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Indianapolis Indians

Walker and Vasquez Receive Big League Promotions

September 1, 2009 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Indianapolis Indians third baseman Neil Walker and right-hander Virgil Vasquez have been promoted to the Pittsburgh Pirates. This marks Walker's first call-up of his professional career, while it is Vasquez' second stint with the Pirates this season.

Walker, who was drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2004 draft, entered the 2009 season as the Pirates No. 6 prospect and will be making his first journey to the Major Leagues in what is his sixth professional season. The switch-hitting third baseman has hit .264 with 14 HR and 69 RBI in 95 contests for the Tribe this season.

The 2008 Indianapolis Indians MVP joins Pittsburgh after a sensational August in which he collected an International League leading 14 doubles and 29 RBI, with the 29 RBI being the most for a Tribe hitter in a single month since 1B Brad Eldred had 26 in July of 2005.

Since June 30, Walker has collected 34 RBI which ties him with Philadelphia Phillies 1B Ryan Howard for the largest total in all of Professional Baseball during that period. The 23-year-old leaves Indianapolis ranked tied for seventh among International League leaders with 21 doubles and tied for eighth with 69 runs batted in.

Vasquez made seven starts for Pittsburgh between June 26 and August 2, where he posted a 2-5 record with a 6.09 ERA. The right hander entered this season with 34 total days of service time as a member of the Detroit Tigers in 2007. In that season Vasquez posted a 0-1 record and an 8.64 ERA in five outings (three starts) for the Tigers.

The 27-year-old was claimed off of waivers from the San Diego Padres on January 26 of this year and has gone 7-4 with a 3.93 ERA and 72 strikeouts compared to just 16 walks in 19 total appearances with the Tribe. Vasquez was originally selected by Detroit in the seventh round of the 2003 draft and before this year spent all six seasons of his professional career within their organization.

The two players mark the first of the Pirates' September call-ups, as Major League teams extend their roster. The two players will be replaced on the Tribe roster by RHP Yoslan Herrera, who has been acquired from Double-A Altoona (Pa.) for the second time this season, and RHP Bobby Livingston who was just acquired from the Cleveland Indians organization.

Indianapolis continues their final homestand of the season with two games against the Toledo Mud Hens (September 1-2) and three contests against the Louisville Bats (September 3-5). Tickets for the final homestand are available by going online at www.IndyIndians.com, visiting the Victory Field Box Office at 501 West Maryland Street or calling Ticketmaster at 1-800-745-3000.

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