Courtesy Gary SouthShore RailCats Media Relations
Durham, N.C. – The Gary South Shore RailCats and the American Association of Professional Baseball jointly announced today that the New York Yankees have purchased the contract of RHP Christian Herstine.
Herstine, from Beaver, Pa., made a big mark on the Cats’ bullpen in his 15 days with the club. The righty signed on June 21st and made his professional debut the next day. Herstine made five appearances and totaled 8.2 innings of work. He compiled a 1-0 record with a 1.03 ERA and 10 strikeouts. Herstine’s last appearance for Gary SouthShore was last night against Winnipeg. He hit a batter and walked another, but got out of the jam by striking out two Goldeyes.
Herstine joined the RailCats following a phenomenal collegiate career at Division III Marietta College. The 6’3” 205 pounder was a second-team All-American and Mideast Region Pitcher of the Year. He finished his senior year with a 9-4 record and a 2.32 ERA. He tossed two shutouts and four complete games. Herstine’s 114 strikeouts were the highest in Division III when he completed his season.
The RailCats pitching staff has the best ERA (3.38) in the American Association but will have to replace two quality arms after losing Gunn and Herstine. RailCat pitchers have a 1.63 ERA in the last 10 games.
The RailCats are becoming a hotbed for affiliated scouts, as this is the second player signed by a Major League Baseball organization in two days. The Arizona Diamondbacks signed LHP Alex Gunn yesterday. Gunn is heading to their rookie league team. The two pitchers join INF Jose Sermo and RHP Matt Solter as players with contracts purchased in 2016.
The 2016 signings add to a trend that began after last season. The Yankees picked up INF Spencer Mahoney on November 18, 2015. Mahoney’s deal was the first with an affiliated club since July of 2013 when LHP Clay Zavada went to the San Diego Padres. OF Anthony Checky’s contract was purchased by the Diamondbacks one month after Mahoney’s. Herstine’s deal brings the RailCats’ total to six players signed since the completion of last season.
Photo: Traci Paulson, Gary SouthShore RailCats
