LINCOLN — The Saltdogs are proud to announce that the contract of RHP Eddie McKiernan has been purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks. The reigning American Association Pitcher of the Week will report to Class-A Advanced Visalia (California League) Tuesday.
McKiernan is the third Saltdogs player to be signed by a Major League Baseball organization, the most of any American Association club.
The 24-year old right hander was 6-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 games. McKiernan had 29 strikeouts and 13 walks in 34 2/3 innings of work.
Since joining the starting rotation, McKiernan was 2-0 with a 1.38 ERA, and garnered league recognition Monday.
Lincoln has now signed 17 players to MLB systems since the start of 2011 – most in the American Association – and 43 since the franchise began in 2001.
The Saltdogs have lost the league's home run leader (Dennis Raben to Kansas City Royals), the league's strikeout leader (Joe Bisenius to Atlanta Braves) and now the league's win leader (McKiernan's six victories was tied for best in the American Association).
RHP Brandon Sinnery, of the 2012 Saltdogs, was signed by the Diamondbacks this past offseason. The University of Michigan alum earned Midwest League All-Star honors in 2013.
The 'Dogs play game two of a three-game series with the St. Paul Saints Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.