WHITAKER BANK BALLPARK (Lexington, KY) - The Kansas City Royals 33rd overall MLB Draft pick, Jackson Kowar has been assigned to the Lexington Legends. Kowar was the second Florida Gator drafted in the first round, after his teammate Brady Singer who was the 18th overall selection by the Royals.

"There is always a buzz in the air following the MLB Draft each year with fans eager to see if a top draft pick will make their way to Lexington by the end of the season. We are excited to welcome Jackson to Lexington and see an SEC product on the mound at Whitaker Bank Ballpark," said Legends President/CEO Andy Shea.

Kowar was in the weekend starting rotation at the University of Florida and during his junior campaign in 2018, he finished with a 9-3 record and 3.01 ERA with 84 strikeouts through 86.2 innings. Throughout his career at Florida, Kowar recorded a 3.53 ERA through 255 innings allowing 100 earned runs while striking out 243. His 24 wins are tied for ninth all-time in UF history.

Called on to pitch in relief in Game 2 of the 2017 College World Series Final against Louisiana State University, Kowar recorded the only save of his collegiate career with 1 2/3 innings of one-hit ball to secure Florida's first national championship.

Kowar will make his first start for the Legends Thursday, July 12 at 7:05 p.m. at Augusta.

In a corresponding roster move, Andres Sotillet has been promoted to the Wilmington Blue Rocks.

The Legends, a Class A affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and member of the South Atlantic League, play all home games at Whitaker Bank Ballpark in Lexington, Kentucky. For ticket information, call (859) 422-7867 or visit LexingtonLegends.com.