The Major League Baseball signing deadline has passed, and Arkansas pitcher Mike Bolsinger hasn’t signed. That’s big news for the Razorback baseball program, which will get back last season’s most consistent pitcher. Oakland drafted the senior right-hander in the 33rd round and never could agree on money with Bolsinger.

I just spoke with Mike and he sounded pretty bummed — excited about next season as a Hog, but nonetheless, bummed. He might not be so bummed in the long-run if he can produce on the mound once again next season and improve his draft stock.

Bolsinger said he’d be back in Northwest Arkansas by tomorrow night.

Here’s the story …

Bolsinger Returns To Arkansas
By Ryan Malashock
The Morning News
rmalashock@nwaonline.net
FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas pitcher Mike Bolsinger will return to the Razorbacks for his senior season.

The right-hander didn’t sign with the Oakland Athletics before Monday night’s Major League Baseball signing deadline. Bolsinger and the A’s didn’t agree on signing bonus money from the start of their negotiations, after Oakland selected him in the 33rd round of the MLB draft in June.

Bolsinger spent Monday night waiting for a possible call from the A’s, who expressed interest in increasing their offer if they couldn’t sign several of their top picks. The call never came before the 11:01 p.m. deadline.

“I’m a little disappointed, because I thought I had a good season and was capable of signing for something good,” Bolsinger said Monday night from his house in McKinney, Texas. “But also, I feel excitement to come back to Arkansas. It’s great to play there, and we could do some great things this year.

“You know, the disappointment is always going to be there in the back of your mind. I’ve always wanted to go play pro ball and I thought this was the year. There’s always next year, though.”

Bolsinger expected to be picked much earlier in the draft — like teammates Dallas Keuchel (8th round) and Stephen Richards (9th) — and demanded more money than a usual 33rd-round selection.

Now he’ll get a chance to improve his draft position, by likely moving into Arkansas’ starting rotation. Arkansas’ most consistent reliever last season, Bolsinger went 6-4 with a 2.99 ERA and a team-high 79 strikeouts.

Bolsinger said he’d return to Arkansas today. He already has moved to a different apartment in Fayetteville, moving his stuff there last Wednesday. He has enrolled for all his classes, as well, and will start classes Monday.

“I’ll probably wake up early, pack up some stuff and leave around 12 o’clock,” said Bolsinger, who had his appendix removed a couple of weeks ago. “I’ll start working out and throwing and getting my arm back in shape.”

Bolsinger said the drawn out process tore at his emotions.

“It’s been hard because I just wanted to know if it was going to happen,” Bolsinger said. “It’s hard not being signed. But I’ll use it (for motivation). It’s like a kick in the face, and now I want to prove that I’m worth it.”