Former Kansas pitcher Rackoski signs free agent deal

LAWRENCE, Kan. –Former Kansas starting pitcher Sean Rackoski inked a free agent deal Friday with the Toronto Blue Jays.
 
“I am really excited for Sean,” head coach Ritch Price said. “He battled multiple injuries during his time at KU and never really reached his full potential. He has one of the most electric arms I have seen and he could do some great things.”
 
Rackoski missed the entire 2016 season after breaking his thumb in the final preseason practice. He started the 2017 campaign strong, as the Jayhawks’ Friday night starter, but a hip injury in the middle of the season sidelined the hurler for about a month. The coaching staff gradually worked Rackoski back into the rotation, where he finished his career on the mound against then-No. 6 TCU in the 2017 Phillips 66 Big 12 Baseball Championship.
 
“Getting the opportunity to play professional baseball is an absolute dream come true,” Rackoski said. “It is such a rewarding feeling for all the hard work that I put in and the obstacles I had to overcome to continue playing. A big part of my development and mentality is owed to the University of Kansas baseball program. My coaches and teammates challenged me to become a better player throughout my time, and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done for me.”
 
Rackoski started 24 games in his career, threw 120 innings and recorded 82 strikeouts. He is a two-time Academic All-Big 12 honoree and graduated in May with a degree in mechanical engineering.
 
“Sean has tremendous upside,” Price said. “If he stays healthy, that is an absolute quality arm for the Blue Jays organization.”
 
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