Instead of signing a contract with the Detroit Tigers, left-handed pitcher A. J. Block will return to WSU for his senior season, according to WSU Athletics.

“I am incredibly excited to return to Washington State for my senior year. I have spoken with Coach [Brian] Green many times over the past month and I believe that he is the right man to lead this program,” said Block in a press release.

The Detroit Tigers selected Block in the 17th round of the 2019 Major League Baseball Draft in June. He returns to WSU with a 5.90 ERA, 144 strikeouts and a 1-15 record.

As a junior, Block made 14 starts and led the Cougars with 68 strikeouts in 71.1 innings but went 0-8 with a 6.06 ERA. He earned Pac-12 All-Academic First Team honors for the second straight year. Block was the opening day starter against Saint Mary’s on Feb. 15.

During his sophomore year, Block appeared in 21 games and started in five games. He went 1-4 with a 4.91 ERA and struck out 48 batters in 44 innings. He tied for sixth in the Pac-12 with three runners picked off.

As a freshman, Block played in 16 games with seven starts. He went 0-3 with a 6.89 ERA and made 28 strikeouts in 32.2 innings. He did not allow a run in his first three appearances.