Bencomo Brought Back in Trade, Shortstop Vargas Added
June 29, 2015 - American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS (June 29, 2015) - The Wichita Wingnuts traded pitcher Omar Bencomo to the Laredo Lemurs in exchange for slugger Matt Padgett on June 5th. Less than one month later, the team wanted him back bad enough to trade their leading run producer Dustin Geiger to the Lemurs in return for the Venezuelan hurler. The Wingnuts also added former Lincoln Saltdogs shortstop Leo Vargas to the active roster.
Bencomo had made two starts for the Wingnuts at the outset of the campaign and was 1-0 with a 2.46 ERA in 11.0 innings of work. He had recorded 12 strikeouts and walked three opponents. In his first appearance in Wichita he shutout the Winnipeg Goldeyes by facing the minimum through 6.0 innings.
Since his trade to Laredo he had continued his early season success. The 25-year old was named the American Association Pitcher of the Week in his first week with the Lemurs. Between the two South Division clubs he has gone a combined 3-0 with a miniscule 2.08 ERA. He has fanned 28 hitters in 39.0 innings while issuing just seven walks. Bencomo will start on Monday in Sioux Falls.
The 23-year old Vargas made his professional debut last season with Lincoln. In just under a month he played in six games and went 3-14 at the plate with two stolen bases.
After beginning his collegiate career at Frank Phillips College, Vargas played his last three years of eligibility at Nicholls State University. Over three years with the Colonels, Vargas hit .281 with four home runs and 48 RBI. He also stole 28 bases.
Vargas finished the 2013 season, his last in school, with a team-leading .299 batting average, 67 hits, 47 runs and 24 RBIs. He also had a team-high .380 on base percentage and was second on the team with a .388 slugging percentage. Vargas was 10th in the nation in sacrifice bunts and was fundamental in helping the Colonels finish 3rd in the nation in double plays.
Geiger had paced the Wingnuts offense with seven home runs and 28 RBI in 33 games. The former Chicago Cubs farmhand will join Laredo and face the Wingnuts in just over a week for a four game series at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.
For information on season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Wingnuts' main office at (316) 264-NUTS, or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com.
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