Todd gets his call

FAYETTEVILLE – Jess Todd, an integral part of the Arkansas Razorback pitching staff during the 2007 season, got the call he has been waiting for his entire life on Thursday when the St. Louis Cardinals brought the right-handed reliever to the big leagues.

Todd was named the Cardinals Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2008 and moved quickly to the double A Springfield Cardinals organization. Todd began 2009 with the Memphis Redbirds and after the parent club St. Louis Cardinals sought help for a taxed bullpen brought the right hander up to provide depth.

In order to make room for Todd, St. Louis designated Blaine Boyer for assignment. Todd was 3-1 with the Redbirds this season with a 2.96 ERA and 11 saves in 20 appearances.

Todd’s promotion to the Cardinals makes him the third former Razorback to be playing in Major League Baseball. Left-handed pitcher Cliff Lee, Cleveland Indians, and outfielder Eric Hinske, Pittsburgh Pirates, are the other two Razorbacks playing at the highest level.

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