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Delone Catholic grad competing for MLB roster spot


Casey Lawrence has made two appearances on the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays in spring training

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McSherrystown native and Delone Catholic graduate Casey Lawrence is one step closer to becoming a Major League pitcher.

A member of the Toronto Blue Jays organization, Lawrence has been officially invited to spring training for the first time and has made two appearances in the team's first five games. He started the Grapefruit League opener against the Atlanta Braves last Saturday and pitched in relief against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday in Florida. Overall, he's tossed three innings and struck out two batters while giving up one hit, one walk and zero runs.

While he's far from a lock to make the Blue Jays' final roster, he's in contention for a bullpen spot and a strong spring could put him in position to be promoted from the minors this season. A recent article on the national sports website FanSided listed him as the likeliest non-roster invite to earn a spot on Toronto's pitching staff.

It's been a major step for the 29-year-old, who's entering his eighth professional season. Lawrence has bounced around the minor leagues since signing with the Blue Jays in 2010, and split last season with the Double-A New Hampshire Fisher Cats and Triple-A Buffalo Bisons.

His uncle, Delone Catholic athletic director Dave Lawrence, said the entire family has been following the prospect's progress. He added he's in the process of getting a passport so he can travel to Toronto to watch his nephew pitch this season if necessary .

"He's always wanted the opportunity and now he's getting it, and when you get it you've got to produce," said Dave Lawrence, who was also Casey's pitching coach with the Squires. "He's 29 so the clock is ticking but so far, so good. He's doing a good job and we're all excited for him."

A 2006 graduate at Delone, Casey Lawrence played baseball for four years at Division III Albright College. While he wasn't selected in the 2010 MLB Draft, he was quickly signed to a minor league contract by the Blue Jays.

He's spent all seven of his professional seasons with various clubs in Toronto's organization, registering a 63-60 career record with a 3.83 ERA in 169 games. In 15 starts with Triple-A Buffalo last season, he went 5-6 with a 3.83 ERA and 58 strikeouts. He signed a new minor league contract with the Blue Jays this past offseason when his rookie deal expired.

"It's been great seeing how he's developed and watching him go up the ladder," Dave Lawrence said. "If they send him back down to Triple-A maybe he'll get a chance this season or he'll get a shot with another team. Everybody's rooting for him."