Alumni Update - Mike DeMark (Reno Aces)

Right-hander Mike DeMark is one of step away from the major leagues just a year after pitching in an independent league, though he will likely need to get better in order to get the call to the bigs.

DeMark, a Penn-Trafford High School graduate, is pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks' Class AAA Reno farm club in the Pacific Coast League. He is 3-3 with a 5.40 ERA in 29 relief appearances.

DeMark, 28, was released from the San Diego Padres' minor-league spring training camp last year and signed with York in the Atlantic League. On June 3, the Diamondbacks purchased his contract and he spent the remainder of the season in their farm system.

DeMark began his career in the independent Frontier League with Florence in 2006 after playing collegiately at Marietta. The Padres bought his contract the following winter and he spent four seasons in their farm system, reaching as high as Class AAA.

He has a 12-11 career minor-league record with 16 saves and a 2.97 ERA in 263 relief appearances over six seasons.