LANCASTER -- Les Walrond’s contract has been purchased by the Toronto Blue Jays, it was announced today by the Lancaster Barnstormers.
The left-hander is headed to Class AA New Hampshire of the Eastern League and could wind up in Triple-A Las Vegas in the near future.
Walrond, 35, was 3-1 with a 3.33 ERA for the Barnstormers in 21 appearances this season. In 24 1/3 innings, he allowed only 15 hits and nine earned runs while walking 11 and striking out 24. Left-handed batters were only batting .107 (3-28) against him on the season. The Memphis, Tenn. resident was in his second stint with the Barnstormers. He was 1-0 with a 1.38 ERA in nine appearances in 2011 before his contract was picked up by the Philadelphia Phillies in late May. He spent the remainder of the season between Class AA Reading and Class AAA Lehigh Valley and went a combined 4-2 with a 1.80 ERA.
He has reached the Major Leagues with three different clubs, getting there with the Royals in 2003, the Cubs in 2006 and the Phillies in 2008.
“(Les) is a really fine lefty specialist,” said manager Butch Hobson in a statement. “Left-handed hitters have a hard time hitting him. Even right-handers can have problems with his breaking ball. Plus, he is a really great guy.”
Walrond is the fifth member of the 2012 Barnstormers to be signed by a major league organization.
Information used in the story provided by the Lancaster Barnstormers.
