Matt Kniginyzky

Matthew Michael Kniginyzky

• Bats Left, Throws Right
• Height 6' 3", Weight 185 lb.
• School Lake City Community College, Northeastern Oklahoma A&M, High Point University
• High School Lorne Park High School

• Born October 5, 1982 in Oakville, ON CAN

BR Minors page

Biographical Information

Matt Kniginyzky reached AA in 2009.

Kniginyzky was picked out of high school by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 43rd round of the 2000 amateur draft but did not sign. At his third college, High Point University, he saved 7 games in 2005, the 4th-highest mark in school history. He became the first High Point player drafted in 14 years when the Kansas City Royals chose him in the 23rd round of the 2005 amateur draft. He was signed by scout Spencer Graham and made his pro debut that summer.

Matt was 2-5 with 5 saves and a 4.66 ERA for the 2005 Idaho Falls Chukars, with 40 strikeouts in 29 innings. With the 2006 Burlington Bees, Kniginyzky became a starting pitcher and was 9-5 with a 3.51 ERA. He missed the last month after surgery for a torn labrum.

Kniginyzky was slow to recover in 2007, pitching 5 games for the AZL Royals (0 R in 3 IP), Idaho Falls (4 R in 5 IP) and Burlington (1-0, 1.88). A right rotator cuff strain ended his season. In 2008, Matt was back, going 9-8 with a 3.57 ERA for the Wilmington Blue Rocks. He was 7th in the Carolina League in ERA and named his team's Pitcher of the Year, beating out Mario Santiago.

The Ontario native struggled with the 2009 Northwest Arkansas Naturals, where his record was 5-10, 5.48 and he gave up 21 home runs in 134 2/3 IP.

When Philippe Valiquette was injured, Kniginyzky was a last-minute addition to Team Canada for the 2009 Baseball World Cup. He nearly no-hit the Netherlands Antilles national team in his first outing.

Sources

• 2009 Royals Media Guide
• 2006-2009 Baseball Almanacs
• Baseball Canada