Kansas University right-handed pitcher Paul Smyth became the fourth former Jayhawk to sign with a major-league baseball organization this week when he signed Thursday with the Oakland Athletics.

Smyth reported to Vancouver, B.C., where he will begin his professional career with the Vancouver Canadians – a Class-A affiliate of the Oakland A’s.

Smyth, a senior right-handed pitcher from Atascadero, Calif., recorded nine saves in his senior year, giving him 27 in his Jayhawk career.

The 6-foot righty posted 27 saves in his four years with the Jayhawks, which ranks second all-time. He also recorded a career record of 14-15 with an ERA of 4.10. He recorded 147 career strikeouts at Kansas.

Following the 2009 baseball season, Smyth will return to KU to serve as an intern under associate athletics director Sean Lester for the 2009-10 school year.