Grand Prairie, TX – One hour prior to the Sioux Falls Canaries first-half finale against the Grand Prairie AirHogs, the club got word that they would be without their closer. Kris Regas, who is 2-0 with a 1.19 ERA and an American Association best 15 saves, has been purchased by the Detroit Tigers organization.

“We are thrilled that Kris is going to be getting another opportunity with the Tigers,” said Canaries Manager Steve Shirley. “His dedication and commitment to his dream has paid off with great success with the Canaries for the last two years, and it is time for him to take that success to the next level.”

Regas, who was in spring training with the Tigers this year, was just recently named the American Association June pitcher of the month. In June, Regas was 1-0 with 11 saves and a 0.60 ERA.

In two years as the Canaries closer, Regas has converted 45 of 47 save attempts, while the Canaries are 47-0 in games where Regas has come on to close. During two and a half seasons with the Canaries, Regas pitched in 95 games, going 5-2 with 45 saves, throwing 108.0 innings, allowing 22 runs, 16 earned, on 76 hits and 26 walks while striking out 149 opposing hitters. He was twice selected to the American Association All-Star Team, and was named the 2008 Star of Stars by PA-Sportsticker, the official statistician of the American Association.