AKRON, Ohio – Chris Roller is playing in his second season for the Akron RubberDucks minor league baseball team. Prior to his time as a pro, Roller was a member of the McLennan Community College baseball team in Waco, Texas.
He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers with the 910th overall pick in the 2017 MLB Draft.
Roller has yet to suit up for a major league team, so in the meantime, he continues to build upon his strong resume in the minors. After competing with the Dodgers’ Arizona League team in 2017, Roller played for the Great Lakes Loons (twice) and Ogden Raptors from 2018 to 2019. He scored 61 runs in his second stint with the Loons in 2019, the highest of his career to date.
Roller arrived in northeast Ohio in 2021, where he played in 70 games for the Akron RubberDucks, who won that season’s Double-A Northeast Championship.
This past May, Roller was assigned to play for the Cleveland Guardians’ Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers. He played in three games and had a batting average of .330.
Roller was then assigned back to Akron. He was officially activated to the RubberDucks roster on May 26. Since then, Roller has scored 20 runs and looks to help Akron defend its Double-A Northeast crown.
I had the chance to talk with Roller at Canal Park on Wednesday. He reflected on his career thus far and discussed the lessons he’s learned. I also asked him about what it has been like to be around Guardians outfielder Oscar González, who was on an injury rehab assignment (abdominal strain) with the RubberDucks earlier this week.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: What were some of the lessons you learned while playing at McLennan that you still carry with you today?
A: I think if you know anything about guys that come from junior college, there’s a stigma as far as them being hard-nosed [and] grinders. When I was at junior college, [there weren’t] any rules or regulations regarding how much you could practice like [there are] at all the other levels. So when I got [to McLennan], we’d practice from the day the [school] year started. We were practicing three [to] four hours a day, even in the fall [and] going all the way [to] the spring. I think it really prepared me for the schedule of professional baseball.
Q: How would you describe your experience when you first arrived in Akron?
A: Coming from the Dodgers to the Guardians’ system, I think it’s super competitive anywhere you are going to be. But I think for the most part, all the players, coaches, and staff welcomed me with open arms. I felt nothing but love from them and I appreciate the opportunity. Obviously, them going and picking me up was very telling. It’s nice to be wanted. I have nothing but good things to say about the organization. As far as being in Ohio, (it’s been) the same thing. The people have been great to me.
Q: What was it like to play with the Columbus Clippers earlier this year?
A: Being in Double-A seems like you’re far away, but you’re not that far way. Being in Columbus, one step away from the big leagues [was an] interesting feeling. It’s something that I’ve always dreamed of. It was just a really cool experience [and] something that I’ve always wanted to [have] happen. Every day, even here [in Akron], [has] been a blessing [for] me. So I try not to take it for granted.
Q: What do you feel like has been your greatest improvement this season?
A: I think it’s really just learning the game a little bit better. Having a better I.Q. of the game, knowing what to do with the baseball defensively or whether it’s on the bases, getting that extra base—whatever I can do to help the team win. I think that’s really been the biggest thing. And I think that just comes with playing the game at a higher level. The game starts moving quicker on you and you have to try to do everything you can to slow the game down. That’s really what I think has been the biggest thing from last year to this year.
Q: Have you had the chance to speak with Oscar González and learn from him, given that he has played in the MLB?
A: I spent the last year with Oscar. He was here [in Akron] last year, and I was here for most of last year. He’s one of the best hitters I’ve ever been around. I think being around players at that level, it’s not necessarily what he tells you. Being around guys like that [just] raises your level [of intensity]. Being around a collection of great players [raises] the level of everybody.
