WICHITA, Kan. - Junior R.J. Devish (Beachwood, N.J.) of the Rutgers baseball team has been named to the watch list for the 2015 Johnny Bench Award presented by BaseballSavings.com, the Greater Wichita Area Sports Commission announced. The award is bestowed annually to the top catcher in the nation.

Converting from infield to the catcher position as a freshman, Devish has established the starting job behind the plate for the Scarlet Knights. He made 29 starts last season at the spot and has been the backstop for 10 of the 11 games to start the 2015 season.

At the plate, Devish has accumulated a .400 on-base percentage early on and recently went 2-for-2 with a double, RBI, run scored and stolen base at No. 24 Florida Atlantic. He stole two bases in the win over Iona Wednesday. In addition, Devish batted .480 in the month of May last year, hit .371 at home and .300 in league play.

While guiding the pitching staff, Devish has thrown out 3-of-9 potential base stealers and has popped out from behind the plate to field bunts and grounders near the dish. He has just one passed ball this season.

The Johnny Bench Award watch list will be narrowed down to the semifinalists on May 14. Click here for the full release.

After winning their home opener, the Scarlet Knights (2-9) are set to embark on a spring break trip that will start Friday with a four-game tournament at Indiana State.

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