BARTLETT JOINS ROYALS

SAUGET, Ill. — Grizzlies shortstop Max Bartlett has signed with the Kansas City Royals, becoming the third Grizzlie this season to ink an affiliated contract.

Bartlett came to Gateway following his senior season at the University of Tennessee. He hit .277 with a homer and 16 RBIs in 35 games for the Volunteers.

He will likely be assigned to the Royals' Rookie-Advanced affiliate, the Idaho Falls Chukars of the Pioneer League.

Bartlett joins Will Lamarche (San Francisco Giants) and Brandon Texiera (Milwaukee Brewers) in the affiliated ranks.

Lamarche pitches for the San Jose Giants (Advanced-A, California League). Another Gateway alum, Trevor Richards, was recently called up to Double-A Jacksonville in the Miami Marlins' organization.