppers at Jimmy John’s Field in Utica, Michigan in 2019 and 2020, posting impressive numbers across 30 appearances. In 2020, Darnell logged 29 innings with 52 strikeouts and a 0.31 ERA, cementing himself as one of the league’s most dominant relievers. He was signed out of the USPBL by the Colorado Rockies in 2021.
“Dugan Darnell exemplifies everything you want in a player. From the moment he arrived in the USPBL, he embraced the opportunity in front of him—maximizing his time by improving his delivery, command, and metrics to position himself for the next level. Beyond performance, his tremendous character and the respect he earned from teammates made him a model of what’s possible in this league,” commented Justin Orenduff, Executive Director of Baseball Strategy & Development. “He has continued to refine his craft in the Rockies organization, while maintaining a strong connection with Shane McCatty, who served as the USPBL’s Pitching Coordinator during his time here. We couldn’t be more excited to see Dugan’s journey reach the big leagues.”
Since signing with the Colorado Rockies Organization, Darnell has steadily ascended through the minor league system, pitching at every level of the organization. Beginning with the Low-A Fresno Grizzlies in 2021, he earned multiple promotions, reaching Double-A Hartford and eventually Triple-A Albuquerque. Across four seasons in the minors, Darnell accumulated 332 strikeouts, 24 saves and a career MiLB 3.74 ERA, demonstrating the same perseverance and consistency that defined his time in the USPBL.
“I can’t begin to express how overjoyed I am to hear that Dugan is now a Major Leaguer! I think back to the first time I saw him—a new pitcher, recently converted from third base—and it fills me with pride to reflect on his journey to this moment. Dugan has always been one of the hardest workers I’ve ever been around, a true example of determination and persistence,” said USPBL Director of Baseball Operations, Shane McCatty. “I’ll always remember the countless hours we spent together in the bullpens at Jimmy John’s Field and during offseason sessions at DVS Baseball at 2SP Madison Heights, watching him grow with every step. Since his departure to the Rockies organization, Dugan has been the gold-standard example of what the USPBL strives to be—dedicated, resilient, and relentlessly chasing the dream. I’m incredibly thankful to the Colorado Rockies for giving him this opportunity of a lifetime, and I’m proud to have played a small part in his journey. Congratulations to Dugan and his family—best of luck, and God bless!”