Andrew Albers will return to the Minnesota Twins organization where he began his Major League Baseball career back in 2013. (Espn.com)

By Martin Martinson

The next chapter

NB local Albers ‘excited for opportunity ahead’ after signing with Twins

Feb 10, 2021 | 4:05 PM

Saskatchewan’s Andrew Albers is getting another shot at the big leagues.

After spending the last three seasons playing professional baseball overseas, the North Battleford product is headed back to the state of Minnesota after signing a contract with the Minnesota Twins of Major League Baseball (MLB).

The minor league deal includes an invitation for the southpaw pitcher to attend the team’s big league spring training camp as well, with a chance to potentially make it back to the highest level.

Minnesota is a familiar destination for Albers, who made his MLB debut as a member of the Twins back in 2013. He was the eighth Saskatchewan-born player to ever debut in the majors and the first since Terry Puhl in the early 1990s.

At 35 years, Albers said having the opportunity to return to pro-baseball in the US – especially with the Twins – is special to him.

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“I wasn’t sure I’d get a chance like this this year, so I was really happy when the Twins called and offered me this opportunity,” he said. “I’m really excited about it, and obviously the Twins organization has a bit of a special place to me in my journey, so I’m really excited to get back there.”

The contract comes after Albers spent the last three years pitching for the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), where he posted a 4.02 ERA (earned run average) over 48 games in Japan’s top league.

Albers said he looks forward to the chance to vie for a spot at the highest level once again, and relishes the challenge ahead.

“I really couldn’t ask for more than this opportunity to go down and have the chance to compete,” he said. “Whether I start in Triple-A and then work my way up to the big leagues, or just get back into affiliated ball, I’m really excited about the opportunity and thankful to have it.”

Albers was initially drafted to the major leagues fresh out of high school at North Battleford’s John Paul II Collegiate. Selected by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 12th Round of the 2004 MLB Amateur Draft, he elected to instead play college ball at the University of Kentucky. He opted to re-enter the draft in 2008, where he was selected in the 10th Round by the San Diego Padres.

In parts of four MLB seasons spilt between the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and Seattle Mariners, Albers has posted a career 7-6 record with a 4.10 ERA.

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Martin.Martinson@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: MartyMartyPxP1