Surprising former MLB players playing in the Indy Leagues

The American Association of Professional Baseball (or AAPB) was founded back in 2005 when four teams announced that they had left the Northern League, a former Indy League that folded back in 2010.

Rosters in the AAPB are limited to just 23 players, three less than a typical MLB active roster size. Only five of those players can be veterans and a minimum of five players must be rookies. Players are considered “veterans” by the league if they have six or more years of professional service time in the game.

The AAPB currently consists of 12 teams split between East and West Divisions. These teams include the Chicago Dogs, Cleburne Railroaders, Gary SouthShore RailCats, Kane County Cougars, Lake Country DockHounds, Milwaukee Milkmen, Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, Kansas City Monarchs, Lincoln Saltdogs, Sioux City Explorers, Sioux Falls Canaries and the Winnipeg Goldeyes.

Let’s take a look at former MLB players who spent 2021 in the AAPB

Starting pitcher Christian Friedrich (MLB career: 2012, 2014-2016 with 2 MLB organizations)

Former Colorado Rockies starter Christian Friedrich last appeared in American baseball in 2017 with the San Diego Padres. In 2021, he found himself starting games for the Chicago Dogs after being traded by the Lexington Legends. Friedrich struggled with Lexington last year but looked a lot better for the Dogs; going 3-1 with a 4.21 ERA, striking out 30 in 36+ innings and walking just two batters.

First baseman David Washington (MLB career: 2017 with Baltimore Orioles)

Big lefty David Washington‘s MLB career to this point consists of just three games. He went hitless through six at bats and has been in the Indy Leagues ever since. Washington, 31, is a sweet-swinging power hitter who regularly is a lock for somewhere between 20 and 30 home runs each year. Last season with the Milwaukee Milkmen, Washington hit 17 home runs in 62 games, posting a .325 batting average and making defensive appearances at first base and right field.

Starting pitcher Bud Norris (MLB career: 2009-2018 with 7 MLB organizations)

Bud Norris, best known for his five-year stint as the Houston Astros’ best starter, last appeared in the big leagues in 2018 as the Cardinals’ closer. Last season, Norris surfaced with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, making six appearances and striking out nine batters in six innings. Norris, 36, may look for another contract in the Indy Leagues in 2022 while he attempts to continue his major league comeback.

Utility-man Darnell Sweeney (MLB career: 2015, 2018 with 2 MLB organizations)

Versatile speedster Darnell Sweeney last appeared in American baseball in 2019 with the Pirates organization. Sweeney has always been a serious stolen base threat and last year he was able to bring his power numbers around too for the Kansas City Monarchs. Sweeney, 31, hit a career-high 19 home runs, drove in 69 runs and hit .262 while making defensive appearances at second base, third base, shortstop, center field, and right field. He still has age on his side so a return to an MLB-affiliated club is not out of the question.