DURHAM, NC – The Coastal Plain League (CPL) witnessed another alum, Carson Whisenhunt (photo ©-2025-S.F.-Giants), make his highly anticipated Major League debut with the San Francisco Giants on Monday night, taking the mound against Pittsburgh at Oracle Park. Getting the start, he gave up four runs on five hits, walked two and struck out three in five innings of work.
Whisenhunt, a 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, was called up from Triple-A after quickly climbing the ranks in the Giants’ farm system. The debut marked a milestone in a career that began with a strong college showing at East Carolina University, where the Giants No. 3 prospect was recognized for his exceptional pitching skills, especially his sharp slider and high-velocity fastball.
Whisenhunt was drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the second round of the 2022 MLB Draft. His fast rise through the minor leagues saw him impress at every level, including recently for Triple-A Sacramento. With the River Cats earlier this season, he was 8-5 with a 4.42 ERA across 18 starts and 97 2/3 innings pitched. In that time, he struck out 86 against just 28 walks.
Before making his mark in the Giants’ organization, Whisenhunt also spent time in the Coastal Plain League during the summer of 2020, playing for the High Point-Thomasville HiToms. It was a short stint due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, but the then-freshman threw six innings in five appearances out of the bullpen. Whisenhunt surrendered only three earned runs on eight hits, while he walked six and struck out 10 on his way to a 2-1 record with a 4.50 ERA.
With his debut, Whisenhunt is the CPL’s 201st Major League alumni, and seventh to do so in 2025. He’s also the 25th former HiToms player to reach the Majors.
About Coastal Plain League:
The Coastal Plain League is the nation’s premier and most innovative summer collegiate baseball league. The CPL is currently comprised of 15 franchises playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. To date, the CPL has had over 1,800 alumni drafted, and 201 alums make their Major League debut. Most notable alumni include Justin Verlander, Ryan Zimmerman, Mark Reynolds, Kevin Youkilis, Chris Taylor, Alec Bohm, Jake Cave, Chas McCormick and NFL Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @CPLBaseball.
About Capitol Broadcasting Company:
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAZ-TV, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WNGT-CD, WCMC-FM, WCMC-HD1, WDNC-AM, WCMC-HD2, WCMC-HD3, WCLY-AM, WCMC-HD4, Microspace, WRAL Digital and Wolfpack Sports Properties (a joint venture with Learfield) in Raleigh, NC; WILM-TV, WILT-LD and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; The Durham Bulls Baseball Club, Bull City Hospitality and Coastal Plain League in Durham, NC; The Holly Springs Salamanders in Holly Springs, NC; the American Underground startup hub in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Historic District in Durham, NC, and Rocky Mount Mills in Rocky Mount, NC.