Donovan among new Indians

The Spokane Indians will have additional local flavor this year after the Texas Rangers assigned former North Central High School and Gonzaga University pitcher Patrick Donovan and 10 other players to the short-season Class A club Friday.

Donovan was picked in the 50th round of the baseball draft Wednesday. Donovan, a left-hander, finished 8-4 with a 3.22 ERA in his senior season with the Gonzaga.

Another player from Eastern Washington, third baseman Steve Marquardt of Kennewick, was also among the players assigned. He played for Columbia Basin College.

The other nine players assigned to Spokane are left-handed pitcher Mike Ballard (Virginia), left-hander Glenn Swanson (UC Irvine), right-hander Adam Schaecher (Creighton), catcher Hunter Harrigan (Southern Illinois), shortstop Thomas Berkery (Mississippi State), infielder Nick Cadena (Florida International), outfielder Grant Gerrard (Southern Illinois), outfielder Chris Davis (Navarro College, Texas) and center fielder Craig Gentry (Arkansas).

Davis was the highest draft pick to be assigned to Spokane. He was taken fifth in the recent draft.

Players report to Spokane on Wednesday.

The Indians will host the Spokane RiverHawks in a seven-inning exhibition game Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $3 for open seating with proceeds benefiting the YMCA/YWCA Capital Fund.

The Indians, defending champions of the Northwest League, open regular-season play June 19 at home.