(Bridgewater, N.J., March 26, 2018) - The Somerset Patriots have signed nine-year Major League veteran right-handed pitcher Logan Kensing for the 2018 season.
“I am excited to go into this season with an open mind in a great league,” said Kensing. “There are some really good things going on [in the Atlantic League]. I have always been struck by the passion of the players in the league. It is pure baseball at a professional level.”
Kensing enters his first season with the Somerset Patriots and second in the Atlantic League. He has nine years of service at the Major League level, including five with the then-Florida Marlins and one with the Washington Nationals, Colorado Rockies, Seattle Mariners and Detroit Tigers, respectively. The former second round draft pick broke into the Majors in 2004 and made double digit appearances five different times.
The San Antonio, Texas native struck out 45 batters over 37.2 innings pitched with one save in 2006 with the Marlins. He also enjoyed a strong 2008 campaign in Florida with three wins, a 4.23 ERA and 55 strikeouts over 55.1 innings pitched. Kensing carried a 1.93 ERA over his most recent stint in the big leagues with Detroit (2016). Overall, the 6’1” righty has won 10 games with two saves over 157 games (three starts) in the Majors.
“We are proud to be joined by Logan this season,” said Somerset Patriots manager Brett Jodie. “He will be a solid veteran presence on our staff and has been a model of consistency throughout his brilliant career. Logan can handle a variety of roles in our bullpen and we look forward to utilizing his versatility. One thing I know for sure is that he wants the ball and wants to help the team win, and we will be happy to give him that opportunity often.”
Kensing has pitched exclusively at either the MLB or Triple-A level in each of the past five seasons, including the last two with Triple-A Toledo (Detroit). Last year, he went 3-3 with a 2.54 ERA over 66 relief appearances. In fact, Kensing has not had an ERA higher than 3.58 in each of his last five seasons in Triple A. That also includes a 2.23 ERA over 19 appearances with Triple-A Tacoma (Seattle) in 2015. He owns a 3.29 ERA and 44 saves over 327 appearances (one start) at the Triple-A level.
The Texas A&M University alum briefly played with the Bridgeport Bluefish in 2011. There, Kensing carried a 1.59 ERA over nine appearances before his contract with purchased by the New York Yankees. He owns a 34-31 record with a 3.41 ERA and 45 saves over 14 seasons in minor league baseball.
The Somerset Patriots led the Atlantic League in attendance and made their 14th appearance in the playoffs last season. The Somerset Patriots will welcome their 7,000,000th fan in their 20th season at TD Bank Ballpark in 2018. Tickets are now on sale for the 2018 Season presented by Ford beginning at home on Friday, April 27th. For more information, please visit www.somersetpatriots.com.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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