ATLANTA --- Tusculum University pitcher Carter Linton has signed a free agent contract with the Atlanta Braves on Sunday. Linton, a right-hander from Kingsport, Tennessee, inked professionally on his 22nd birthday.
Linton pitched for the Pioneers the last two seasons where he made 17 mound appearances out of the TU bullpen where he posted a 2.13 earned run average. During the abbreviated 2020 campaign, he tied for the team lead with 11 appearances where he went 1-1 with one save and a sterling 1.35 ERA. He pitched in 13.1 inning where he recorded 20 strikeouts with seven walks.
He pitched 2.1 innings of relief for his first win in a TU uniform against 2019 NCAA Division II Tournament participant Gannon University. He recorded four strikeouts in two innings of work in Tusculum's road win at Carson-Newman University earlier in the season. He pitched a perfect nine inning for a save at Coker University. He also recorded three strikeouts against fifth-ranked Catawba College and No. 33 Young Harris College.
"We are all extremely proud of Carter of him earning this opportunity," said TU head coach Brandon Steele. "It has been tremendous to watch Carter's growth and development these past two years. I'm excited to see what the future holds for him."
Linton began his collegiate career in 2017 at Columbia State (Tenn.) Community College before transferring to East Tennessee State University in 2018. During his lone season in Johnson City, he made 14 appearances and posted a 1-0 record with an 8.16 ERA.
He played his prep career at Dobyns-Bennett High School where he led the Indians to a TSSAA District title.
His father, Doug Linton, spent 18 years in professional baseball including the Blue Jays, Angels, Mets, Royals, Twins, Orioles, Rockies and Braves.
Linton becomes the 34th Pioneer in program history to sign professionally and the third to ink with the Atlanta organization including former TU pitching greats Ben Swaggerty and Devan Watts.
