Starting pitcher becomes first Blue Crab in 2017 to have contract purchased
(Waldorf, Md., May 9, 2017) – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced on Tuesday that the contract of Right-Handed Pitcher Justin De Fratus has been purchased by the Seattle Mariners’ organization. De Fratus will report to the Arkansas Travelers, AA affiliate of the Mariners.
To this point in the 2017 season, De Fratus leads the Blue Crabs starting rotation with a 3-1 record, and 1.40 ERA. He was named the opening day starter for Southern Maryland in his first season with the team. He leaves the team leading the Atlantic League in innings pitched (25.2), tied for first in wins (3), second in strikeouts (22), and third in ERA (1.40) among eligible pitchers.
Prior to signing with the Blue Crabs, De Fratus played nine seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, as well as spending 2016 between the Washington Nationals, Seattle Mariners, and Texas Rangers organizations. He has spent five seasons in the MLB, all as a reliever with the Phillies, from 2011-2015. He has appeared in 191 MLB games, posting a 7-6 record with a 4.09 ERA, while striking out 170 batters in 194 innings pitched.
“Justin has been a great guy to lead the starting rotation this season,” said Blue Crabs Manager John Harris. “We’ll miss his effort on the mound every five days, however we are excited as an organization to see him move one step closer to getting back to the Majors.”
De Fratus is the first Southern Maryland Blue Crab to have his contract purchased by a MLB organization in the 2017 season.
For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat today for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland with affordable family fun. The franchise will open its 10th anniversary season on Thursday April 20, 2017. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information and to reserve your seat at the ballpark today!
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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