Former Hillcat Luis Valdez made his major-league debut with the Atlanta Braves

Published on July 15, 2009 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Hill City Howlers News Release

Former Hillcat Luis Valdez made his major-league debut with the Atlanta Braves on July 12. He worked 2/3 of an inning and allowed two hits and one earned run in Atlanta's 8-7 setback at Colorado. Valdez (0-1) was charged with the loss.

Valdez pitched for Lynchburg in 2006 and 2007. The right-hander made one appearance for the Hillcats in 2006 and allowed 7 hits and 6 earned runs in 3 2/3 innings, but did not receive a decision. He returned to the Hill City in 2007 and appeared in 36 games, including one start, for Lynchburg. Valdez compiled a 3-4 record with a 4.79 ERA in 73 1/3 innings of work for the Cats in 2007. In parts of two seasons, Valdez posted a 3-4 record with a 5.26 ERA in 37 appearances and 77 innings pitched.

In 2007, Valdez was part of a Lynchburg bullpen that also included current Los Angeles (NL) reliever Ronald Belisario, who has posted a 1-3 record with five saves and a 2.42 ERA in 43 appearances with the Dodgers this season.

Following the 2007 campaign, Valdez signed with Atlanta as a minor-league free agent. He spent the 2008 season pitching for the Mississippi Braves, Atlanta's Double-A affiliate. Valdez began the 2009 season with the Gwinnett Braves, Atlanta's Triple-A affiliate, where he amassed a 3-3 record with 16 saves and a 3.00 ERA in 37 appearances prior to his promotion to Atlanta.

Valdez is the 80th player who has donned the Hillcats Green & Gold and played in the major leagues. Two current Hillcats - Harvey Garcia (Florida, 2007) and Lastings Milledge (New York Mets, Washington, 2006-09) - have played in the major leagues.

Carolina League Stories from July 15, 2009

• Lynchburg Drops Fourth Straight - Hill City Howlers
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• Johnson Moves Atop the Pelicans' Record Book in 6-5 Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
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• Wild Carr(d)s Deal Hillcats a Losing Hand - Potomac Nationals
• Frederick Four Hits Kinston - Frederick Keys
• Four-run Eighth Inning The Key To Frederick's 5-1 Win - Kinston Indians
• Former Hillcat Luis Valdez made his major-league debut with the Atlanta Braves - Hill City Howlers
• Hillcats at Nationals Tonight - Hill City Howlers
• Nationals Game Notes July 15th - Potomac Nationals

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.

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