“Jacques had really good numbers in his college career at Austin Peay, coming off a really solid senior season,” Otters manager Andy McCauley said. “There was intrigue to see him throw against professional hitters.”

Jacques Pucheu, a Gulfport, Miss. native, signed and joined the Otters a couple weeks ago following his senior season at Austin Peay State University.

“I didn’t know what to think when Andy called me to his office, and then we started talking and he said that the Reds purchased my contract,” Pucheu said. “I was in shock; it didn’t really set in until I got back to the hotel and called my parents.”

“There were so many great emotions. It was a great feeling getting to tell them that I was getting on a plane to join the Reds organization.”

In one start with the Otters, Pucheu went 4.1 innings pitched last Saturday against the Schaumburg Boomers, striking out four and walking none. The Otters went on to win 7-6.

“As simple as it sounds, I just know who I am and what I do best, being a strike-throwing left-hander, and not trying to do too much or be something I’m not,” Pucheu said.

“He brings a quality arm from the left side of the mound,” McCauley said. “He makes it challenging for opposing hitters with his change of speeds and movement, and that proved true from his scouting reports.”

During his senior season at Austin Peay State, Pucheu went 8-4 with a 3.07 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 15 starts. Opposing batters had a .196 average against Pucheu, who recorded 96.2 innings pitched.

“I’m trying to soak it up as much as possible and ready to get to work,” Pucheu said. “It’s truly a blessing, and I’m glad to a great support system from my family and friends.”

Pucheu is the fourth Otters player to be signed to an affiliated organization this season and second signed by the Reds.

Last week, starting pitcher Randy Wynne signed with the Reds organization following a 5-2 start with a 3.42 ERA and 47 strikeouts.

A couple weeks before that, starting pitcher Patrick McGuff signed with the Diamondbacks organization after a 5-0 start with a 1.04 ERA and 60 strikeouts.

Utility position player Taylor Lane signed with the Mets organization in May after possessing a .348 batting average to start the season with the Otters.

The Otters have sent 78 players to affiliated organizations out of Evansville.

“I always thought that Danny would get looks early in the season from affiliated organizations,” Otters manager Andy McCauley said.

“He has a plus fastball with good spin that keeps its plane through delivery. It’s very successful up in the zone that’s complimented with a wipeout slider.”

Danny Hrbek, from Allentown, Pa., signed and joined the Otters going into the 2019 Spring Training season following two seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization.

“When Andy (McCauley) told me, that I was going to the Mets, I got chills,” Hrbek said. “They were my favorite team growing up so it’s an honor to get the opportunity with them.”

“I can’t thank the coaching staff in Evansville enough for the opportunities they gave me.”

In his last appearance with the Otters, Hrbek earned a save on June 18 against the Washington Wild Things, sealing a 5-4 win for the Otters. He struck out two in an inning of work.

“The key for me this season was sticking within myself and not trying to be something I’m not,” Hrbek said. “That mindset has helped me tremendously.”

“Danny is a very composed, mature pitcher with a high baseball IQ because of his time as a hitter in college,” McCauley said. “He is a hard worker with a professional approach to his daily routines.”

Overall, Hrbek had five saves and a 1.08 ERA with 27 strikeouts in 16.2 innings pitched, making 15 appearances. The right-hander had allowed two earned runs total and zero allowed in his last seven appearances.

Hrbek played collegiately at Radford University before joining the Royals organization in 2017.

“I’m just going to try to show them what I have, going to continue to work hard and get better,” said Hrbek.

“I’m excited to get to work with a whole new group of teammates and coaching staff.”

Hrbek is the fifth Otters player to be signed to an affiliated organization this season and second signed by the Mets.

In May, utility position player Taylor Lane signed with the Mets organization after possessing a .348 batting average to start the season with the Otters.

Last week, starting pitcher Randy Wynne signed with the Reds organization following a 5-2 start with a 3.42 ERA and 47 strikeouts, and Jacques Pucheu signed with the Reds following one start with the Otters, going 4.1 innings pitched with four strikeouts and zero walks.

A couple weeks before that, starting pitcher Patrick McGuff signed with the Diamondbacks organization after a 5-0 start with a 1.04 ERA and 60 strikeouts.

The Otters have sent 79 players to affiliated organizations out of Evansville.