Blake Townsend

Blake Andrew Townsend (born 5 April 2001) is an Australian professional baseball pitcher in the Texas Rangers organization.

Career Seattle Mariners Townsend signed with the Seattle Mariners as an international free agent on 19 June 2018. He made his professional debut in 2019 with the rookie-level Arizona League Mariners. Townsend did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Townsend returned to action in 2021 with the rookie-level Arizona Complex League Mariners and High-A Everett AquaSox, posting an 0-1 record and 4.11 ERA with 26 strikeouts over five games (three starts). He split the 2022 campaign between the ACL Mariners, the Single-A Modesto Nuts, Everett, and the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers. In 20 appearances for the four affiliates, Townsend accumulated a 2-2 record and 4.60 ERA with 37 strikeouts across innings pitched.

In 2023, Townsend made 35 appearances out of the bullpen for Modesto, registering a 4-3 record and 3.38 ERA with 55 strikeouts and one save across 48 innings of work. He began the 2024 season with Everett, recording a 2.45 ERA with 30 strikeouts in 28 appearances. Townsend was released by the Mariners organization on 5 August 2024.

Pittsburgh Pirates On 21 August 2024, Townsend signed a minor league contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He made five appearances down the stretch for the Double-A Altoona Curve, posting a 1-0 record and 2.00 ERA with six strikeouts over nine innings of work. Townsend elected free agency following the season on 4 November.

On 12 February 2025, Townsend re-signed with the Pirates organization on a new minor league contract. He made 34 appearances (12 starts) split between the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians, Altoona, and the High-A Greensboro Grasshoppers, accumulating an 8-4 record and 1.76 ERA with 81 strikeouts and one save over 92 innings of work. Townsend elected free agency following the season on 6 November.

Texas Rangers On 23 January 2026, Townsend signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

International career Townsend represented the Australia national baseball team in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, pitching in Australia's game against Japan.