Bridgeport, CT - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signing of pitcher Brad Thompson. Thompson joins the Bluefish for his Atlantic League debut and ninth season of professional baseball. The former Major Leaguer began the 2012 campaign with Double-A New Britain (Minnesota Twins) of the Eastern League, making four appearances for the Rock Cats.
“Brad will bring an established, veteran arm to our pitching staff,” says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. “He will be a great addition to our club during the second half run.”
The reliever has spent six seasons in the Big Leagues, making his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2005 and his final appearance in ‘The Show’ coming in 2010 with the Kansas City Royals. He was an important member of the Cardinals bullpen during the teams’ World Series Championship season in 2006, posting a 3.24 ERA with 32 strikeouts in 43 games. The 30-year-old owns a 21-21 career Major League record with a 4.46 ERA and 190 punchouts over the course of 201 appearances. Brad was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 16th round of the 2002 amateur draft.
In a corresponding roster move, the Bluefish have also traded pitcher Chris Hayes to the Long Island Ducks to complete the Wynn Pelzer acquisition from May 24.
