Bluefish Sign Starling
Published on July 15, 2011 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - July 15, 2011) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signing of pitcher Wardell Starling. Starling makes his Atlantic League debut for the Bluefish in his eighth season of professional baseball. The righty joins Bridgeport after spending time with El Paso of the American Association earlier this year. He went 4-2 with a 5.23 ERA and 32 strikeouts through 51.2 frames over eight starts.
"Wardell has a tremendous arm and is a great addition to our ball club," says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. "He will be an important piece to our pitching staff as we make a run for the second half Liberty Division title."
Starling played for Edinburg of the United League last season, which would be the best year of his professional career on the diamond. The 28-year-old went 8-3 with a 2.94 ERA in 17 starts, including three complete game. He also displayed excellent control, finishing with a 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio (88 strikeouts, 21 walks) in 101 innings pitched.
Before joining Edinburg, Starling played a season with Bay Area of the Continental Baseball League. Prior to that, he spent his entire career in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, reaching as high as Double-A Altoona of the Eastern League from 2006-2007.
Wardell has a career 50-41 minor league record, with a 4.27 ERA and 532 strikeouts in 153 games (131 starts).
Starling was originally drafted out of Odessa College by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round of the 2002 amateur draft.
To make room on the roster, the Bluefish have released pitcher Jose Rodriguez.
The Bridgeport Bluefish Professional Baseball Club, a charter team in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, plays its home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard, located off Exit 27 of I-95 on the corner of Broad Street and South Frontage Road in Bridgeport. 2011 group outings and individual tickets are available by calling 203-345-4800. Visit the Bluefish online at www.bridgeportbluefish.com.
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