Edens Replaces Bittner In Travs Bullpen

May 31, 2006 - Texas League (TL1)
Arkansas Travelers News Release

Ray Winder Field, Little Rock, AR - The Los Angeles Angels have acquired RHP Kyle Edens and assigned him to the Arkansas Travelers replacing LHP Tim Bittner, who was given his release by the Angels. Bittner, 25, appeared in 53 games for the Travs in three seasons, and posted a record of 2-2, 6.97 ERA over 17 appearances in 2006. Edens was acquired from the Cincinnati Reds's Sarasota affiliate (2-1, 5.46 ERA, 18 games for Florida State League - advanced A) in a deal involving RHP Esteban Yan, who had recently been placed on waivers by the Angels.

Bittner had been acquired by the Angels in a trade from the Chicago White Sox for LHP Scott Schoenweis in July 2003. After going 5-0 at Rancho Cucamonga to finish the season, he began the 2004 year in the Travelers starting rotation and the Angels 40-man roster. He pitched in the 2004 Texas League All-Star Game and finished the year 8-6, 4.46 ERA in 22 starts. Beginning the 2005 season in the Arkansas rotation, Bittner lasted just half the season going 1-7, 6.33 ERA in 17 starts and he was removed from the 40-man roster. Moved to the bullpen for 2006, Bittner walked 19 batters in 20.2 innings in 2006 and allowed a .342 batting average against.

Edens, 25, was selected by the Reds in the 3rd round of the 2002 draft from Baylor University and went 12-16 with a 3.85 ERA and 10 saves in 118 career games (104 as a reliever). In 2006, Edens pitched out of Sarasota's bullpen for the second year in a row. In 2005, Edens appeared in 37 games and was 8-3, 2.62 ERA. In 2006, Edens had a 2-1, 5.46 ERA in 18 games before the trade.

Edens is in uniform for Wednesday's game against the Frisco RoughRiders pitting RHP Rafael Rodriguez (1-3, 8.73 ERA) vs. Frisco RHP Andy Walker (2-2, 6.52 ERA). First pitch will be thrown at 7:10 p.m. while gates open at 6:10 p.m.

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