Baseball: David Berg could be returning to UCLA

One surprise from the baseball draft earlier this month was that UCLA relief ace David Berg, the former Bishop Amat standout, was selected in the 17th round by the Texas Rangers.

Unless the Rangers find additional money to offer Berg, a junior in eligibility, he’s expected to return for his senior season, which would cause UCLA Coach John Savage to celebrate.

UCLA failed to make the NCAA playoffs this season after winning the NCAA title last season following a series of injuries to players, including Berg.

But if Berg comes back, UCLA’s pitching staff will be more than set. All three starting pitchers are back, led by James Kaprielian, a Beckman grad who will be a candidate for All-America honors. Add incoming freshmen Griffin Canning and Nathan Hadley, and Savage will have a pitching staff to reckon with, especially because Berg is able to pitch seemingly every game with his sidearm delivery.

Twitter:@LATSondheimer