The Southern Illinois Miners announce that they have sold the contract of right-handed pitcher Britt Robertshaw to the Atlanta Braves.
Robertshaw becomes the fourth Miners player this season to be picked up by a Major League Baseball organization, joining Zach Cooper (Tampa Bay), David Nick (also by Atlanta) and Jose Gonzalez (Colorado). He is also the 35th player to go from the Miners to a major league organization, and the fifth Miner to be picked up by Atlanta in the last two years, joining Nick, Pete Perez, Brandon Cunniff and Race Parmenter.
“Britt is very deserving of this opportunity,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “He continued to develop this season and has worked very hard for this chance. We have a great relationship with the Atlanta Braves and the players we have sent to them have excelled.”
Robertshaw filled a number of roles for Southern Illinois out of the bullpen this season. He finishes the 2014 season with a 3-2 record and a 3.08 ERA in 37 appearances. On the mound, in 49 2/3 innings, he walked 27 and struck out 53, while giving up just 41 hits. He also memorably started a game-winning rally in extra innings against Florence at home on July 28th when, due to substitutions, he had to bat for himself to lead off the 12th inning, and singled to right field, getting a hit in his first professional at-bat.
“Britt has had a great season for us,” Miners pitching coach Preston Vancil said.”It was only a matter of time before an affiliated club took notice. Stuff like his plays at all levels, and I look forward to seeing his progress through the Atlanta Braves’ system.”
