Toms River Native Gets Shot at Major Leagues

Post-game update: Todd Frazier appeared as a pinch-hitter in the 6th inning of tonight's game. The 25-year-old batter struck out swinging on a four-seam fastball. The right-handed batter went 0-1 in his first big league appearance.

It's a trip to the big show, right in his own backyard.

On Monday, Toms River native Todd Frazier was promoted to the Major Leagues, playing for the Cincinnati Reds. The Reds face the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:05 p.m. today. Frazier is not shown in tonight's opening lineup, but is expected to be available on the team's bench.

On Monday, Reds manager Dusty Baker told reporters that Frazier was called up to the majors because of his strong batting skills. "We figured we could use another bat off the bench, especially this series in Philly. That’s why we brought up Frazier."

Some experts speculate he could be sent down to the triple-A affiliate as early as Friday.

Frazier played on the 1998 Toms River East Little League World Series champions and also was a star for the Toms River High School South  varsity baseball team. He was a standout first team All-American player with the Rutgers Scarlet Knights from 2005-07 before being selected by the Reds in the first round of the 2007 draft.

In a prepared statement on Monday, Rutgers head baseball coach Fred Hill said he's thrilled for Todd's success.

“Todd has been exceptional everywhere he has played, and we know he will continue to succeed at the major league level. We wish him the best of luck with the Reds, and we will be following closely," he said.

Frazier was promoted to the Reds Triple-A affiliate in Louisville for the final 16 games of the 2009 season, where has played ever since. This season he is hitting .293 with 11 HRs and 33 RBI in 164 at-bats for the team. He has played a variety of positions (both infield and outfield) while batting in the heart of the team's lineup.

The Frazier family has long ties to Major League Baseball. Todd is the third in his immediate family to play with a MLB organization. His older brother Jeff Frazier made his MLB debut last season with the Detroit Tigers. Jeff played nine games before returning to the team's triple-A affiliate, the Syracuse Chiefs. Todd's oldest brother, Charlie, was selected by the Florida Marlins in the 1999 draft and played six seasons with the club’s minor league affiliates. Charlie currently serves as a teacher at Toms River High School North. 

First pitch in tonight's match up is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. You can watch the action on Comcast Sportsnet (Channel 36 on Comcast Cable), or listen live on WPHT 1210 AM.