Former Pelican Justin Grimm Debuts for Rangers Tonight

Published on June 16, 2012 under Carolina League (CarL1)
Myrtle Beach Pelicans News Release

MYRTLE BEACH, SC - Former Pelican Justin Grimm makes his Major League debut tonight for the Texas Rangers, starting in place of the injured Alexi Ogando. Grimm becomes the 92nd Pelican to play in the Major Leagues and the fifth to make his debut this season. Grimm's promotion also triggered the promotion of Pelicans pitcher Nick Tepesch to Double-A Frisco.

Grimm starts for the Rangers against the Houston Astros and Lucas Harrell. Houston was on the other side of San Francisco pitcher Matt Cain's perfect game last weekend. The team is led by infielder's Jed Lowrie and Jose Altuve along with catcher, and 2008 first round pick, Jason Castro.

A 2010 draft pick out of the University of Georgia, Grimm pitched 16 games for the Pelicans in 2011, going 5-2 with a 3.39ERA. From May 22nd on, Grimm held the sixth lowest ERA in the Carolina League. The righthander was rated as the league's No. 18 prospect by Baseball America after the season.

This season Grimm advanced to Frisco, making 13 starts with an 8-3 record and a 1.87 ERA. The announcement of his promotion came Thursday afternoon. He becomes the fifth former Pelican to crack the Majors this season. Robbie Ross ('11) opened with the Rangers, Joe Wieland ('11) made the Padres, JJ Hoover ('09-'10) was summoned to the Reds and Gorkys Hernandez ('08) got the call to Pittsburgh. Hernandez is the second Pelican to make his debut with the Pirates, following Jeff Locke last season.

Pelicans are present across Major League rosters, with former Birds having debuted for 20 different MLB clubs since the team came into existence in 1999. At least one Pelican has made his Major League debut with every Major League club that has a Carolina League affiliate.

Myrtle Beach continue the final homestand of the first half tonight at 7:05pm against the Potomac Nationals. The first 1,000 fans through the gates receive a tube cooler from Hampton Inn Broadway at the Beach. Great seats are still available by calling 843-918-6000 or by visiting online at MyrtleBeachPelicans.com, powered by TicketReturn.

Carolina League Stories from June 16, 2012

• Big Outs at Home Secure 2-1 Win - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Salem Wins Again, But Still Falls Short - Salem RidgeYaks
• Winston-Salem Dashes to First Half Division Title - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Winston-Salem Clinches 25th Cl Playoff Berth - Winston-Salem Dash
• Rob Wort Added to Carolina League All-Star Game - Potomac Nationals
• Pelicans Beat P-Nats 2-1 with Final Two Outs at Home - Potomac Nationals
• Martin, Hillcats Shut Down Keys - Frederick Keys
• Dash Clinch First Half Division Title - Winston-Salem Dash
• Two-Out Hits Drop 'Cats - Carolina Mudcats
• Hillcats Right at Home at the Grove, Win 6-1 - Hill City Howlers
• Former Pelican Justin Grimm Debuts for Rangers Tonight - Myrtle Beach Pelicans
• Blue Rocks Game Notes - Wilmington Blue Rocks
• Mudcats Game Notes - June 16, 2012 - Carolina Mudcats
• Lynchburg Hillcats Game Notes - Hill City Howlers

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