MONTREAL, Canada — On Tuesday, the Montreal Expos purchased the contract of former LSU relief pitcher Roy Corcoran from Class Double-A Harrisburg. The next day, the rookie tossed 3 2/3 innings in mop-up duty without allowing a run.
Corcoran entered with one out in the top of the first inning in relief of fellow rookie Claudio Vargus, who was charged with seven runs on three hits with three walks.
After allowing an RBI double that was charged to Vargus, Corcoran settled down and didn’t allow another hit as he pitched through the fourth inning trailing 7-0. He walked one batter and struck out St. Louis pitcher Danny Haren (2-2) for his first major league K. He also recorded two putouts at first base and was 0-for-1 at the plate with a strikeout.
At the time of his promotion, Corcoran was 1-1 with three saves and a 0.38 ERA in 14 games out of the bullpen for the Harrisburg Senators.
Allowing only on earned run in 23 2/3 innings this season, he limited opposing Eastern League batters to a .167 batting average. In three minor league seasons, Corcoran is 11-8 with 28 saves and a 2.76 ERA. This will be his first appearances in the major leagues.
The Expos signed Corcoran, 23, as an undrafted minor league free agent out of LSU in 2001. He will wear jersey No. 52.
Corcoran, a right-hander from Slaughter, La., led the 2001 LSU staff in appearances with 28, including three starts. He posted an 8-4 mark and a 5.48 ERA with 31 walks and 62 strikeouts in 69 innings.
Corcoran replaced catcher Michael Barrett, who was placed on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to July 27, with a right-hip flexor strain.