Washington, DC (SportsNetwork.com) - The St. Louis Cardinals placed outfielder Peter Bourjos on the paternity leave list and purchased the contract of right- handed pitcher Mitch Harris from Triple-A Memphis on Tuesday.
Harris, a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, will be making his major league debut in his first game appearance, and he is believed to be the first U.S. Naval Academy graduate to appear in the majors since pitcher Nemo Gaines did so with the Washington Senators in 1921. Harris attained the rank of Lieutenant as a U.S. Navy officer.
A native of Ocala, Florida, the 29-year-old Harris was chosen by the Cardinals in the 13th round of the 2008 amateur draft, but his required military service prevented him from beginning his professional career until 2013. He appeared in eight games for the Cardinals during spring training, pitching to a 1.86 ERA over 9 2/3 innings, and had no record with a 2.45 ERA and two saves in four games for Memphis this season.
The Cardinals also designated Memphis outfielder Gary Brown for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster for Harris.
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