MWL1 Peoria Chiefs

Chiefs Add Reliever Sosa as Bristow Retires

Published on May 8, 2011 under Midwest League (MWL1)
Peoria Chiefs News Release


Peoria, IL- The Peoria Chiefs and Chicago Cubs have announced that pitcher Alvaro Sosa will be added to the Chiefs' roster from extended spring training in Mesa. Sosa's promotion is a corresponding move to pitcher Justin Bristow's retirement. Sosa joins the Chiefs after spending last year in Mesa and Short Season-A Boise of the Northwest League.

Sosa, a native of the Dominican Republic, began his career as a catcher but converted to pitcher before the start of the 2010 season. Last season, Sosa began the year at Boise, and had five consecutive shutout relief appearances. With the exception of two outings, Sosa never gave up more than one hit. Overall, Sosa went 2-1 in 2010 with a 2.52 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 25 innings. Sosa's best appearance was on August 24th against the Tempe Angels, striking out a career-high five in three innings. Sosa was dominant against left-handed hitters, holding them to a .158 average last season.In his five years as a catcher, he was a .225 hitter with eight home runs, 95 RBI's, and 23 stolen bases in the Dominican Summer League, Mesa, and Boise.

Bristow retires after being plagued by multiple arm injuries, including being shut down for the year with bone spurs in his right elbow after two appearances in Mesa last season. Bristow only made one appearance for the Chiefs, striking out two in two innings and giving up one earned run. Bristow has been plagued by multiple arm injuries, as he only was able to make two appearances in Mesa last season before being shut down for the year with bone spurs in his right elbow. Bristow threw two innings, striking out three and not allowing any hits for the 2010 season. In 2009, Bristow spent his entire season in Peoria going 5-8 in 23 starts while striking out 73 batters in 100 1/3 innings. His best start came on July 23rd against Lansing, throwing six shutout innings with a season-high eight strikeouts. The former fifth-round pick out of East Carolina University was much better at home going 3-4 with a 3.80 ERA and 36 strikeouts in 47.1 innings.

The Chiefs continue a nine-game homestand Sunday at 5:00 p.m. with a Tribute to Mother's as part of the Mother's Day festivities. The first 500 mother's through the gate will receive a pink carnation courtesy of Gregg's Florist on War Memorial Drive in Peoria Heights. Kids 12 and under can run the bases after the game and the Chiefs players will sign autographs on the concourse. Tickets are available at the O'Brien Field Box Office or by calling 1-866-MYTICKET.

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