NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA, CFL stats



Tennessee Smokies

Cruz promoted to Triple-A Iowa; Wagner returns from Iowa; Penalver transferred from High-A Myrtle Be

September 3, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Tennessee Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE - The Chicago Cubs announced a series of transactions Wednesday that impacted their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster.

Right-handed pitcher Fernando Cruz was transferred to Triple-A Iowa. The 25-year-old appeared in 16 games for the Smokies, including one start, posting a 2-1 record and 5.46 ERA (19 ER in 31.1 IP), adding 31 strikeouts. Cruz also made his Triple-A debut last night for the I-Cubs against the Oklahoma City Dodgers.

Cruz has also pitched for the High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans this season, compiling a 1-2 tally and 3.78 ERA (14 ER in 33.1 IP) in 15 outings, including three starts. The Puerto Rico native was signed by the Cubs prior to this season as a minor league free agent after originally being selected by the Kansas City Royals as a position player in the sixth round of the 2007 MLB Draft out of Puerto Rico Advancement College.

In a corresponding move, right-handed hurler Michael Wagner was transferred to Tennesseee from Triple-A Iowa. The Nevada native has pitched at three different levels over the course of the 2015 campaign, including five outings with the Smokies, accumulating an 0-1 record and 5.19 ERA (5 ER in 8.2 IP) for Tennessee. Most recently with the I-Cubs, Wagner posted an 0-1 record and 5.65 ERA (9 ER in 14.1 IP).

Over his 27 total appearances in 2015, six of which were starts, the 23-year-old has recorded a 2-4 clip and 3.93 ERA (32 ER in 73.1 IP). The right-hander was originally selected by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2013 MLB Draft out of the University of San Diego, the same college where former Smokies 3B Kris Bryant played.

In addition, the Cubs announced that infielder Carlos Penalver was transferred to the Smokies from High-A Myrtle Beach. The 21-year-old has hit .197 (75-381) in 114 games with the Pelicans this year, adding 38 runs, ten doubles, four triples, two homers and 42 RBI, along with 42 walks and a .278 on-base percentage. The Venezuela native was signed by the Cubs as a non-drafted free agent on July 2, 2010.

Tennessee's roster now stands at 25 players, along with five players on the Disabled List, as well as Cubs pitcher Neil Ramirez on his Major League Rehab Assignment, and a revised roster is attached.

The Smokies begin their final series of the season this evening on the road with a five-game set against the Biloxi Shuckers, the Double-A affiliate of the Milwaukee Brewers. Tennessee is anticipated to send RHP Andres Santiago, who is coming off an eight shutout nning two-hit performance, to toe the rubber, while Southern League Mid-Season All-Star LHP Hobbs Johnson is slated to get the ball for the Shuckers. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 p.m. ET at MGM Park.

The Smokies will begin their 2016 campaign at home against the Mobile BayBears on Thursday, April 7, 2016. The full schedule for next season and season ticket information can be found online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

Check out the Tennessee Smokies Statistics

• Discuss this story on the Southern League message board...

Southern League Stories from September 3, 2015


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central