Bees Re-Sign Dupra and Fornataro
March 28, 2017 - Atlantic League (AtL)
New Britain Bees News Release
New Britain, Conn.- New Britain Bees team officials today announced that the team has re-signed pitchers Eric Fornataro and Brian Dupra for the 2016 season.
Fornataro, 29, becomes the third pitcher on the Bees roster with Major League experience, joining Joe Beimel and Jonathan Pettibone. A native of Houston, Texas, Fornataro holds the distinction of being the first player in New Britain franchise history to have his contract purchased by a Major League organization after the Baltimore Orioles purchased his contract on April 8, 2016. The six-foot-two right-hander appeared in 35 games in two separate stints with the Bees last season, striking out 24 across 46 innings. Fornataro appeared in 8 games with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 2014 season, and holds a career 4.13 ERA with 462 strikeouts in 701.1 innings over 9 professional seasons.
Dupra re-joins the Bees after making 21 appearances (19 starts) for New Britain last season. The Rochester, New York native tossed 97.2 innings for the Bees, winning 4 games and striking out 75. Dupra began his professional career in the Washington Nationals organization, reaching Triple-A in 2013 and 2014. Over six professional seasons, the 28-year old Notre Dame graduate has thrown 440.1 innings across 147 games, striking out 317 batters.
"Fornataro and Dupra were valuable parts of our pitching staff last season," said Bees Manager Stan Cliburn. "They will both be key parts of our club in 2017."
Atlantic League Stories from March 28, 2017
- Bees Re-Sign Dupra and Fornataro - New Britain Bees
- Former Big Leaguer Callaspo Swims to Bridgeport - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Seven-Year MLB Veteran Among Trio to Join Flock - Long Island Ducks
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.
