Cajuns’ Harrison signs with Tampa Bay

LAFAYETTE — Louisiana-Lafayette junior left-hander Jordan Harrison on Monday agreed to terms with the Tampa Bay Rays, foregoing his senior season.

The Rays chose Harrison (3-3, 3.42 ERA with six starts among 17 appearances) in the 25th round of the draft last week.

“I really enjoyed my time at UL, and it was a very tough decision to make, having one year left,” Harrison said. “The reason I chose to sign was, I felt that it was time to move on with my career. The fastest way to reach the big leagues is to start playing pro ball.”

The New York Mets chose Harrison in the 36th round of the 2009 draft out of New Caney (Texas) High.

Contract details were not immediately disclosed, a news release said. Harrison, has already reported to Port Charlotte, Fla., home of the Gulf Coast League Rays, who begin play Monday.

“Our program is proud of Jordan’s opportunity to sign a professional baseball contract,” ULL coach Tony Robichaux said. “It’s a dream of every little leaguer to one day be drafted and hopefully play major league baseball.

“It’s always bittersweet for us. We would like the player drafted to stay, but we also understand what’s ultimately at stake — a chance to play in the major leagues.”

Former UL-Lafayette left-hander T.J. Geith, drafted by the Rays last season, is a member of the Rays’ Class A Advanced Affiliate Charlotte Stone Crabs of the Florida State League, also based in Port Charlotte, Fla.