Eric Patterson’s contract purchased by Brewers

The York Revolution has announced that the Atlantic League contract of infielder/outfielder Eric Patterson has been purchased by the Milwaukee Brewers. The transaction comes after Patterson excelled at various positions in the field and in the batting order in 62 games with York.

Patterson batted .275 with the Revolution, with 13 home runs and 38 RBI. The RBI total is even more impressive considering Patterson had settled into the leadoff role the last several weeks he was with the club. The nine-year professional played second, short and corner outfield during his time with York.

He was named Atlantic League Player of The Week for the period of June 3-9, and homered in four consecutive games during that time (including a grand slam), joining York Revolution all-time home run leader Chris Nowak as the only players to accomplish such a feat. Patterson’s 13 home runs in the first half of the season are also a Revolution franchise record, and his six triples led the team as well. His three home runs to lead off a game equaled the work of former Revs leadoff man Scott Grimes during the 2010 championship season.

For his efforts, Patterson was selected to the 2013 Atlantic League All-Star Game at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, MD, home of the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He started at shortstop for the Freedom Division.

With the Brewers, Patterson will vie for a Major League opportunity for a fifth time. Between 2007 and 2011, he appeared in 226 MLB games with the Cubs, Athletics, Red Sox and Padres. He debuted as a professional in 2005 after being selected by the Cubs in the 2004 draft out of Georgia Tech.

Patterson is the first player to be acquired by Milwaukee off York’s roster since right-handed reliever Franklin Nunez in 2007. He joins RHP Josh Judy (Angels), 1B/OF Johan Limonta (Padres) and RHP Matt Fox (Mets) as players who’ve had their contracts purchased by MLB clubs from the Revolution this season.

Patterson has the chance to become the fifth Revolution alum to make it to the Major Leagues after playing in York. Three former Revolution alums, Justin Hampson (Mets LHP), Shawn Hill (Blue Jays RHP) and Scott Rice (Mets LHP) have all reached the Majors since last June alone.

-Paul Braverman