Waldorf, MD – The Southern Maryland Blue Crabs announced on Thursday afternoon the signing of former Baltimore Oriole Jason Garcia, and outfielder Zach Collier.
Jason Garcia has had quite an interesting career. Following a 2014 season at the Single-A level, in 2015 he made leaps and bounds, beginning the season at the MLB level with the Baltimore Orioles. The right-hander made 21 appearances, all out of the bullpen while posting a 4.25 ERA that season.
Garcia hasn’t returned to the MLB level since 2015, but has dominated the Independent scene over the past two seasons, combining for an 11-2 record and a 2.67 ERA with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association. Additionally he posted a 15-2 record combined between Sioux City, and the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, the Montgomery Biscuits in 2019.
Zach Collier was the Blue Crabs third round selection in the 2019 New Britain Bees dispersal draft. The outfielder was originally drafted in the first round in the 2008 MLB Draft, six picks after Gerrit Cole, who just signed a $324 million contract with the New York Yankees.
Collier’s most successful season was in 2017 in the Washington Nationals organization, split between the Triple-A, Double-A and Single-A- Levels, combining for a .281 batting average and a .843 OPS.
“Needless to say, adding an MLB veteran that went 15-2 last season, plus a proven Atlantic League veteran move the needle in a big way,” said Blue Crabs General Manager, Courtney Knichel.
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.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) - With eight teams in the Mid-Atlantic and Texas, the ALPB is a leader in baseball innovation and a, player gateway to Major League Baseball. Through its exclusive partnership with MLB, the Atlantic League tests Major League Baseball rules and equipment initiatives. The Atlantic League has sent over 950 players to MLB organizations while drawing more than 42 million fans to its affordable, family-friendly ballparks throughout its 22-year history. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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