July 3, 2018
AUBURN, Ala. - Just shy of a month after being selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 11th round of the 2018 MLB Draft, Davis Daniel has announced he will return to Auburn for his junior season in 2019.
"First, I would like to thank the Brewers for giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dream and start my professional career. However, we have some unfinished business down in Auburn," Daniel said. "I am extremely excited to get back to work and build on the historic run we made in 2018. I cannot thank Coach Thompson enough. He has not only been extremely supportive through this entire decision, but has also been an unbelievable leader on the field and in my life. I cannot wait to see where he is going to lead this program in the near future.
"I would also like to thank my past, present and future Auburn teammates for the support through this decision. Lastly, to the amazing Auburn Family, you all have supported me through the ups and down the last two years. Thank you so much for that. Something special is coming in 2019, and I am excited to return and be a part of it all."
After spending his sophomore season in both the starting rotation and the bullpen, Daniel was drafted for the second time in his career after also being taken by the Chicago Cubs in the 34th round out of high school.
The rising junior from Montgomery finished his sophomore season with a 3-4 record and 4.86 ERA. However, Daniel saved his best for last as he allowed just five earned runs (2.49 ERA) and struck out 25 batters in his last six relief appearances and 18.1 innings pitched.
In a decisive Gainesville Super Regional matchup with No. 1 Florida, Daniel pitched 5.1 scoreless innings of relief and allowed just one hit with six strikeouts.
He returns to Auburn to build on the most wins in a season since 2010 (43) and the second super regional appearances in program history.