Carlos Contreras Shining in Return to AirHogs
June 22, 2018 - American Association (AA)
Texas AirHogs News Release
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. - Former Cincinnati Reds hurler Carlos Contreras has rejoined the AirHogs for the 2018 season, re-signing with the team and making an impact with three scoreless relief appearances so far.
"I'm happy to be back here with the AirHogs and to play baseball," said Contreras. "I just want to keep it simple: set my mind and combined it with hard work and just do what I do best. That's pitching."
Contreras joined the AirHogs in 2017, spending more than a month in Grand Prairie before joining Vaqueros Laguna in the Mexican League. He posted a 1-3 record with a 4.28 ERA and 35 strikeouts in the American Association last season.
After serving primarily as a starter during his time with the AirHogs in 2017, Contreras has found a new role out of the bullpen since joining the team on the most recent homestand vs. Lincoln and Wichita. He was a star arm for Texas in the team's most recent series split vs. the Chicago Dogs, striking out all five he faced over two appearances and stranding a man on second after entering in relief of Taylor Wright in the 4-3 win Wednesday. The save was his first of 2018.
Contreras pitched for the Cincinnati Reds in 2014-15, making 39 appearances over two seasons. He went 0-1 at the MLB level with an ERA of 5.51. The 27-year-old has pitched professionally since joining Cincinnati's Dominican Summer League affiliate in 2008.
The reliever said he is happy to be playing with his new teammates on the Texas squad, including members of the Chinese national team, who comprise a significant portion of this year's roster.
"I had never been with a Chinese player [prior to re-joining the franchise this season]," said Contreras. "But they are hard workers, and I hope they can learn a little bit from us."
The AirHogs are in Sioux Falls to take on the Canaries Friday through Sunday. The team will travel to Fargo to battle the Redhawks Tuesday through Thursday. Live broadcasts of all games remaining on the long road swing will be available at mixlr.com/TXAirHogs.
The AirHogs - powered by Beijing Shougang Eagles return home June 29. Tickets for all home games are available. Visit AirHogsBaseball.com for more information. For the latest news, follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram @TXAirHogs.
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