Photo courtesy of Shawn Coates and the Winnipeg Goldeyes

The Kansas City T-Bones and manager Tim Doherty have announced that left-hander and Wichita State product Kris Johnson has been signed to a contract for the 2011 season.

Johnson, 26, was a first-round draft choice (40th overall) out of Wichita State University by the Boston Red Sox in the 2006 amateur draft. He advanced as high as Triple-A Pawtucket in just four seasons, reaching the International League for the first time in 2009. The left-hander earned Pitcher of the Week honors with Double-A Portland in 2008, and was named one of Boston’s top pitching prospects by Baseball America that season.

A product of Blue Springs (MO) High School, Johnson threw five no-hitters before committing to Wichita State. As a freshman in 2004, he was named a First-Team Freshman All-American after going 7-0 with a Missouri Valley Conference-best 2.01 ERA. Johnson finished his college career 16-2 with a 2.94 ERA in 32 games, 30 starts, with the Shockers.

Johnson is set to make his T-Bones debut Saturday night as he earns the start against the Winnipeg Goldeyes at Shaw Park in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. First pitch is set for 6:00. To catch all the action while the team is on the road, listen live at KUDL Radio Bach 1660 AM or online at www.tbonesbaseball.com.