LINCOLN – Saltdogs RHP Eric Brooks had his contract purchased by the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, becoming the third Lincoln player to join a Major League Baseball organization in May.
Through two starts this season, the 23-year-old was 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA, eight strikeouts and three walks in 12 innings of work. Brooks retired the final 17 hitters he faced in his first start of 2014 on May 16.
Brooks joins Maikol Gonzalez, who was sold to the Angels Thursday, and Ryan Carpenter (Rockies) as former Saltdogs joining MLB organizations since the beginning of May.
“We are very excited for Eric and for Maikol, and wish them nothing but the best,” Saltdogs President & General Manager Charlie Meyer said. “The Saltdogs organization takes a lot of proud in getting guys to MLB organizations.”
The Saltdogs have now sold 22 players to MLB franchises since American Association expansion in 2011, nine more than any other club in the league.
Lincoln set the American Association in-season record in 2011 with five players sold to Major League Baseball, and matched the feat in 2013.
The Taylor, Texas native was originally selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2012 MLB draft and spent his first two professional seasons in the Rangers system before signing with the Saltdogs earlier in 2014.
The Saltdogs play their home opener Friday night at 7:05 p.m. against Winnipeg. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.