RHP Cuevas Claimed from Braves
Published on October 27, 2008 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
Friday, the Kansas City Royals were awarded a claim on right-handed pitcher Jairo Cuevas off of outright waivers from the Atlanta Braves. Cuevas, (pronounced off "HIGH-row KWAY-vahs"), a 24-year-old resident of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, could be a candidate to see time with the Naturals during the 2009 season.
Prior to the 2008 season, Cuevas was ranked by Baseball America as the 26th best prospect in the Atlanta Braves organization. He was originally signed by the Braves as a non-drafted free agent on March 20, 2003, when Royals' General Manager Dayton Moore and Assistant GM/Scouting and Player Development J.J. Picollo both worked in Atlanta's front office.
Cuevas spent the 2007 season in the Advanced-A Carolina League with Myrtle Beach, going 6-12 with a 3.55 ERA that ranked him seventh in the loop. In 2005, he was named Most Valuable Pitcher of the Year for the Braves' rookie-league Danville (VA) affiliate, going 6-1 with a 1.95 ERA in 27 appearances, including 23 starts. This past season, plagued by injury, Cuevas made just seven appearances (six starts) for Double-A Mississippi and the Gulf Coast Braves (R).
Cuevas underwent season-ending surgery on his labrum in his right shoulder on Aug. 22. The surgery was performed by Dr. James Andrews. A typical rehab timeframe following such a surgery is six to nine months.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will open the home portion of their 2009 season on Thursday, April 16th against the San Antonio Missions. For season ticket packages and group information for the 2009 season, please call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com.
Texas League Stories from October 27, 2008
- RHP Cuevas Claimed from Braves - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
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