News Release, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs
Waldorf, MD – The Toronto Blue Jays have announced their signing of 2019 Southern Maryland Blue Crabs right-handed pitcher James Dykstra. This is the second 2019 Blue Crab to sign a contract with an MLB club in the last month, coming on the heels of Charlie Valerio inking a deal with the San Diego Padres on November 14th.
James Dykstra stood out from the rest of the pack every time he took the mound. His blistering fastball was widely renowned as the fastest in the league as it frequently tip-toed triple digits. The California native dominated as part of a Blue Crabs bullpen that established itself as the best in the Atlantic League in the second half of the season.
The 29-year-old was originally a sixth-round draft pick by the Chicago White Sox in 2013 and reached as high as Triple-A with the Texas Rangers organization in 2017. With the Blue Crabs he posted a 3.28 ERA in just under 50 innings pitched while striking out 50 batters and held opponents to a miniscule .227 batting average.
“The Blue Crabs organization wishes James nothing but the best in his future with the Blue Jays. His unmatched velocity and lethal off-speed pitches make Dykstra an MLB level talent”, said Blue Crabs General Manager, Courtney Knichel.
“I want to thank the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs for allowing me to pitch for them in 2019. I had a great experience and loved every moment in that clubhouse. I want to thank the coaching staff, our ace Daryl Thompson, Ryan Chaffee, and the entire pitching staff. Without their friendship and willingness to help me everyday I wouldn’t have grown into the pitcher I am today and is one of the big reasons I am getting this opportunity with the Blue Jays”, Dykstra said.
About the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs – The Blue Crabs play 126 regular season games in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball Clubs. The Blue Crabs, set to kick off their 13th season of baseball, call Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland home. For more information on the Blue Crabs, please call 301-638-9788 or visit http://www.somdbluecrabs.com for more information.