CLEVELAND, Miss. - Delta State University senior reliever Garrett Pickens was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 29th round in the Major League Baseball Amatuer Draft on Friday, June 7.  The two-year letterman has already reported to Toronto's Gulf Coast League training facility in Tampa, Fla.

Pickens, a native of Yazoo City, Miss., was a major force for the Statesmen, who finished the season 44-11-1, out of the bullpen during his career at Delta State.   

As a senior, the hard-throwing right-hander posted a 3-2 record with four saves and a team-low 0.47 ERA.  In 19.1 innings, Pickens allowed just three runs, only one earned, on seven hits with six walks and 19 strikeouts.  Opponents batted a mere .113 against him.

In his first season with DSU in 2011, Pickens went 2-0 with a save and a 3.10 ERA out of the bullpen.

The former Mississippi Delta CC transfer was 5-2 with five saves and a 1.82 ERA in 28 career appaearances for coach Kinnison and the Statesmen.  In 39.2 innings pitched, Pickens allowed 11 runs, eight earned, on 16 hits with 16 walks and 46 strikeouts.