Toronto signs Lowery as free agent

Arkansas' Jackson Lowery pitches during the seconnd inning in a super regional of the NCAA college baseball tournament game against Missouri State in Fayetteville, Ark., Saturday, June 6, 2015. (AP Photo/Danny Johnston)

— Jackson Lowery has signed a free agent contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to the Meridian Community College baseball Twitter account.

The former Arkansas right-handed pitcher played two seasons with the Razorbacks, going 7-1 with a 3.22 ERA in 58 2/3 innings as a senior.

Lowery spent most of the season in the bullpen, but made three starts. Because of several late-season injuries, he became Arkansas' go-to pitcher in long-relief situations.

He started in the Razorbacks' NCAA regional-clinching win over St. John's, allowing only one earned run on one hit in the no decision. He also threw 6 2/3 innings in relief in Arkansas' super regional loss to Missouri State, preserving the bullpen for Game 3.

After beginning his career at Central Arkansas as an infielder, Lowery transferred to Meridian to develop as a pitcher. After one season with the Eagles, the Little Rock native and Pulaski Academy alum came home to pitch for the Razorbacks.

He is the fifth player from this year's team to sign a professional contract, joining Andrew Benintendi (Boston Red Sox), Trey Killian (Colorado Rockies), Bobby Wernes (Houston Astros) and Tyler Spoon (Boston Red Sox), all of which were drafted by their respective teams.