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Cleburne Shuffles Roster Ahead of Homestand

June 11, 2019 - American Association (AA) - Cleburne Railroaders News Release


CLEBURNE, Texas - The Cleburne Railroaders have made a series of transactions ahead of the team's ten-game homestand, signing right-handed pitchers Daniel Hurtado and D.J. Sharabi, and infielders Grant Buck and Joshua Fonseca.

To clear space on the roster, the Railroaders have placed right-handed pitchers Bubby Rossman and Cody White on waivers, and placed infielder Angel Rosa on the disabled list. Rosa re-aggravated the hamstring injury that had limited him in the early stages of this season on Sunday against the Winnipeg Goldeyes. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Alex Burgos has been removed from the inactive list for the purpose of granting his release.

Hurtado joins the Railroaders after being released by the Gary SouthShore RailCats on June 8. The 26-year old pitched in one game for Gary, getting the start against the Chicago Dogs on June 6 and allowing three runs in 2.1 innings. The game was eventually suspended due to fog and has not yet been completed, meaning Hurtado does not officially have an appearance in the league this season.

A native of Los Teques, Venezuela, Hurtado was signed as a 16-year old international free agent by the Los Angeles Angels in 2009. He climbed the Angels organizational ladder, spending his first three seasons with the Angels Dominican Summer League affiliate before eventually reaching High-A Inland Empire in 2014. The right-hander's best season came that same year, as he pitched to a 2.93 ERA over 67.2 combined innings. Hurtado was injured the following season, and was released by Los Angeles after three rehab appearances.

Hurtado has spent each of the last four years pitching in his native Venezuela with Aragua, posting strong numbers out of the bullpen. Over the last three years, Hurtado has posted a combined 4.10 ERA in 59.1 innings, notching 45 strikeouts to 25 walks.

Sharabi started the 2019 season with the Sonoma Stompers of the Pacific Association, his third season with the club. Along the way, he has established himself as one of the most dominant relievers in the league, tossing ERAs of 2.28, 2.45, and 1.50 through five appearances this year. Last season, Sharabi's 2.45 ERA was the best in the Pacific Association among pitchers with at least 35.0 innings of work. The native of Millbrae, Cali., finished the year 8-1 with 51 strikeouts in 47.2 innings of work, allowing only 37 hits for an opponent batting average of .200.

The 27-year old started his college career at the College of San Mateo, going 1-0 in 16.0 innings of work over 16 appearances in two combined seasons. He transferred to San Jose State for his junior season, appearing in only three games for the Spartans in 2014. Sharabi made his professional debut with the Great Bend Boom of the Pecos League in 2016, finishing 5-3 with a 4.60 ERA in 10 games, six of which were starts. For his career, Sharabi is 18-7 with a 3.16 ERA in 71 total games, covering 133.1 innings.

Buck is a true rookie, coming to Cleburne after finishing his college career at Cal State San Marcos. Buck started all 50 games with the Cougars in 2019, hitting .335 with a team-leading 10 home runs, 104 total bases and 29 walks. He posted a .997 OPS for San Marcos, operating primarily as the Cougars first baseman. The 6'6 left-handed hitter started his career with two seasons at Palomar College, hitting .371 as a sophomore to catch the attention of Houston Baptist, where he transferred as a junior. Buck hit .284 with five doubles and four home runs in 44 games while with the Huskies, earning All-Southland Tournament Team honors after going 9-19 with a pair of home runs and seven RBI.

A native of Carlsbad, Cali., Buck was named Second Team All-California Collegiate Athletic Association following his senior season at CSUSM. He finished fourth in the CCAA in runs scored and fifth in home runs.

Fonseca is also a true rookie, having just completed his senior season at the University of Houston-Victoria. The native of Pasadena, Texas was a stalwart at shortstop for the Jaguars, hitting better than .300 in each of his three years at UH-Victoria. Fonseca hit .412 with 11 home runs in his senior season for the NAIA program, striking out only 19 times in 165 at-bats. The right-handed hitter was named First Team All-Red River Athletic Conference in 2018, then snagged Second Team honors this past season. His .479 on-base percentage, .667 slugging percentage, and 39 RBI all led the team.

The Railroaders open a series against the defending champion Kansas City T-Bones on Tuesday night at 7:06 PM. Right-hander Nefi Ogando (0-2, 3.79) starts for Cleburne, while Kansas City will counter with lefty Henry Owens (0-0, 0.00).

For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.


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