Nov. 11, 2004

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- The Montreal Expos have purchased the contract of former Furman pitcher Danny Rueckel from Triple-A Edmonton, clearing the way for the right-hander to join the big league club for spring training, it has been announced.

Rueckel, 25, went a combined 7-5 with nine saves and a 2.18 ERA in 49 appearances for Double-A Harrisburg and Edmonton in 2004. He posted a 2.75/1 strikeout-to-walk ratio at the two levels. He was also selected as an Eastern League All-Star this past summer.

The Dunwoody, Ga., product has compiled a 12-10 record with a 3.01 ERA and 26 saves in three seasons of professional ball. He was selected by the Expos in the 12th round of the 2002 Major League Draft.

A four-year starter for Furman as a shortstop where he batted .282 with 17 home runs and 118 career RBI, Rueckel didn't make his first mound appearance for the Paladins until his junior year. In two seasons of work, primarily as a reliever, he posted an 11-9 record and 4.64 ERA, helping Furman to a then school best 30-25 record in 2001. He graduated in 2002.