UPDATE

James made his major-league debut Thursday afternoon at Yankee Stadium, taking over for Oakland in the eighth inning with the Yankees ahead 4-0. James struck out the first batter of his career, Robinson Cano, before surrendering a single to Lance Berkman. He later struck out Derek Jeter to end the inning. James allowed one run on three hits, all singles, in his first major-league inning.

UPDATE

The Kansas City T-Bones are proud to announce that former pitcher Justin James has earned a promotion to the major leagues with the Oakland Athletics. James is the first Northern Leaguer to earn a promotion to the major leagues in the same season his contract was purchased.

James, 29, joined the Double-A Midland RockHounds this season after having his contract purchased from Kansas City on June 17, 2010. He held a 1-0 record and 2.29 ERA in 12 appearances for the RockHounds before being called up to Triple-A Sacramento on July 22. James appeared in 28 games between the two levels, posting an overall record of 2-1 with five saves and a 1.83 ERA in 39 and one-thirds total innings. The right-hander struck out 49 batters while walking just 16 in that span.

“We are very happy for Justin,” said T-Bones manager Tim Doherty. “He is a good example that, if you continue to work hard and stay focused, your goals and dreams are within reach.”

James joined the T-Bones on April 27, 2009, after spending six years in affiliated baseball. A product of the University of Missouri, James was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays in the fifth round of the 2003 amateur draft and was traded to the Cincinnati Reds in 2007. Throughout the six seasons, he split time between several leagues, including a 36-game stint in the Triple-A International League in 2007.

James is the second T-Bones player to reach the major-league level, joining pitcher Travis Schlichting who made his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers on June 7, 2009.