INDIANAPOLIS - The Butler baseball outfield will feature a wide variety of talent and experience looking to solidify themselves in the starting lineup.
 
San Diego State transfer Xavier Carter will play right field for Butler opening weekend. Carter played three seasons for the Aztecs, appearing in 31 games and was named to the 2021 Mountain West All-Academic team.
 
"Carter may be our best defensive outfielder heading into the season," Head Coach Blake Beemer said. "He's another guy that has been around college baseball for a few years and we think he might break out in 2023."
 
Kyle Van Liere is expected to win the centerfield position, but Scott Jones is right behind him.
 
Van Liere returns to the team after receiving over 100 at-bats last season. He started 33 games recording 32 hits and 11 walks with a .215 batting average.
 
Jones is another returning player to the Bulldog outfield. During the 2022 season, Jones ranked fifth on the team with a .249 batting average and was second in stolen bases with 12.
 
"We have a good competition going for innings in center," Beemer added. "Whoever doesn't get the start is definitely in conversation to DH for us."
 
In leftfield, coach Beemer has his eyes set on freshman Joey Urban. The three-year starter from Jupiter Community High School was recognized as a Top-10 Palm Beach County Player and hit .404 in 2021.

"Joey has played baseball at a very high level and we think he will be in the lineup in some way, shape, or form," Beemer added. "Heading into opening weekend, Urban has separated himself by getting timely hits, getting on base, and making all the plays we ask of him."

In addition to the starters, Kyle Pepiot and Quentin Markle are in the mix to play some innings in the outfield this season. Pepiot is the younger brother of former Butler standout pitcher Ryan who made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

"There is competition everywhere and that's the fun part," Beemer explained. "Now we need to rise up and play clean baseball. We understand how to play the game and I think our guys know what we are asking of them."