Baxendale signs with Minnesota

FAYETTEVILLE – DJ Baxendale is set to begin his professional career as he has signed a contract with the Minnesota Twins, as announced on Wednesday.

Baxendale was a 10th round selection of the Twins in the 2012 MLB Draft with the 310th overall pick. He’ll begin his professional career with the Elizabethton Twins, Minnesota’s rookie league affiliate. Baxendale is the third Razorback to sign, joining Matt Reynolds, who signed with the Mets, and Sam Bates, who signed with the Royals.

A right-handed pitcher from Jacksonville, Ark., Baxendale set a new school single-season record with 20 starts in 2012 and finished the year with an 8-5 record and a 3.11 ERA. Baxendale led the Razorbacks with 107 innings pitched and 96 strikeouts. Opposing hitters batted just .236 against Baxendale. Over his final 12 starts of the season, Baxendale had a 2.18 ERA, striking out 69 batters in 74.1 innings.

In his three-year career at Arkansas, Baxendale pitched in 68 games, including 35 starts, and posted an 18-9 record with 10 saves and a 2.71 ERA. One of the top pitchers in Arkansas history, Baxendale’s name is littered throughout the career record book. He ranks eighth in earned run average (2.71), tied for sixth in appearances (68), tied for eighth in saves (10) and ninth in strikeouts (217).