SIOUX FALLS’ FRITZE PURCHASED BY DIAMONDBACKS

(Photo via Ry Tupper Photography)

MOORHEAD, MINN. — The Sioux Falls Canaries have sold the contract of RHP Ryan Fritze to the Arizona Diamondbacks, the American Association announced. Fritze is the 15th American Association player to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization in 2019, and the 35th since the beginning of the 2018 regular season. 

Fritze had his best season as a pro while with the Canaries in 2018, posting a record of 5-2 with a 3.06 ERA in 50 innings of bullpen work. He made 42 appearances, giving up 21 runs (17 earned) while striking out 60 and walking 25. 

The 24-year-old began his professional career in 2017 with the Gary SouthShore RailCats after pitching Valparaiso University in college. In his debut season, Fritze made 19 appearances out of the pen, posting a 5-1 record with a 7.89 ERA. He will join a fellow former American Association pitcher in the Diamondbacks system, Justin Vernia, who had his contract purchased by Arizona February, 28.