FORT SMITH, Ark. – Former University of Arkansas-Fort Smith pitcher Jordan Pratt was drafted Tuesday by the Detroit Tigers in the 16th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.
Pratt, a junior who currently pitches for the No. 15 Arkansas Razorbacks, was the 493rd overall pick and was the first former or current UA Fort Smith player to be selected in this year’s draft.
The 6-foot-3 right-hander, who is from Harrison, Ark., played two seasons at UA Fort Smith, which was then a junior college.
As a sophomore, Pratt was 5-4 with 5.00 ERA in 14 appearances that included 13 starts. He struck out 57 and walked 33 during 72 innings. As a freshman, he was 3-2 with a 2.83 ERA in 13 appearances that included 12 starts. He struck out 62 and walked 32 during 54 1/3 innings.
Pratt logged only two appearances in relief during his two seasons with the Lions but has taken on a middle reliever/closer role for the Razorbacks, who beat Washington State on Monday night to win the Fayetteville (Ark.) Regional.
He is 3-1 in 23 appearances – all in relief – with two saves this season. He boasts a 3.72 ERA with 48 strikeouts and only 15 walks during 38 2/3 innings.
Pratt was one of 17 pitchers and nine right-handers selected by the Tigers during the first two days – 30 rounds – of the draft. He was one of three Razorbacks drafted by the Tigers, who selected left-handed pitcher Drew Smyly with the 68th overall pick and left fielder Collin Kuhn with the 463rd pick.