The 2026 MLB season is underway and Rice baseball alums are making the most of their time in The Show. Here’s the latest from the MLB Owls.
Dane Myers – Cincinnati Reds
Myers is settling into a role as a platoon outfielder for the Reds, prized for his defensive prowess and a proven threat against left-handed pitching. That’s earned him playing time to the tune of 11 appearances in the team’s first 12 games, even though he made only one start. He’s received limited at bats because of his usual late-inning insertions.
Through April 8, Myers is hitting .267 with no extra-base hits, one walk and three strikeouts. His OPS is .579. He’s collected one RBI.
Tristan Gray – Minnesota Twins
It’s been a storybook season for Gray, who has taken advantage of every opportunity thrown his way. Originally expected to play sparingly this season as the backup utility infielder, Gray was elevated to the starting lineup for the Twins’ home opener and responded with a missile to right field, his first career grand slam.
The swing earned a feature on MLB.com and another start two days later. He appeared in five of the Twins’ first nine games.
Through April 8, Gray is hitting .286 with two extra-base hits, two walks and five strikeouts. His OPS is .924. He’s collected eight RBI.
Injured List
Anthony Rendon – Los Angeles Angels
Rendon begins the 2026 season the the 60-day injured list, a procedural move following hip surgery that caused him to miss the 2025 season and will likely sideline him for most, if not all, of the 2026 season.
Knocking on the Door
The following Owls began the season in AAA:
- Glenn Otto – Sugar Land Space Cowboys (Astros)
- Hayden Durke – Reno Aces (Diamondbacks)
- Trei Cruz – Toledo Mud Hens (Tigers)
- Matt Canterino – St. Paul Saints (Twins)