The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs are proud to announce that the contract of relief pitcher Matt Hensley has been purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays. He is the fifth pitcher and seventh Blue Crab to be signed by a Major League organization this season.
Hensley departs Southern Maryland as the team’s closer. Pitching in 31 Blue Crabs games this season, Hensley has a 5-2 record with seven saves. In 33.1 innings pitched, Hensley has an ERA of 2.70, allowing only 10 runs on 30 hits while striking out 36. He assumed the closer duties for Southern Maryland once right-hander Jim Ed Warden signed with the New York Mets on June 12.
Hensley made an appearance in nine games for the Blue Crabs in the inaugural 2008 season in Southern Maryland. A tenth round selection of the Anaheim Angels in the 2000 draft, Hensley has played in nine professional seasons, including seven in the Angels organization.
In 2004, Hensley made 16 appearances in the Major Leagues for the Angels. In 27.2 innings of work, he posted a 4.88 ERA with 30 strikeouts and a WHIP of 1.41. For his entire minor league career through the time of his signing by Toronto, Hensley has logged 191 games, accumulating 523 strikeouts with a 4.51 ERA in 632.2 innings pitched.
Hensley joins the impressive list of Blue Crabs players to head for Major League organizations during the 2009 season. Previously, pitchers Matt DeSalvo (Tampa Bay Rays), Jim Ed Warden (New York Mets), John Halama (Atlanta Braves) and Kenny Baugh (Houston Astros) were picked up, in addition to first baseman Eric Crozier (Baltimore Orioles) and shortstop Travis Garcia (Seattle Mariners), two position players who are also continuing on the road to the Majors.
For more about the signings and team visit www.SOMDBlueCrabs.com.