Saints’ Jensen trying another team in journey to make majors

Ryan Jensen, a relief pitcher currently with the New Orleans Saints in Minor League Baseball (MiLB), has shown impressive form this season, reminiscent of a top draft pick from the 2019 MLB Draft. However, his professional baseball journey has been marked by transitions between various organizations, indicating some challenges along the way.

Jensen was initially selected by the Seattle Mariners in the 33rd round of the 2016 MLB Draft out of Fresno State University. He spent two seasons in the Mariners' farm system, reaching as high as the Double-A level with the Arkansas Travelers in 2017. In his minor league career up to that point, Jensen posted a respectable 3.38 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 73 appearances and 133 innings pitched.

However, his tenure with the Mariners came to an end following the 2017 campaign. He was then claimed off waivers by the Milwaukee Brewers and spent the next two seasons with their organization. In 2018, Jensen pitched for the Double-A Biloxi Shuckers and the Triple-A Colorado Springs SkySox, posting a combined 3.38 ERA and 1.33 WHIP across 55 appearances and 64 innings pitched.

Despite his solid performances, Jensen was once again on the move when the Brewers released him following the 2018 season. He then signed a minor league contract with the San Francisco Giants and spent the entire 2019 campaign with their Triple-A affiliate, the Sacramento River Cats. In 53 appearances for Sacramento, Jensen recorded a 3.86 ERA and 1.33 WHIP.

The Giants did not offer Jensen a contract for the 2020 season, and he became a free agent. In January 2020, the New Orleans Saints signed him to a minor league deal. With the Saints' Triple-A team, the St. Paul Saints, Jensen has continued his strong performances, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.33 WHIP through 15 appearances and 16 innings pitched as of mid-July 2021.

Jensen's ability to perform at a high level despite the various obstacles and transitions throughout his professional career speaks to his resilience and determination. His current success with the New Orleans Saints organization could potentially lead him back to the Major Leagues for the first time since leaving Fresno State.