Bibens-Dirkx Gets Big League Callup

Right-handed pitcher Austin Bibens-Dirkx has been called up to the Texas Rangers, it has been announced.

It is the first time in 12 seasons that the Portland, OR native has been promoted to the Major League level.

Bibens-Dirkx, now 32, was 3-3 with a 3.81 ERA in 10 starts for the Lancaster Barnstormers in 2016.  His contract was purchased by the Rangers in June of last season.  He was assigned to Class AAA Round Rock and finished out the season in the Pacific Coast League, going 3-2 with a 4.34 ERA.

The right-hander spent the bulk of the 2017 spring training camp with the Major League team as a non-roster invitee.  He was assigned back to Round Rock to open the season and went 0-2 with a 3.04 ERA in six appearances, of which three were starts.

Bibens-Dirkx is the fifth member of the 2016 Lancaster squad to get a Major League summons.  Four players – Phil Coke, Andrew Albers, Logan Schafer and Matt Reynolds – were promoted last year.

“Austin deserves this chance as much as anybody,” said Barnstormers manager Ross Peeples.  “He was great for us last year.  This just shows how good the Atlantic League has gotten over the last several years.”