Former UNO pitcher Arjona signs with Philadelphia Phillies

NEW ORLEANS – University of New Orleans right-hander Kyle Arjona signed a free-agent contract with the Philadelphia Phillies and will pursue his professional career. In his lone season on the Lakefront, Arjona tossed the only complete game for the Privateers in 2018 to advance to the Southland Conference Championships. For his efforts, he received all-tournament honors.

Arjona went 4-5 with 55 strikeouts in 65.1 innings. In 18 appearances (11 starts), he punched out five or more seven times, including a season-high eight in the CG win over Houston Baptist University. He struck out five hitters in back-to-back games early in the season – 3.0 shutout frames versus Jackson State University – and 5.0 innings of one-run ball in a win over ACC’s Virginia Tech.

“My experience in New Orleans was amazing,” said Arjona. “The coaching staff gave me an amazing opportunity to play for a great program and put me in a position to pursue my professional career. I’m looking forward to playing for the Phillies organization.”

Arjona becomes the second pitcher to sign professionally this offseason as left-hander Bryan Warzek was drafted in the sixth round of the 2018 MLB First-Year Player Draft in early June. Warzek has 16 strikeouts in 8.0 innings (four appearances) between the Arizona League Dodgers (Rookie) and the Great Lakes Loon (A).

Arjona is also the third pitcher to sign professionally since head coach Blake Dean took over the Privateers. In 2017, Shawn Semple was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 11th round. This season, Semple has 28 strikeouts in 26.1 innings (seven games, four starts).

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