Former First Rounder Nick Howard Joins Wahoos, Reyes and McElroy Promoted
Published on July 18, 2018 under Southern League (SL1)
Pensacola Blue Wahoos News Release
LHP Nick Howard has joined the Blue Wahoos from Advanced-A Daytona. Howard was the 19th overall selection by the Cincinnati Reds in 2014 from the University of Virginia. While in school, Howard's 20 saves were the fourth-most in school history and he was named to a third-team All American by Louisville Slugger. Immediately following his draft year, MLB.com ranked Howard as the Reds fourth-best prospect in the organization.
2018 has been a bounce-back year for Howard after he was sidelined for the entire 2017 campaign following a shoulder injury. Prior to his promotion, Howard made 26 relief appearances with the Tortugas where he went 1-4 with a 6.23 ERA.
In a corresponding move RHP Jesus Reyes has been promoted to Triple-A Louisville. He started the year in the rotation, but after a move to the bullpen he notched two saves with a 2.52 ERA with 27 strikeouts against 19 walks. He held opponents to a .213 average.
OF C.J. McElroy has finally been cleared to play after sustaining a concussion on June 13 when made a spectacular catch crashing into the center field wall. In 45 games with the Blue Wahoos, McElroy slashed .285/.340/.398 and his batting average led the team at the time of his injury. This season is McElroy's first season within the Reds organization after spending the last seven seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals. He joins Gabriel Guerrero and Nick Longhi as Blue Wahoos outfielders that have been promoted this season.
Transaction Notice: LHP Nick Howard transferred from Advanced-A Daytona; RHP Jesus Reyes transferred to AAA Louisville; OF C.J. McElroy activated from the disabled list and transferred to AAA Louisville.
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