Independent Gardner Signed, Joins Wizards

June 30, 2006 - Midwest League (MWL1)
Fort Wayne TinCaps News Release

Fort Wayne, IN - Right-hander Jarrett Gardner, recently signed by the San Diego Padres system from the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association, will join the Fort Wayne Wizards rotation, team officials announced.

Gardner will be in uniform when the Wizards visit the Southwest Michigan Devil Rays tonight in Battle Creek, Michigan.

Gardner was 2-2 with a 2.38 earned run average for the Saltdogs. In 34 innings, he struck out 35. He was odrafted in the 19th round of the 2003 June Amateur Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He appeared in Lowell, August, Portland, Wilmington and Greenville for the Red Sox system. In 2004, with Augusta, Gardner led the South Atlantic League with 13 wins and was fourth with a 2.51 ERA.

Gardner set the Southeastern Conference record for fewest walks per nine innings (5 walks, 93 1/3 innings) as a senior for the University of Arkansas in 2003. As a junior, he was 4-4 with three saves and a 4.04 ERA. In his senior year, he was 4-5 with a 4.63 ERA.

Jon Kirby, who was drafted by the Padres in this year's draft, appeared in three games out of the bullpen for the Wizards. He was 0-0 with a 2.45 ERA in 3 2/3 innings pitched. He allowed three hits, issued six walks and struck out five. He was reassigned to the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League.

An updated roster follows this release and will serve as the Wizards roster update, pending any further changes, for the Midwest League and teams for July 1st.

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