The Kansas City T-Bones are proud to announce that former pitcher Erik Hamren has earned a promotion to the major leagues with the San Diego Padres.
 
Hamren, 24, made his major league debut at PETCO Park on Monday night in a 6-2 loss against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander pitched a scoreless ninth for San Diego, walking one while striking out Dee Gordon to end the frame.

Originally drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 37th round of the 2008 amateur draft, Hamren spent two seasons in their organization before his release on December 22, 2009. He then signed with the T-Bones as a free agent on March 9, 2010. Hamren made 37 relief appearances for Kansas City in 2010, going 0-1 with two saves and a 3.93 ERA while surrendering just 47 hits in 50 and one-thirds innings. He was sent to the Joliet JackHammers on August 22, 2010 in a trade for pitcher Mike Rocco.

After finishing the season with Joliet, Hamren was signed by the Padres out of an October tryout. He opened the 2011 season at High-A Lake Elsinore before earning a promotion to Double-A San Antonio. Hamren went 5-0 with a save and a miniscule 0.96 ERA in 65 and two-thirds innings between the two levels, surrendering only 46 hits while striking out 69 and walking just 14 in that span.

Hamren is the third T-Bones player to reach the major leagues, and the second to do so less than 12 months after playing for Kansas City. Justin James was the first to accomplish the feat after going from the T-Bones to the Oakland Athletics during the 2010 campaign.

Kansas City welcomes the Sioux City Explorers (37-36) to town for a three-game series that opens Tuesday night. First pitch is set for 7:05. Join us Tuesday for a Foldable Water Bottle Giveaway presented by MAPS, as well as Two for Tuesday Beer Specials! Call 913-328-5618 or visit www.tbonesbaseball.com to secure your seats today.