Ducks Bolster Pitching Staff
Published on June 6, 2008 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Long Island Ducks News Release
(Central Islip, N.Y., June 6, 2008) - The Long Island Ducks have given a boost to their pitching staff over the past three days, adding two veteran arms with big league experience. Carlos Castillo, who began the season with the Bridgeport Bluefish, was signed by the Ducks on Wednesday, June 4, and started Thursday night's game, allowing no runs in five and one-third innings of work. Ducks team officials today announced the acquisition of lefthander Abe Alvarez from the Camden Riversharks in exchange for outfielder Jamal Strong.
"We've been bitten by the injury bug early in the season, particularly the pitching staff," says Ducks general manager Michael Pfaff. "Carlos and Abe provide us with a tremendous lift and give us a pair of arms that will get outs and make us a stronger ballclub."
Castillo is in his 12th professional season, and third in the Atlantic League. He made his league debut in 2005 with Newark and spent the 2007 season with the Road Warriors. He joins the Ducks after beginning the 2008 campaign with Bridgeport. The righthander spent parts of four seasons in the big leagues with the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. He won 10 games as a Major Leaguer, making six starts and 111 total appearances. He owns 60 wins at the minor league level, and has spent time in the White Sox, Marlins and Red Sox organizations. In 2007, he finished fifth in the Atlantic League with 94 strikeouts and third in the league with a 3.34 ERA.
Alvarez, who spent time with the 2004 world champion Boston Red Sox, began the season with Triple-A Pawtucket (Red Sox) of the International League, and made his Atlantic League debut on June 3 with the Camden Riversharks. The southpaw was selected by the Red Sox in the second round of the 2003 draft and rose quickly through the minor leagues. He appeared on the Major League scene in just his second professional year, and pitched in parts of three seasons with the Red Sox. he owns 34 wins at the minor league level.
In order to make room on the 25-man roster, the Ducks announced that player/coach Rob Cafiero has been placed on the inactive list.
The Long Island Ducks play their home games at Citibank Park and are in their ninth season of play in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. For further information, visit www.liducks.com, or call (631) 940-3825.
Atlantic League Stories from June 6, 2008
- Barnstormers batter Bluefish - Lancaster Stormers
- Pats can't catch Blue Crabs - Somerset Patriots
- Pats can't catch Blue Crabs - Somerset Patriots
- Ducks defeat Newark - Long Island Ducks
- Riversharks lose pitcher's duel with Revs - Camden Riversharks
- Blue Crabs down Patriots 6-2 - Somerset Patriots
- Ducks Bolster Pitching Staff - Long Island Ducks
- Somerset Patriots Welcome Back Ryan Radmanovich - Somerset Patriots
- Riversharks Swap Abe Alvarez For Outfielder - Camden Riversharks
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
