Trio set to play for Canada at Pan Am Games
Francis, Albers, Dawson currently in Blue Jays' Minor League system
TORONTO -- Three pitchers in the Blue Jays' system will suit up for Team Canada at next month's Pan Am Games. Jeff Francis, Andrew Albers and Shane Dawson were included on the national team roster, which was announced by Baseball Canada on Wednesday.
• Cast your Esurance All-Star ballot for #ASGWorthy players
Both Albers and Francis are currently pitching with Triple-A Buffalo, while Dawson is playing for Class A Lansing. Francis has pitched 12 innings of relief for the Blue Jays this season, posting a 1-2 record with a 6.75 ERA. Albers, meanwhile, has made one appearance with Toronto, throwing 2 2/3 innings while allowing one run.
Dawson has posted an 8-4 record and a 3.18 ERA in 11 starts (13 appearances) with the Lugnuts.
Team Canada is managed by former Blue Jays player Ernie Whitt.
The Canadian roster features eight players from the Guadalajara 2011 Pan Am Games gold medal-winning team. This year's tournament takes place at the President's Choice Pan Am Ballpark in Ajax, Ontario, starting July 19.
In a tuneup for the Pan Am Games, the national team will compete at the Americas Baseball Festival in North Carolina in early July.