Rutgers baseball adds Old Dominion transfer Joey DeChiaro

Rutgers baseball announced the addition of Old Dominion transfer Joey DeChiaro on Friday. The lefthanded pitcher from Flemington, New Jersey will use his final year of eligibility as a Scarlet Knight.

DeChiaro was a four year reliever for the Monarchs and made a career high 20 appearances this past season. In 22.1 innings, the 6’2″ hurler was 1-0 with 2 saves and had a 4.43 ERA. He struck out 22 batters, allowed 22 hits and walked 10 batters. Opponents hit .262 against DeChiaro. Over his last four appearances of the season, he allowed just two hits without a run in five innings pitched.

In DeChiaro’s four year career at ODU, he pitched 65.0 innings in 50 appearances. He allowed 70 hits, struck out 56 batters and had 43 walks. He ERA was 6.37 and finished with a 1-0 record along with 2 saves.

Prior to college, DeChiaro starred at Hunterdon Central where he broke the school record for wins. He helped lead the school to two state titles and was a First Team All-State selection in 2018.

“I wanted to come back home and play for the best team in the state of New Jersey,” DeChiaro explained. “There’s unfinished business.”

Rutgers head coach Steve Owens has once again been active in the transfer portal this offseason. DeChiaro joins Hamilton College transfer Jack Eshleman, who was announced earlier this week. Seven pitchers from last season are currently in the transfer portal. The most notable are relievers Sam Bello, Garrett French, and Grant Besser, who combined to throw over 97 innings. The Scarlet Knights have also been announcing its freshman class bit by bit, but once the group is official I will post my thoughts.

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