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Tennessee Smokies

Smokies Announce Roster Moves - August 31

August 31, 2016 - Southern League (SL1)
Tennessee Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE - Prior to this evening's game, the Chicago Cubs have announced a series of transactions that impacts their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster. Chicago announced that RHP Jonathan Martinez has been transferred from High-A Myrtle Beach and INF Stephen Bruno has been transferred from Triple-A Iowa. In a corresponding move, RHP Brad Markey has been placed on the Disabled List.

Martinez reaches the Double-A level for the first time in his career and is set to make his debut in a starting role tonight. In 23 starts with High-A Myrtle Beach, the 22-year-old posted a 12-6 record with a 4.19 ERA (61 ER in 131.0 IP). Martinez enters today tied for the Cubs' minor league-lead in wins (12) and is currently tied for third in games started (23) and fifth in innings pitched (131.0 IP). Prior to joining the Smokies, the Venezuela native was tied for the Carolina League-lead in wins, as well as fourth in fewest baserunners per nine innings (12.09), fifth in batting average against (.257) and 10th in earned run average (4.19).

A Carolina League Mid-Season All-Star in 2015, Martinez was acquired by the Cubs from the Los Angeles Dodgers as the player of be named later in exchange for former Smokie INF Darwin Barney on July 30, 2014.

Bruno rejoins the Smokies after spending time at Short-Season Eugene and Triple-A Iowa. Since being placed on Tennessee's Disabled List on June 11, the 25-year-old joined Eugene on a rehab assignment on August 4. In six games for the Emeralds, Bruno posted a .368 average (7-19) with five runs and five RBI. The infielder was then activated from the Smokies' DL and transferred to Triple-A Iowa on August 16. In his first stint at the minor league's highest level, the Audubon, N.J. native racked up a .188 clip (3-16) with a double, a homer and a run batted in over seven contests for the I-Cubs.

Prior to landing on the shelf, Bruno appeared in 18 games this season with the Smokies, accumulating a .256 average (11-43) with five runs scored, a double, a triple and five runs batted in. A member of Tennessee's squad for each of the last three seasons, the right-handed swinger has a .269 mark (207-769) with 44 doubles, seven triples, five home runs and 95 RBI in 228 games.

Bruno was drafted by Chicago in the seventh round of the 2012 MLB Draft out of the University of Virginia.

Markey lands on the Disabled List for the first time in his career. The 24-year-old has been stellar in 2016, tallying a 8-7 record and a 3.17 ERA in 26 appearances (23 starts) for the Smokies. Named a Southern League Mid-Season All-Star, Markey enters tonight third in the Southern League in ERA (3.17). The right-hander also leads the team in wins (8), innings pitched (130.2) and WHIP (1.33).

Markey was drafted by the Cubs in the 19th round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Virginia Tech.

Tennessee's active roster currently stands at 25 players with four players currently on the disabled list. A revised roster is attached.

The Smokies wrap up their final homestand of the season against the Birmingham Barons, the Double-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, tonight. RHP Jonathan Martinez (0-0, -.-- ERA) is slated to make his Double-A debut for the Smokies, while RHP Thaddius Lowry (0-1, 3.21 ERA) is projected to get the ball for Birmingham. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET.

The 2016 home schedule wraps up with Fan and Community Appreciation Night presented by Vanderbilt Mortgage and Finance. As a thank you for all the support throught the season, the first 2,000 fans through the gates will receive a voucher good for a hot dog, drink and a bag of chips. In addition, the first 500 people in attendance will receive a complimentary program and roster insert. Throughout the contest there will be a team signed jersey auction and other various raffles. Two 2017 season tickets will also be awarded one lucky fan courtesy of Wilkerson Windows. Wednesday's affair will also be a Smoky Mountain Popcorn All-You-Can-Eat Wednesday. For less than $25 dollars a person, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hamburgers, hot dogs, nachos, baked beans, potato chips, ice cream sandwiches and Pepsi products.

Tickets for the final three games of the 2016 regular season are still available and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

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