PISCATAWAY, N.J. - Senior R.J. Devish (Beachwood, N.J.) of the Rutgers baseball team was recently added to the Johnny Bench Award watch list. The award, presented by BaseballSavings.com, is presented annually to the nation's top collegiate catcher as voted on by Division I coaches.

"It is a great compliment for R.J. to be acknowledged as one of the top catchers in the country," head coach Joe Litterio said. "He is a hard worker, a leader and is well deserving of this recognition."

Leading the Big Ten and in the top 15 nationally with a .531 on-base percentage, Devish has reached base safely in 33 of the 36 games he has played in this season. He also ranks first in the conference with 40 runs scored, tied for first with 10 times being hit by pitch, second with 19 stolen bases, tied for fourth with 30 walks and tied for sixth with a .381 batting average. The stolen base total also leads all Division I catchers.

As the leadoff hitter, Devish has reached base 31-of-58 times as the first hitter in an inning. He is the only RU catcher this century to bat first in the lineup.

Under the tutelage of assistant coach Tim Reilly, Devish has worked to improve his defense behind the plate after arriving on campus as a freshman infielder. The backstop has thrown out six base stealers so far this season after catching 15 a year ago.

Devish was previously honored this season as the Big Ten Player of the Week (Feb. 29) after reaching base 11-of-14 times in the three-game series at George Mason with five runs, five RBIs and five walks. Click here for the NJ Advance Media story.

Devish was also a candidate for the Bench Award in 2015. This season's list will be narrowed down to semifinalists May 18. Click here for the official website.

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