WALTHAM, Mass. – Bentley University right-hander Rob Finneran (Garden City, N.Y./Garden City HS), an All-Northeast-10 Conference selection in each of his three seasons, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 37th round of the Major League Baseball free agent draft on Wednesday.

Finneran, after missing the 2011 season following Tommy John surgery, came back strong this past season, earning first-team All-Northeast-10 Conference while leading Bentley to a 28-23 record. The 22-year-old tied the school record for wins in a season, finishing 8-3 with a 2.26 ERA in a dozen starts. His list of accolades also included second-team Daktronics and American Baseball Coaches Association Division II All-East Region.

The graduate student struck out 78 in 79.2 innings and limited opposing hitters to a .220 batting average and just nine extra base hits (seven doubles, two triples). His WHIP was 10.39, and he allowed one run or less six times in his final nine starts.

"I'm thrilled to get drafted and I can't thank my coaches and teammates enough. They've been extremely supportive especially this past year coming back from Tommy John surgery," said Finneran. "I couldn't be happier going to an organization like Tampa Bay where they're known for developing young arms and have a great farm system. I'm really excited and I can't wait to get started." 

Finneran, who was 7-2 in 2009 and 6-3 in 2010, finished his career number one in Bentley history in wins (21), winning percentage (.724), strikeouts (229 in 240.1 innings) and ERA (2.81). He was a third-team All-Northeast-10 honoree in 2010 and a second-team selection in 2009. The 6-foot-3, 215-pounder faced 1003 batters during his collegiate career and surrendered only two home runs.   

Follow Rob's progress in the Tampa Bay Rays' organization by clicking here