(WVLT) -- Former Tennessee second baseman Andy Simunic was drafted in the 17th round (512th pick) of the MLB First-year Player Draft by the Houston Astros.

Simunic came to Tennessee from Chattanooga State Technical Community College. He batted .333 during his junior season and started 48 games for the Vols during his season year before being dismissed from the team due to academic reasons.

Simunic is the first Tennessee player to be drafted this year. Two Vol signees have been drafted -- P/SS Casey Kelly in the first round and SS Travis Adair in the 13th round.

Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals selected former Vol outfielder Shawn Griffin with their 20th-round pick (No. 595). Griffin was one of
the Vols' leaders at the plate this season.

Also, UT catcher Yan Gomes was picked by the Boston Red Sox in the 39th round (1,192nd overall pick).
As a Freshman All-America honoree in 2007, the Miami, Fla., native split time behind the plate and playing first base. He hit .310 that year with eight homers.

Gomes started 109 of the 111 games he played in through two full seasons, with 66 starts at catcher, 42 starts at first base and one start as a designated hitter. He boasts a .988 career fielding percentage.

Gomes becomes just the third Vol ever to be drafted by the Red Sox, joining Mike Smithson (1976) and Doug Hecker (1992).