Former CSU standout added to WBC Canadian National Team - WCIV-TV | ABC News 4 - Charleston News, Sports, Weather

Former CSU standout added to WBC Canadian National Team

CHARLESTON, S.C. - Former Charleston Southern baseball standout Robert Joseph "R.J." Swindle has been added to the Canadian National Team for the 2013 World Baseball Classic. Canada is currently in the D-Bracket, taking Italy, the United States of America and Mexico for a berth into second round.

Swindle, a left-handed pitcher who is the career record holder for wins and strikeouts at Charleston Southern including earning the 2003 Big South Conference Player of the Year honors, was added to the Canadian roster yesterday morning taking the spot of injured reliever Jesse Crain. Swindle played for Canada at the WBC qualifying round in Germany this past year.

A native of Vancouver, Canada, Swindle has bounced around the major leagues, making appearances in the Major Leagues in both 2008 and 2009, making his first appearance with the Philadelphia Phillies as a reliever on July 2, 2008. He made his major league debut on July 7th, pitching three innings against the New York Mets.

The following season, Swindle made six appearances with the Milwaukee Brewers before being designated for assignment.

Currently, Swindle is a free agent.

Charleston Southern baseball is back in action this weekend as the Buccaneers host the Siena Saints in a three-game series at the CSU Ballpark. First pitch in the opening doubleheader on Saturday afternoon is set for noon, while Sunday's nine-inning contest begins at 1 p.m.