The Kansas City Royals took Mississippi State pitcher Vance “Moonlight” Tatum in the 18th round (553rd overall) on Saturday.
It is the first time the 6-foot-4, 215-pounder from Olive Branch has been drafted and is the first Bulldog selected by the Royals since Jeremy Jackson in 1998.
Tatum has made 17 relief appearances as a junior this season and has one save. He holds a 5.24 earned run average with 23 strikeouts and seven walks spanning 22 1/3 innings.
Tatum will have until July 15 to sign with Kansas City or return to MSU.