WVU Product Michael Grove Throws Gem in First MLB Appearance Since 2024 Playoffs

Showing true determination and perseverance, WVU product Michael Grove fought to get back on an MLB mound. That day finally came on Saturday.

In his first appearance since the 2024 playoffs, Grove threw three shutout innings. He allowed no runs off only one hit with no walks and four strikeouts in his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, earning the win over the Arizona Diamondback.

Prior to Saturday, Grove missed the entire 2025 season due to shoulder surgery. Feeling Grove was close to being recovered, the Rays signed Grove in April of this year. They then activated him in late June.

Grove is now 8-7 with a 5.38 ERA and 155 strikeouts as he begins his fourth MLB season. He’s appeared in the postseason twice with the Dodgers, gaining a World Series ring in 2024.

Grove, a Wheeling, W.Va. native, attended Wheeling Park High School before joining the Mountaineers to play college baseball at WVU. As a sophomore in 2017, Grove struck out 61 batters in 41.0 innings pitched and registered a 2.87 ERA.

The Dodgers drafted Grove in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He then made his MLB debut in 2022.