PEORIA, Ill. (June 7, 2006) ? Bradley junior right-hander Michael Christl (Naperville, Ill./Waubonsie Valley H.S.) became the second Bradley player selected in the 2006 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft when the Boston Red Sox made him the 673rd selection during the second day of the draft.

The 6-foot-4 Christl is projected to be the ace of Bradley's staff if he returns for his senior season in 2007.  He missed a month during the middle of his junior season due to tendinitis, but still managed to post a 4-5 record and a save with a 4.76 earned run average in his 13 appearances.  In his first week back in action after resting his arm, Christl picked up a win and a save in two scoreless relief outings against Illinois and Illinois State.

His career has fluctuated between starter and reliever.  As a freshman in 2004, Christl started in nine of his 13 appearances and posted a 3-5 record with two complete games.  During his sophomore season in 2005, Christl was the team's top reliever, finishing with a 5-3 record and setting the single-season school mark with five saves.  If Christl returns for his senior season, he will be the team's active leader in wins (12), saves (6), innings pitched (175.1) and strikeouts (145).

Christl becomes the second Bradley pitcher to be drafted this week, joining senior Brandon Magee, who was taken with the 120th pick Tuesday by the Toronto Blue Jays.